The second Test match between England and New Zealand has started today in Edgbaston, Birmingham. After playing a draw in the first Test at Lord’s, both teams will try to seal this game as well as the series by winning the last game of the series. England won the toss and opted to bat first and replaced Ollie Robinson with Olly Stone while they didn’t pick a spinner in the XI yet again.
On the other hand, New Zealand made a handful of changes. Kane Williamson was ruled out of the game due to an elbow issue while BJ Watling missed this game owing to a back issue. Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson were rested while Mitchell Santner ruled out of this game because of injury.
Also Read: Kane Williamson is doubtful for second Test, Boult could return
England started their innings while being very cautious and didn’t take the unnecessary risk. They played a wicketless first session on Day 1 for the first time since 2011. However, things escalated in the afternoon session as they lost three wickets in quick succession.
New Zealand made their way back in the first innings by reducing England from 72/0 to 85/3 in no time. Matt Henry took two out of those three wickets, which includes a prized scalp of English skipper Joe Root.
Watch the video here;
New Zealand have taken three quick wickets since lunch.
Scorecard & Videos: https://t.co/BbquQqdQYF#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/sKojyTRoTW
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 10, 2021
Matt Henry was bowling exceptionally well after lunch and ended the opening stand by dismissing Dom Sibley. Two over later, he removed Root with a peach of a delivery. Root didn’t look comfortable during his seven-ball stay at the crease. Root, on 4, got forward to defend but was outfoxed by the late away-swing delivery. The English captain got a thick outside edge, and Blundell dived to his right to complete the catch.
Also Read: Joe Root claims to make positive changes amid Ollie Robinson controversy
Rory Burns scored fluent 81 runs to follow up his century in the Lord’s Test. However, Trent Boult’s two wickets in two balls put England in trouble of getting all-out on Day 1. Currently, England are179/6 after 61 over.
