ENG vs NZ | Devon Conway credits his team's aggressive approach for their improved batting performance

New Zealand made a strong start in their first innings in the ongoing second test against England. Kiwi number three batter Devon Conway attributed his team's success in the first innings to playing with a much more positive mindset, allowing them to score aggressively.  

Batting first, Daryl Mitchell played an innings of his lifetime as he went on to score 190, following his brilliant ton at Lord's. Ably supported by Tom Blundell, who, after missing out on triple figures at the Lord's brought up his third test century (106). The fifth-wicket partnership between them is the highest fifth-wicket partnership for their side in the history of the longest format of the game.  

"One of the things we spoke about in our batting meetings between Tests was to try and be a bit more aggressive – have that positive mindset and intent to score," Conway, who scored 46, told reporters. 

"We were probably lacking that a bit in the first Test. We tried to control that as best as possible and are reaping the rewards after day one." 

Conway said New Zealand too would have preferred to bowl first on a pitch which wore a tinge of green but the wicket was not "as bad as it looked" for batting. 

Scoring was made easier against the fuller length that the English bowlers offered, the number three batsman said. 

"The English bowlers bowled quite full and that presented us with scoring opportunities. As batters we always try to hit the ball as straight as possible, but we just reacted to what was in front of us and that allowed us to hit square of the wicket," the southpaw concluded.

Powered by the two wonderful tons, New Zealand ended up posting a huge total of 553 in their first innings. Batting in their first innings, England currently stand at 90-1, with Ollie Pope scoring a brisk 51 off just 73 deliveries. 

Heading into day 3, The Kiwis will be hoping to dismiss the English batters while the latter will be looking forward to not only reaching the first innings total but also getting a slender lead as well.