LONDON: England face an uphill task after New Zealand built a huge lead on the second day in the first cricket Test at the Lord’s on Friday.
Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell scored an unbeaten partnership of 180 that took New Zealand to 236-4 — a lead of 227 runs.
At 56-4 just after lunch, New Zealand’s lead stood at only 47, but Mitchell, with 97 not out, and Blundell’s unbeaten 90 ensured no further wickets fell in the day.
Earlier, England added 25 to their overnight 116-7 to be bowled out for 141, a first-innings advantage of nine.
Including their collapse on Thursday evening, the home side lost their last eight wickets for 49 runs.
England failed to capitalise on dismissing New Zealand for 132 on day one and the first Test under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum is in severe danger of ending in defeat.
