LEEDS: New Zealand’s middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell equalled the Australian batting great Sir Don Bradman’s 92-years-old record in the recently-concluded Test series against England.
The recently-concluded Test series was majorly dominated by the home side as they whitewashed New Zealand 3-0 yesterday but if the touring side had to draw a positive from their frustrating outing, it would have surely been the splendid form of Mitchell.
The right-handed batter, who remained the top-scorer of the three-match series with 538 runs from six innings at an average of 107.6, registered a historic record to his name.
The 31-years-old scored 109 in the last Test and had earlier piled 108 at Lord’s and 190 at Trent Bridge. Following his triple tons, the Kiwi batter has become the only overseas batter after batting icon Sir Don Bradman to slam a ton in each of the first three Tests of a series in England.
Additionally, Mitchell is the only cricketer from New Zealand to score three successive hundreds against England in a Test series.
It is pertinent to mention here that England, under the new leadership of the head coach Brendon McCullum and the captain Ben Stokes drew cherishing results in their first assignment as they clean swept New Zealand 3-0.
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LONDON: New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and wicket-keeper batter Tom Blundell stunned England’s bowler on the second day of Lord’s Test match, as the pair revived the batter’s hope with their 180 runs fifth-wicket partnership in a bowlers’ dominated match.
The strong-looking partnership cemented New Zealand’s grip on the Test match as the side achieved a lead of 227 runs over England.
New Zealand started their second inning with a deficit of nine runs as England were all out on 141 in the first session. Right-arm pacer Tim Southee sent four batters to the pavilion with his agonizing pace along with left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult who bagged three wickets for his side.
New Zealand batting jittered and showcased a similar woeful start to their second innings as the side lost three wickets on 38 runs before the lunch.
Kiwi batter Devon Conway soon followed the suit after the lunch as he fell prey to the fast bowler Stuart Board in a caught behind.
Blundell came out on crease when Kiwis were struggling at 51/4 and played cautiously with Michell. The pair faced fierce-looking England’s bowlers as they played till the end of the day’s play.
All-rounder Mitchell scored 97 runs off 188 balls which included 11 boundaries. Blundell, on the other hand, minted 90 runs off 182 balls as he hit the ball for the boundaries 12 times.
New Zealand will resume their second inning from 236/4 on the third day of Lord’s Test.
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