Riding on Kane Williamson‘s splendid century, New Zealand fought back on Day 4 of the ongoing second and final Test after having the follow-on enforced by England. The hosts finished all out for 483 and set a target of 258 runs for the visitors to win the contest at Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The Black Caps resumed their second innings on Monday, trailing by 24 runs at 202/3. Williamson led the fightback by smashing his 24th Test century. The stylish right-handed batter smashed 132 and formed a game-changing 158-run partnership with Tom Blundell, pushing the home team from 297/5 to 455/6.
However, Williamson’s departure triggered a collapse as New Zealand may solely add 28 runs extra to the overall. During the Kiwi innings, all-rounder Michael Bracewell‘s run out grabbed maximum eyeballs as the batter was dismissed in an embarrassing manner.
It all happened during the 159th over of New Zealand’s second innings when Tom Blundell whipped English left-arm spinner Jack Leach to deep mid-wicket. Blundell and Bracewell went for the third run. However, Bracewell seemed an excessive amount of informal on his option to full the third run, as he didn’t try to pull his bat in.
England skipper Ben Stokes chased the ball from mid-on and fired in an ideal throw. Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes confirmed some sharp conserving abilities and took the bails off on the proper time to catch Bracewell off-guard. Interestingly, the New Zealander was previous the crease, however his bat and foot have been in the air, resulting in his dismissal.
Here is the video:
This is why you run your bat in ?
A wicket manufactured from out of nowhere! #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/i52FQVyw2H
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 27, 2023
In response to the goal of 258 to win the second Test, the touring get together has managed to achieve 48/1 in 11 overs at stumps on Day 4. England now want 210 runs to win the competition with an whole day left in the match. Notably, the guests are already main the two-match collection 1-0 after registering a dominant victory in the opening Test.