Heartbreak on the horizon for England as another opportunity slips through their fingers. A familiar tale of might-have-beens is unfolding at the second Test against New Zealand, where a commanding lead has emerged in favour of the hosts after a dire first innings from the tourists.
Matt Fisher was left to acknowledge what's becoming an all-too-familiar problem: "In this game in particular, which Baz has spoken about, key moments we've just not got right." The England bowler pinpointed the issue that's been dogging his team since the Ashes series – their inability to capitalise on pivotal moments. Despite being candid about their shortcomings, Fisher vowed that England will "front up like we always do" and try to get some early wickets to give New Zealand a headache.
A glimmer of hope did appear in the form of a gritty last-wicket partnership between Fisher and debutant Sonny Baker. Fisher's unbeaten half-century was the pick of the bunch, while Baker chipped in with four runs from 36 balls, helping to stave off an even more calamitous total for England.
New Zealand, after losing two early wickets in their second innings, pulled clear thanks to a crucial 161-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Henry Nicholls. The latter, stepping into the number three spot, remained unbeaten on 119 at stumps. Matt Henry praised the pair's resilience: "They had to absorb a little bit and then they chose their moments to put the pressure back on."
England now face an arduous task in restricting New Zealand's lead as much as possible on day four, before facing a monumental run chase on what has been described as a 'pretty flat wicket'. The Kiwi camp will be weighing up how many more runs they need to declare, balancing the desire for an unassailable lead with the need to give their bowlers sufficient rest to take 20 wickets.
Source: Team and player interviews