England’s batsmen made steady, if unspectacular progress to build a commanding lead over New Zealand on day three of the second test in Wellington.
Half centuries from Cook and Collingwood, as well as contributions from Strauss (44) and Bell (41) allowed the tourists to finish on 277-9, a lead of 421. From here England are now firm favourites to win and level the series, although the continuing inability of anyone in the top six to register a real match-winning innings continues to cause concern.
The day was slightly spoiled from an England perspective with Jimmy Anderson sustaining an ankle injury playing football after play had closed. England’s 5 wicket hero from the first innings left the ground on crutches and it remains to be seen just how bad the injury is.
Let’s hope Anderson is fit to bowl, we might need him. Sides just don’t score 400 plus to win test matches, but does anyone remember Nathan Astle on this ground in 2001-2002? His 222 from 178 balls got the Kiwis within 100 of a target over 500.
The stage is set, Brendan McCullum.
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