2nd Test, New Zealand vs England Day 2 preview: Middle order to follow, New Zealand in control

New Zealand were 173/3 in the second Test against England, at Seddon Park, Hamilton, when rain prevented any subsequent play. Tom Latham (101*) and Henry Nicholls (5*) are at the crease.

Given how the middle order had delivered in the first innings, England may have a long day out in the middle. BJ Watling is coming off a double-hundred and a hundred, Mitchell Santner off a hundred, and debutant Daryl Mitchell is coming off a big hundred in his last Plunket Shield match.

England began the day well after Joe Root (who caught all three batsmen at slip) put New Zealand in. Chris Broad (1/33) bowled an excellent fourth over, bothering Jeet Raval (5) multiple times before finding his edge.

Then Chris Woakes (2/41) moved one away dismiss Kane Williamson (4). At this stage New Zealand were 39/2.

At the other end, however, not only was Latham largely unperturbed, he was also batting positively, not hesitating to drive despite the movement. He found an ally in Ross Taylor (53); together, they added 116 at a brisk pace.

Key players

Tom Latham (New Zealand): The most prolific opener in contemporary Test cricket, Latham averages 119 over his last 10 innings. He will be key if New Zealand want to bat England out of the Test in the first innings.

Stuart Broad (England): England need to win this Test, and for that they have to get New Zealand out cheaply twice. It is time for England’s most senior bowler to rise to the challenge.

Brief scores

New Zealand 173/3 (Tom Latham 101*, Ross Taylor 53; Chris Woakes 2/41) vs England.

Prediction

New Zealand to bat through the day and go past 400.