Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Cricket

England frustrated as New Zealand lead by 41 runs with battling BJ Watlings unbeaten ton adding to misery

, England frustrated as New Zealand lead by 41 runs with battling BJ Watlings unbeaten ton adding to misery

A NUGGETY little cricketer called B.J. Watling inflicted a day of abject misery and frustration on England in the First Test.

Watling scored 119 not out as New Zealand took control of the match while losing just two wickets throughout day two.

BJ Watling’s unbeaten century frustrated England on day three of the First Test

By the close, the Kiwis had reached 394-6 and a useful lead of 41 with two days to go.

Wicketkeeper Watling is the sort of unheralded performer who rarely sees his name in lights and does not receive megabucks offers from Twenty20 franchises.

But he is the personification of a determined batsman who surrenders his wicket at high cost. This was his eighth Test century.

He also has more dismissals in Test cricket than any ‘keeper currently playing.

Watling received stoic support from the middle-order and New Zealand advanced from 144-4 at the start of play to 394-6 in 90 overs.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
, England frustrated as New Zealand lead by 41 runs with battling BJ Watlings unbeaten ton adding to misery
BJ Watling salutes the crowd after his superb unbeaten 119 against England on day three

His century spanned 251 balls and he put on 119 for the sixth wicket with Colin de Grandhomme – the first century partnership of the match.

Then Watling and No8 Mitchell Santner put on a further 78 runs and left Englands realistic best hope a draw.

England endured a impotent day in the field with Jofra Archer struggling for inspiration and failing to take a wicket while Ben Stokes was used sparingly.

The Durham all-rounder did not bowl at all between lunch and tea.

Only once did Archer really let rip – and that came in his 22nd over when he was apparently roused by a review for lbw against Watling that showed the ball travelling over the stumps.

Archer suddenly reached 152kmh, by some distance the quickest ball of the match.

, England frustrated as New Zealand lead by 41 runs with battling BJ Watlings unbeaten ton adding to misery
BJ Watling gets a hug from team-mate Mitchell Santner for his unbeaten 119 against England on day three

Archer had struck Henry Nicholls on the helmet late on day two and, after passing the concussion tests, the Kiwi left-hander was allowed to continue.

Nicholls was given out lbw to Jack Leach on 39 but a review showed impact with the pad to be outside off stump.

In the next over, delivered by Joe Root, Watling was badly dropped at slip by Stokes on 31.

It was a bit of a dolly, to be honest.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Two balls later, Nicholls was again given out lbw and this time he did not review.

, England frustrated as New Zealand lead by 41 runs with battling BJ Watlings unbeaten ton adding to misery
It is so close as BJ Watling just makes it home as England battle on miserably on day three

Archer had been chided by Stokes for a mis-field – he was to let another one through later that allowed two extra runs when Leach was bowling – and Root decided to hand the second new ball to Sam Curran and Stuart Broad.

Big man De Grandhomme was the most aggressive batsman of the day and produced several thumping drives.

, England frustrated as New Zealand lead by 41 runs with battling BJ Watlings unbeaten ton adding to misery
A rare crumb of comfort as England celebrate taking the wicket of Henry Nicholls on day three against New Zealand

He was dropped on 63 by Rory Burns from Currans first delivery from the Mount End of the ground.

Burns suffered a cut to his right thumb trying to cling onto the chance and did not appear on the field for the rest of the day.

, England frustrated as New Zealand lead by 41 runs with battling BJ Watlings unbeaten ton adding to misery
Ben Stokes celebrates the wicket of Colin de Grandhomme but it was New Zealand’s day

He is expected to be okay to open the batting in Englands second innings.

De Grandhome was finally dismissed from the first delivery after tea, courtesy of a superb, diving, right-handed catch in the gully by Dom Sibley off Stokes.

, England frustrated as New Zealand lead by 41 runs with battling BJ Watlings unbeaten ton adding to misery
Jack Leach in action for England on Day Three

Watling continued on his way, flicking, nudging and nurdling the ball around.

Apart from the chance that was spilled by Stokes, he rarely looked in difficulty on a pitch that offered little encouragement to the bowlers.

Watling was given out lbw to Archer on 114 but he knew he had hit the ball and DRS confirmed the inside edge.

Just another moment of frustration for England.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Heartbreak at Euro 2024 Play-Off Exit Former Arsenal player and Wales captain, Aaron Ramsey, is contemplating his future with the national team following their...

Premier League

Bayern Munich Seeking New Manager Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is reportedly being considered for the Bayern Munich job as the German giants...

Premier League

Premier League Apologizes for Late Change Tottenham's upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest has been rescheduled with just ten days' notice, causing inconvenience for fans....

Premier League

Arsenal's Search for a New Striker Arsenal continues to hunt for a new striker as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his front line. Victor...

Premier League

Missed Opportunity at the Olympics Thierry Henry, the football legend, achieved numerous accolades in his career, including winning the World Cup and Euros with...

Premier League

Developing Talent Since joining Arsenal for a whopping £105 million last summer, Declan Rice has shown significant improvement both for his club and country....

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement