England stamped their authority on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand, ending the day with a massive lead of 533 runs here on Saturday.Gus Atkinson's sensational hat-trick dismantled New Zealand's first innings, while Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, and Joe Root powered England to a commanding position with the bat.
Resuming on 86/5, New Zealand's innings folded for a mere 125 within the first hour of play. Brydon Carse struck early, removing Tom Blundell (30) with a sharp delivery that squared him up, before trapping nightwatchman William O'Rourke lbw for a duck in the same over.
Glenn Phillips (22) and Nathan Smith (17) added some resistance, but Atkinson ended the innings with a memorable hat-trick. Smith was bowled inside-edging onto his stumps, Matt Henry edged his first ball to gully, and Tim Southee was trapped plumb in front. England gained a healthy first-innings lead of 155 runs.
In their second innings, England lost Zak Crawley early for 8, but the second-wicket partnership between Ben Duckett (95) and debutant Jacob Bethell (92) demoralised the New Zealand bowlers. The duo added 177 runs in a dazzling display of strokeplay.Both batsmen fell short of their centuries, dismissed by Tim Southee in quick succession. Joe Root then took charge, compiling a steady 73* – his 65th Test fifty – and adding to England's dominance. Harry Brook contributed 68 before falling to Glenn Phillips. Captain Ben Stokes smashed an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls to pile on further misery for the hosts.
At stumps, England reached 378/6, with a total lead of 533, leaving New Zealand facing a daunting task to stay in the game.(UNI)
Brief Scores:
England 280 & 378/5 (Jacob Bethell 96, Ben Duckett 92, Joe Root 73*, Harry Brook 55; Tim Southee 2-72, Matt Henry 2-76) lead New Zealand 125 (Kane Williamson 37; Gus Atkinson 4-31, Brydon Carse 4-46) by 533 runs.
