NZ vs ENG: Tom Blundell scripts history with a sensational ton

image-le85qq8qDevon Conway in action [Source: Twitter]

In a remarkable turn of events, New Zealand cricketer Tom Blundell etched his name in history during the ongoing first Test against England in Mount Maunganui. 

Blundell, who hammered a scintillating ton, became the first-ever keeper to score a century in a day-night Test match. 

In this process, he also surpassed Tim Paine's tally of 73 runs to record the highest individual score by a keeper-batter in a pink-ball Test match. 


Highest scores by a keeper in D/N Tests

  • Tom Blundell: 113*
  • Tim Paine: 73*
  • Shane Dowrich: 71
  • Sarfaraz Ahmed: 68
  • Peter Nevill: 66

Blundell entered the middle when New Zealand were reeling at 83 for five, still needing 43 runs to avoid the follow-on. 

However, he showcased impeccable resistance to stitch a crucial 75-run stand with Devon Conway, helping the hosts reach a respectable total in the first innings. 

After Conway departed for a 151-ball 77, Blundell continued fighting at one end, getting ample support from the bowlers at the other. The partnership between Tickner and Blundell was the first-ever 50-plus stand for the last wicket in a D/N Test match. 

Riding on the crucial partnerships, the BlackCaps are slowly nearing England's first innings total. As of writing, the hosts are 278 for nine, with Blundell and Blair Tickner batting on 113* and 0*, respectively.