ENG vs NZ, third Test: Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell thwart England after New Zealand top-order crumbles on Day 1

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell as soon as once more mixed to frustrate the England bowlers as they recorded their third-century stand in as many matches.

Mitchell, Blundell rebuild for NZ on a gripping opening day of third Test in opposition to ENG (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTSDaryl Mitchell (78*) and Tom Blundell (45*) lead the batting effort on Day 1 at HeadingleyMitchell and Blundell recorded their third-century stand in as many matchesMitchell and Blundell as soon as once more mixed to frustrate England bowlers

Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell seized the chance and rescued New Zealand from a difficult place with a strong 100-plus stand to thwart England on the opening day of the third Test at Headingley on Thursday. New Zealand had been in a spot of hassle when these two got here out however their unbeaten partnership of 102 helped the nerves settle within the away dressing room. Mitchell (78*) and Blundell (45*) led the batting effort on Day 1 at Headingley.

Earlier, Henry Nicholls was dismissed in probably the most weird style off the ultimate ball earlier than tea to go away New Zealand struggling on 123/5. A straight drive by Nicholls struck the outstretched bat of associate Daryl Mitchell, seeking to take evasive motion on the non-striker’s finish, and deflected towards mid-off the place Alex Lees took the catch.

England vs New Zealand, third Test, Day 1:Highlights

Spinner Jack Leach celebrated taking his second wicket of the day with a glance of bewilderment on his face as Nicholls trudged off, out for 19 off 99 balls. Mitchell was 25 not out and might be joined within the center by Tom Blundell after tea.

The different wicket to fall after lunch, from which the New Zealanders resumed at 65/3, was that of Devon Conway, who performed on to the stumps for 26 to provide Jamie Overton a primary Test wicket on debut.

Daryl Mitchell (78*) & Tom Blundell (45*) lead the batting effort on Day 1 at Headingley

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Nicholls had been given a life on 10 after being trapped in entrance of his stumps off a supply from Matthew Potts. Not out was the on-field name by the umpire and England captain Ben Stokes selected to not assessment, just for replays to point out the ball would have hit the center and leg.

Mitchell has already hit two centuries and a fifty on this sequence and was seeking to be a scourge for England once more. His spotlight was a six down the bottom off Leach.

Trailing 2-0 within the three-match sequence, New Zealand received the toss and opted to bat below a blue sky in its bid for a comfort victory however misplaced Tom Latham for a duck on the sixth ball of the match, with Joe Root taking a catch off the spectacular Stuart Broad at slip.

Broad additionally eliminated Kane Williamson for 31 simply earlier than lunch.