Joe Root and Ollie Pope made centuries Sunday to help England move to 473/5 and within sight of New Zealand’s vast first-innings total of 553 on Day 3 of a second Test.
2nd Test: Joe Root unbeaten 163 helps England close in on NZ’s first-innings total on Day 3 (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- England reach 473/5 on Day 3, trail New Zealand by 80
- Pope scored his second Test hundred, first on home soil
- Root cracked 27th Test century in only 116 deliveries
Joe Root scored his 27th Test hundred while Ollie Pope struck a superb 145, as England closed in on New Zealand’s first-innings total at the close of play on the third day of the second Test at Trent Bridge on Sunday.
Resuming on 90/1 in the morning after the touring side had posted a massive first-innings total of 553, England excelled on a good batting wicket at a sunny Trent Bridge to trail by 80 when stumps were drawn.
While Root is used to compiling centuries — this was his fourth in his last five test matches and the 27th of his career — Pope reached three figures for just the second time in four years in the England team and the first at home. Pope’s 145 beat his previous best score, the 135 not out against South Africa in January 2020, and justified the decision of England’s new leadership to promote him to No. 3 for this international summer.
Skipper Ben Stokes’ blitz had New Zealand in a spot of bother but he perished for 46 attempting one too many sixes, as Bracewell claimed an important first wicket on his debut. However, the Black Caps squandered another opportunity when Will Young dropped Foakes on 10.
Lees looked in good form earlier, fluently driving Southee for two boundaries before bringing up his maiden test fifty with a four off Kyle Jamieson, who later sustained a back injury. On 67, however, Lees chased a wide delivery from Henry to edge it to Mitchell at slip and the fielder made no mistake to end the second-wicket partnership of 141.
England lead the three-match series 1-0 after a five-wicket win in the first Test at Lord’s last week.