England are looking to win the first Test of the series in Christchurch. They got a lead of 151 runs in the first innings. In response to 155 runs in the second innings, New Zealand lost 6 wickets on the third day! At the end of the day their lead was 4 runs.
England took 3 wickets from the hosts for 64 runs. After that, Kane Williamson focused on saving the team. He was determined for a while. Chris Woakes broke the resistance by dismissing him for 61 runs. Darryl Mitchell (31*) and new batsman Nathan Smith (1*) are at the crease. Brydon Kerse and Chris Woakes took three wickets each for England.
The Kiwis' poor fielding is responsible for England's dominance. After yesterday, two more catches have been released today, making a total of 8 catches. Harry Brooke, who led England's innings, was caught five times. Finally got life and played the highest innings as a foreign batsman at Hagley Oval. He made 171 before leaving. Before that, the captain added 159 with Ben Stokes. The English captain also played an 80-run innings back in the summer of 2023.
Stokes played a supporting role alongside Brook for England, who started the day with 319 runs for 5 wickets. Gus Atkinson and Kerse added 63 and 40 runs. Based on that, England's first innings went up to 499 runs. Matt Henry was the best bowler for the Kiwis. He took 4 wickets for 84 runs. Sathan Smith took three for 141 runs. Tim Southee took two. One taken by Will O'Rourke
