England Dominate New Zealand with relentless incursion, Stokes surpasses McCullum's record
Ben Foakes held the innings together with a fifty (Twitter)
England showed their dominance over New Zealand during the third day's play of the ongoing test match held in Mount Maunganui. The visitors added a considerable 112 runs to their total in the second session on Day 3, leaving the hosts trailing with a massive 368 run lead at dinner.
Despite losing two wickets in quick succession before tea, England's batters showed no mercy towards the Kiwi bowlers. The credit for holding the innings together goes to the wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, whose solid fifty and useful partnerships with the skipper Ben Stokes and Ollie Robinson ensured that the visitors were in a commanding position.
The quick runs will provide England's captain with the opportunity to give his bowlers a chance to bowl under the lights with the new ball, much like they did in the first innings.
Stokes takes the attack to New Zealand
As play resumed at 237/6 after tea, Stokes, the 31-year-old all-rounder, stepped up and started smashing the Kiwi bowlers with ease, surpassing his coach and New Zealand great Brendon McCullum's record for the most sixes in Test cricket. However, his quickfire cameo of 31 runs off 33 balls was short-lived as he was stumped off Michael Bracewell’s bowling.
Robinson then joined Foakes at the crease, and the duo increased the lead further. Foakes reached his fifty off 79 balls, but Blair Tickner's bowling caused him to edge one behind, thereby dismissing him.
Subsequently, new batsman Jack Leach displayed orthodox batting by making some defensive blocks, which led to a slowdown in the scoring rate. By dinner on Day 3, England's lead had become formidable, with Robinson batting on 30 off 40 balls and Leach hanging on with 2 off 31 deliveries.
Impeding English declaration
It will be interesting to see how many runs the Englishmen decide to add before declaring. However, following the trend, an early declaration seems likely as Stokes will want to give his bowlers a handful of overs to bowl under light. Meanwhile, if the Blackcaps want to win this game, they will have to pull off the highest successful chase in their Test history.
In conclusion, England's dominance in the ongoing test match was on full display during the third day's play. The potential for an early declaration on Day 3 provides England's bowlers with an opportunity to make inroads into New Zealand's batting lineup.
Talking points
Ollie Robinson in discomfort: The only slight concern for England during their inninfs was a knee twinge for Robinson, who batted on after treatment to reach 30 not out at the break. The tourists would hope it’s nothing serious as they would need the right-arm quick’s services in the second innings.
Ben Stokes' record: The England captain went past his coach and New Zealand great Brendon McCullum to top the six-hitting chart in the purest format of the game. Stokes has now hit 109 sixes in 90 matches as opposed to the Kiwi legend’s 107 in 101 games.
Brief Score
New Zealand: 306-10 (82.5)
Tom Blundell 138 (181), Devon Conway 77 (151);
Ollie Robinson 4-54 (19), James Anderson 3-36 (16.5);
England (2nd innings): 349/8 (69)
Joe Root (57) (62), Harry Brook 54 (41)
Blair Tickner 3-55 (12), Michael Bracewell 2-53 (17)
 "Jatin")
