New Zealand hit back with the bat on day three

New Zealand produced an impressive fightback on day three of the second Test against England as the hosts showed some much-needed resistance with the bat at the Bay Oval in Wellington. Tim Southee provided some entertainment to the home crowd with his 49-ball 73 in the second innings before the Kiwi top order worked towards wiping off the deficit in the follow-on. Openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham added half-centuries, while Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls survived 21 overs to leave New Zealand at 202 for three in 83 overs.

The Blackcaps resumed the day on 138 for seven, with Tim Southee picking up from where he left off on the previous evening to score some quick runs for his side. The skipper targeted Jack Leach, smashing the left-arm spinner for three sixes down the ground in the same over to bring up a 39-ball half-century. Southee also hooked Ollie Robinson over deep square leg and slapped Stuart Broad over mid-off before eventually skying a flick to midwicket.

Southee’s inspiring knock of 73 from 49 deliveries, though, couldn’t prevent New Zealand from avoiding the follow on. Tom Blundell holed out to the fielder at mid-on to give Stuart Broad his third scalp of the innings, while Matt Henry edged one to gully as New Zealand were bundled out for just 209.

With a lead of 226 runs and the prospect of a series victory in sight, Ben Stokes enforced the follow on for the first time in his captaincy career. However, the Kiwis hit back with the bat and produced a much-improved performance in their second innings on day three. Devon Conway avoided a pair and went on to add 149 runs alongside Tom Latham to give the Blackcaps a solid platform.

The pair saw off the new ball patiently and went on the attack on the few occasions that the England pacers overpitched. The duo offered precious few chances to the English attack and grew in confidence as the partnership wore on, with both batters bringing up their half-centuries after Lunch.

Conway and Latham ensured that the tourists went wicketless in the second session, but Jack Leach eventually found the breakthrough for England after Tea, dismissing Conway for 61. Leach also removed Will Young with a beauty that crashed into the top of off, while Joe Root had Tom Latham out LBW off a mistimed sweep.

Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls safeguarded the hosts after the triple-strike, with the pair seeing out three overs of the new ball to leave the Kiwis just 24 runs behind heading into day four.