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Sport Nation
Blackcaps vs England: Tim Southee strikes twice before tea on Day 2
Logan Swinkels • December 7th, 2024 3:45 pm
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell's 2nd wicket partnership of 187 proved to be a real thorn in the side for New Zealand skipper Tom Latham after lunch, with his bowling attack searching for answers, much like their own bats in the first innings.
Tim Southee got the eventual 'breakthrough' at 196 for 2, picking up the wicket of Bethell on 96, likely ensuring the former NZ Test captain's selection for the third Test, according to Sport Nation commentator Ian Smith.
At the fall of that wicket, the economy rates of Southee, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke were over 5.00 38 overs into England's second innings. The solo bowler to be under 5 was the Blackcaps' dedicated spinner Glenn Phillips at 4.45. But after Bethell, there are plenty more scoring threats to come in Brendon McCullum's lineup.
Southee struck again in the 42nd over, denying Duckett's opportunity for a Test century by castling his wicket at 92, bringing out the danger bat of Harry Brook, who has so far scored 171 at Hagley Oval, plus 123 in the first innings at Basin.
The visitors reached 215 for 3 at the tea break.
Blackcaps batting order collapses in first hour
A beautiful second day greeted Test cricket fans as they arrived at Wellington's Basin Reserve with Tom Blundell and Will O'Rourke returning to the crease at 86 for 5, chasing down England's first innings score of 280.
Both bats didn't last long in the middle with Brydon Carse striking in his ninth inning with the ball, improving his figures to 4 for 35.
Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith looked to provide some resistance with their 8th wicket partnership, combining for a quick 29 runs, before Gus Atkinson joined the wicket-taking festivities to dismiss Smith (14) on his home ground, quickly followed by Matt Henry's golden duck in the same over.
And then came the hat-trick for Atkinson! The inevitable was unnecessarily delayed by a review, but that only confirmed what everyone at the ground already knew, Tim Southee was out via LBW and New Zealand were all out for 125, trailing England by 155.
England's Gus Atkinson takes first-ever Test hat-trick at Basin Reserve | Sport Nation
At the lunch break, England have cruised to 82 for the loss of just Zak Crawley's wicket with Ben Duckett (39) and Jacob Bethell (34) in control, their lead extending to 237 runs.
Prior to the day's play, Sport Nation commentator Grant Elliott inspected the condition of the wicket - watch his pitch report below, thanks to PGG Wrightson Turf.
Grant Elliott inspects the Basin Reserve wicket ahead of Day 2 | Sport Nation
Sport Nation has live ball-by-ball commentary of all the second Test between the Blackcaps and England - available on all NZ frequencies and the new Sport Nation app - available on App Store and Google Play.
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