New Zealand's Tom Blundell on his way to 138 against England in the first test against England in Tauranga. It's was Blundell's fourth test century. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
England have again had the better of New Zealand on day two of the first cricket test in Tauranga.
The hosts are 79 for two in their second innings at stumps an overall lead of 98.
Earlier in the day New Zealand were dismissed in their first innings for 306.
That was reply to England's first innings of 325 for nine declared.
Tom Blundell top scored for the Black Caps making 138 - his fourth test century.
However the wicket-keeper was left red-faced late in the day after costing New Zealand a late wicket in the evening session.
The England wickets to fall were openers Zak Crawley (28) and Ben Duckett (25).
A mix-up between wicket-keeper Blundell and bowler Scott Kuggeleijn cost New Zealand a third wicket, though, reprieving a scoreless Stuart Broad after the night-watchman sent a top edge soaring into the night sky.
Scott Kuggeleijn looks skyward as he attempts to take a catch that fell between him and Tom Blundell. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
As the player with the gloves, Blundell should have taken it but the ball dropped harmlessly between the pair, allowing Broad to stroll off six not out, with number three Ollie Pope on 14.
Earlier Blundell had anchored a 75-run partnership with Devon Conway (77), then had handy stands with debutant tailenders Kuggeleijn (20) and Blair Tickner (three not out).
The 10th wicket, 59-run partnership with Tickner was especially galling for England as Blundell thrashed both the ageing ball and the second new ball around the ground.
-RNZ/Reuters
