Bairstow leads late fightback for England

CHRISTCHURCH: Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and fast bowler Mark Wood produced a rearguard counter-attack to drag England back into the second test against New Zealand on Friday as the visitors ended the first day at Hagley Oval on 290 for eight.

Tim Southee, who took his seventh five-wicket haul in tests, and Trent Boult had again tormented England’s top order before Bairstow (97 not out) and Wood (52) put on 95-runs for the eighth wicket.

The visitors had been in danger of being bowled out for under 200 when Stuart Broad was caught at mid-off to leave them floundering at 164 for seven shortly after tea.

However, Bairstow and Wood took advantage of a softening, aging ball to save England from more embarrassment following the 58 they scored in the first innings of the opening test, their record low against New Zealand.

After bringing up his first test half century with two runs behind point, Wood then became Southee’s fifth wicket when he was bowled on the final delivery of the 80th over, ending a partnership that brought England back into contention.

England’s debutant left-arm spinner Jack Leach managed to hold up his end for 43 minutes while facing 33 deliveries of the second new ball to finish 10 not out at the close.

“It would have been nice to have finished them off today (Friday), but hopefully we can get a good night’s sleep and come back tomorrow (Saturday) and knock those last two wickets off,” Southee told reporters.

“One thing to come out of it, is it shows you once you get in, and the ball gets a bit older, then the wicket is reasonably good.

“They played exceptionally well when their team needed it.”