England's batters - led by their 'nighthawk' - have been told to "bang it around" and give their bowlers a lead of 300 in order to force a first Test win in New Zealand.
A topsy-turvy day two finished with England in a strong position at the Bay Oval with a lead of 98 and eight second innings wickets in hand to extend it far beyond with three days left to play. And with Stuart Broad, aka 'The NightHawk' still there, hoping to cause mayhem on a balmy day three afternoon, anything is possible.
Ollie Pope is alongside him, keen to play his shots, while Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes form a middle order capable of serious damage. And what is surely never in doubt from this England team, is their ability to take the aggressive option in the hunt for big runs.
“For us it is about piling the runs on,” said Ollie Robinson, who took 4-54 with the ball as New Zealand were dismissed for 306. “Bat for as long as possible and if we score well on day three then get into them under the lights. If we can get a lead of 300, we’re right in the game.
“Hopefully the boys can get out there and bang it around again.” And having now had some experience on the pitch with ball in hand, the bowlers are confident they have the knowledge and know-how to take ten more wickets for victory.
One or two balls were keeping low already at the start of England’s second innings, while the odd one also took off. So despite an heroic innings of 138 from Tom Blundell to take advantage of a soft ball and better conditions during the day, England are rightly happy with their situation.
“We obviously got in a great position,” added Robinson. “And by picking up wickets and breaking partnerships we’ve kept the game in our favour, but Tom batted really well.”
Blundell was a star turn for the Kiwis in England last summer with a hundred and three fifties, despite their 3-0 series defeat, and he is at it again. “It is about trusting my game,” said keeper-batsman Blundell.
“I took a lot of confidence from what happened last year against England, knowing I’d done it before and being able to trust that. The more experience I have and the more I learn the better I’m doing, and at 32 I’m still learning.
“I do it my way and I’m content with that, I love getting in the fight and being in tough situations and doing what is needed for the team.”
