ENGLISH HOPE AND THERE IS
ENGLAND’S batsmen were out-thought and outclassed as they surrendered the Secondtest to the Blackcaps. A woeful display with the willow has left Joe Root and Co on the brink of a first home series defeat in seven years.
Asked to produce a stirring performance after their bowlers dragged them around, the batsmen failed horribly as New Zealand’s class told.
They were run ragged as the tourists made the most of every opportunity, squeezing a return out of the pitch in stifling conditions that proved too much for a weak and inexperienced line-up.
Earlier, a fearful ticking off from upset skipper Root had elicited a response as the tourists were restricted to an 85-run lead after the first innings.
But when it was England’s turn to bat again, the wheels dropped off in spectacular fashion as the temperament and technique of the top order was fatally exposed.
They were seven wickets down when they eventually passed the total required to make the World Championship-chasing side bat again. But with just one wicket in hand and a 37-run lead, they are staring down the darkest of barrels.
It leaves Root and his selectors facing a difficult task when India, also contesting the Test Championship alongside New Zealand, are the next opponents in the five-day format this summer.
A raft of injuries and problems surrounding players returning from the IPL has opened the door to several on the fringes. But the batsmen failed to step up and grasp the chance offered to them.
It was a shame as the bowlers reacted strongly to a finger-wagging from Root to drag themselves back