New Zealand destroying England in first test

New Zealand 402/7 lead by 235 runs

Stumps on Day 2: England 167 and New Zealand 131/0
Stumps on Day 3: New Zealand 402/7

Do not freak out while looking at the score above. There are no typos. I have not accidentally switched England and New Zealand around. New Zealand have absolutely destroyed England into obilivion in particular on Day 2.

Going into the series New Zealand were justifiably underdogs after their extremely poor away series against South Africa. That is why no-one, not even the most passionate New Zealand supporters could have expected what happened on the second day (first day of actual play). England started their innings 24 hours after the toss was done but still were not fully prepared. They stuttered to 18/3 as Tim Southee and Neil Wagner took early breakthroughs. Although Trott managed to resist somewhat with an 121 ball 45, no other batsman made it past 25. Wickets fell regularly with Neil Wagner and mature-age debutant Bruce Martin both taking four wickets apiece. The fact that Martin took four wickets on debut was thoroughly deserved as he at 32 has played 115 first class matches and taken 314 wickets.

New Zealand's opening pair of Peter Fulton and first-gamer Hamish Rutherford again did the unexpected. Many would have thought the English bowlers would come out and steamroll the kiwi batsman, like what was done to their own batsmen. But no this was not the case. The openers put on an unbeaten stand of 131 in which was New Zealand's first century opening stand against anyone other than Zimbabwe since January 2011. Overnight Fulton was on 46* and Rutherford on 77*.

They put on another 27 this morning before Fulton was caught behind off Anderson for a dogged 55 off 169 balls. His opening partner though  continued on and brought up his hundred before Drinks in the first session. Rutherford ended up amassing an amazing 171 until he was out caught by the first ball with the new ball. His knock featured 22 fours and 3 sixes and only came off 217 balls (a strike rate just under 80). His innings comes in at 7th for highest maiden test innings. Amazingly his innings broke a record that lasted some 136 years - highest score by an opener on debut against England. Australia's Charles Bannerman scored 165 in the first ever test.

England did however end the day well as they picked up wickets at regular intervals with the new ball. Williamson (24), Taylor (31), Brownlie (27) and Southee (25) all made starts but failed to go on. Brendon McCullum took New Zealand to stumps with a run a ball 44. James Anderson has four wickets while Broad has two and Panesar one.

On what is a relatviely flat pitch England's debacle in the first innings is even more surprising. Nonetheless credit to New Zealand who have thoroughly outplayed the visitors. England will need to bat for around five sessions in order to secure a draw with New Zealand likely to declare sometime tomorrow morning. Currently the lead is 235 runs and England are looking down the barrel, whilst New Zealand are looking at a great upset.

Full scorecard courtesy of Cricinfo - http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-england-2013/engine/current/match/569243.html