Stuart Broad's Timber Toppling Spell Leaves Kiwis in Tatters
Ollie Robinson played a handy knock of 39 (Source: Twitter)
As play started after dinner on Day 3, England were bowled out for 374, thus setting New Zealand a mammoth target of 394 to win. The batting pair of Ollie Robinson and Jack Leach, resuming the session at 349/8, managed to add a mere nine runs to the total before Robinson was caught by Henry Nicholls off the bowling of Scott Kuggeleijn for 39 off 48 balls.
The final duo of Leach and James Anderson contributed an additional 16 runs to the total before the former was stumped by Tom Blundell for 12 off 40 balls off Michael Bracewell’s bowling. Anderson remained unbeaten on six.
Chasing a challenging target of nearly 400, the Kiwis faced a daunting task of confronting Anderson and Stuart Broad, who were likely relishing the opportunity to bowl under the lights during the most difficult phase of the Day-Night Test.
As expected, the formidable pair of Anderson and Broad were on top form right from the start, demonstrating what was to come in the initial couple of overs. Broad, in particular, was devastating, wiping out Devon Conway (2), Kane Williamson (0), and Tom Latham (15) in consecutive overs, leaving the Kiwis struggling at 19/3 after eight overs.
Robinson also joined in, getting Henry Nicholls to edge one behind to Ben Foakes for seven (20). With the top four batters back in the dressing room, the responsibility to revive the New Zealand innings fell to Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell, who had saved the day for the Blackcaps in the first innings with a magnificent hundred.
However, Broad was unrelenting and wasn't going to allow the Kiwi gloveman to replicate his heroics, sending him back to the pavilion for one (10). It's worth noting that the 36-year-old claimed all his wickets by destroying the timber.
With the scoreboard displaying a dismal 28/5, relentless English bowlers exhibited their formidable might and reduced the Kiwi batters to mere mockery. The Kiwi squad's eventual downfall seemed to be merely a matter of time, but to the surprise of all, Mitchell and Bracewell displayed an unwavering resilience and played out the remaining ten overs of the day without suffering further blows.
As the curtains drew to a close on Day 3, the Kiwi scored 63/5 in 23 overs with Mitchell batting on 13 and Bracewell unbeaten on 25. This duo's endurance and skill will need to surpass that of their peers, as only a miracle could possibly save the flailing efforts of Tim Southee's side.
On the contrary, Ben Stokes' troops must be elated at how the day unfolded and will eagerly await the opportunity to claim the remaining five Kiwi wickets early on Day 4. With the present form of their pacers, it looks very plausible.
Talking points
Stuart Broad’s fiery spell: The lanky speedster a.k.a 'Nighthawk,' may have been an underdog with the bat, but he made up for it with his masterful bowling prowess. The veteran seamer claimed an impressive four wickets, all of which were bowled and skillfully threaded through the gate, within a mere 27 deliveries.
Kane Williamson’s run drought: The former Kiwi skipper has looked a pale shadow of himself in the ongoing Test. After managing to score just 6 in the first innings, the stylish right-hander had another forgettable outing as he was dismissed by Broad without troubling the scorers. One of the main reasons behind New Zealand’s poor performance in the game has been the talisman’s form.
Brief Score
England (2nd innings): 374/10 (73.5)
Joe Root (57) (62), Harry Brook 54 (41)
Blair Tickner 3-55 (12), Michael Bracewell 3-68 (19.5)
New Zealand (2nd innings): 63/5 (23)
Michael Bracewell 25*(33), Tom Latham 15 (27)
Stuart Broad 4-21 (10), Ollie Robinson 1-34 (8)
 "Jatin")
