England in a battle to save Test series

CRICKET: England went into the third day of the second Test in Hamilton facing an uphill task to save the series.

New Zealand posted 375 in their first innings thanks to Tom

Latham’s 105, debutant Daryl Mitchell’s 73 and 55 from BJ Watling, while Stuart Broad took 4-73 to be the best of the visiting bowlers.

Dom Sibley and Joe Denly both went cheaply — for four apiece — as England reached 39-2 — trailing by 336 — in the 18 overs that were possible before the close of play.

However, England made a confident start last night in the southern hemisphere as they advanced to 142-2 after 52 overs early on the third day.

Rory Burns (above) and captain Joe Root both reached their half centuries as they strived to put England in a more competitive position.

New Zealand hold a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, which is due to end on Monday.