Wellington: Kane Williamson became New Zealand vs England’s top scorer in Test cricket and gave his team an edge on the fourth day of the second cricket Test against England on Monday. By lunch, New Zealand have taken a 99-run lead over England by scoring 325 runs for five wickets. England declared the first innings by scoring 435 runs for eight wickets, in response to which New Zealand’s team could only score 209 runs and was forced to follow on.
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At lunch, Williamson was on 63 while Tom Blundell was on 19. New Zealand started the day at 202 for three and were 24 runs behind England’s first innings score. Williamson and Henry Nicholls (29) propelled the innings. Ollie Robinson ended the 55-run fourth wicket partnership when Nicholls was caught by Harry Brook in the slips. At this time the New Zealand team was four runs behind England.
After supporting Williamson, Daryl Mitchell landed who showed aggressive attitude. At this time Williamson was playing on 34 but Mitchell overtook him to complete his half-century in 52 balls with a six off spinner Jack Leach. Williamson scored his 34th half-century in 148 balls. Mitchell, however, lofted Stuart Broad’s short delivery to Joe Root, which ended the 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Williamson and Blundell did not let the team suffer further setbacks till lunch. Earlier in the day’s first over, Williamson hit James Anderson for a four over mid-wicket to go past his former teammate Ross Taylor’s highest run score of 7683 runs for New Zealand. Williamson is now 32 years old and is playing his 92nd Test. He has scored at an average of 53. (agency)