Key events
We’ll most likely see Jacob Bethell stroll out at No 3 later today. My colleague Rob Smyth passed on this very handy list of England men’s Test debutants at No 3. There have been four this century, though Rehan Ahmed was in as a nightwatchman, while Jason Roy was meant to open against Ireland (Jack Leach did it instead, hitting 92). Owais Shah and Tom Westley were the other two, the former hitting 88 against India, the latter 59 against South Africa. Those were to remain their highest Test scores. Roy’s best, a 78-ball 72, also came on debut.
Ali Martin is our man on the ground, and here’s his day one report. Great intro.
Preamble
Hello, fellow night owls (in the UK), and welcome to our coverage of the second day’s play at the Hagley Oval. Christchurch looked a picture yesterday, and the game was pretty decent, too. New Zealand were 199 for three on a pitch that was green but hardly treacherous before England snapped back, Shoaib Bashir sneaking in an opening day four-for and Brydon Carse looking more and more like a very serious Test bowler. It ended 319 for eight, the visitors probably a touch happier.
The morning should be fun, with Glenn Phillips (41*) and Tim Southee (more Test sixes than Virender Sehwag) out in the middle, up against the second new ball. Once that wraps up – something’s gone horribly wrong with England if not – we could end up getting a glimpse of Jacob Bethell, the debutant in at No 3.
Feel free to share your thoughts, queries, midnight snack suggestions, favourite Denzel film, general life wisdom, whatever makes you happy.
