New Zealand vs England, 2nd Test - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: England tour of New Zealand, 2018 Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch Date & Time: Mar 30-Apr 03, 11:00 AM LOCAL

New Zealand will look to delay England's declaration as much as possible. © AFP

Bad light, drizzle and play called off

As expected, umpires have called off the day's play due to bad light and drizzle. The England camp would be disappointed as their pacers were generating appreciable swing.

On the other hand, with all 10 wickets intact, the home side would be confident of at least securing a draw and winning only their second Test series versus England at home. The play will start 30 minutes early tomorrow and 98 overs are expected to be bowled. Join us for all the action tomorrow!

Bad light plays spoilsport!

And you read it right, bad light has stopped play. Spinners were bowling but umpires decided the light was not good enough for play to continue. New Zealand would be pleased as the openers survived testing spells from Anderson and Broad. To make matters worse, it is drizzling now.

The bad light is coming into the picture early today. Root and Leach are bowling with the pacers not allowed. New Zealand still haven't lost a wicket and have 42 already on the board. Should England be worried? Vince also spilled a tough chance off Anderson to give Latham a reprieve.

The Barmy Army has been in exceptional form today! Adding the atmosphere to this gripping Test.

19 2

Hello and welcome to the live blog of the fourth day's play between New Zealand and England in the second Test. England are well placed with a healthy lead but will be well aware they need a big total on the board to put New Zealand under pressure with the pitch easing out quite considerably. The form of their bowlers too will worry their think-tank with none of the bowlers being able to make an impact in the game apart from James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

It's easy to pin the blame on the veterans but the fact that New Zealand got to 278 after being 36 for 5 was because of the lack of penetrative bowling from Mark Wood, Jack Leach, Joe Root and Ben Stokes. While Anderson and Broad have picked their wickets at an average of 18.44 in this series, the other English bowlers have picked their wickets at 198. And hence, it becomes pretty crucial that Root and Dawid Malan build on the lead early on fourth day and give their bowlers enough time to force a win.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be keen to dry up the runs and delay the declaration for as long as possible. Promises to be an interesting day ahead.