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Day 2: Kiwis take control, Mitchell & Blundell frustrate England

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Just when England were seeking to go on top, two Black Caps stood up and foiled their plans.

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell led the recovery as New Zealand battled back from losing their first four wickets cheaply to reach 236/4.

Mitchell was 97 not out and Blundell unbeaten on 90 at the close of play.

This massive partnership off 340 balls for the fifth wicket shows us why New Zealand are Test champions.

Mitchell and Blundell have already put on 180 runs that has put the tourists in a dominant position at the end of Day 2.

NZ are currently 227 ahead and England have only once successfully chased down that many to win at Lord’s.

England allow NZ to escape

England had NZ on the mat, in the second innings.

The pacers, Anderson and Mathew Potts accounted for the Kiwi openers, Latham and Young, for only 15 runs.

Next, they removed Zealand’s best two players – Kane Williamson and Devon Conway when the score was just 56.

Potts has bowled only seven balls at Williamson in this Test but dismissed him twice without conceding a run.

Conway threw away his wicket. Bogged down by England’s accurate lines, he tried to pull a half volley from Broad and and was caught down the leg side.

Instead of going for the kill, the English bowlers started looking listless as the fifth wicket partnership began to flourish.

The absence of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer was keenly felt.

Ben Stokes started bowling bouncers to try and break the monotony but of no avail.

Anderson was a little flat, stretching his calf at times to suggest he might be carrying an injury.

Potts was not as threatening as on day one, even though he picked two wickets.

Broad was the quickest England bowler on view and Stokes struggled, going at six an over in his first spell.

England collapse for 141

Earlier in the day, England folded up for 141.

England’s final three wickets added only 16 runs.

Ben Foakes failed again, slicing a wide ball to slip for seven.

He has not performed with the bat since his debut series in Sri Lanka four years ago.

He has gone on to play 19 innings without a 50 and this is seriously hurting the balance of the English team.

Playing in his fifth England tour, Tim Southee was brilliant and finished with four for 55.

On Day 1, England’s brittle batting was exposed as they crashed to 116/7, thanks to a superb bowling performance from Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson.

New Zealand Playing XI:

Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson(c), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult

England Playing XI:

Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Matty Potts, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

New Zealand 132 and 236 for 4 (Mitchell 97*, Blundell 90*) lead England 141 (Crawley 43, Southee 4-55) by 227 runs

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BIG NEWS

Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket

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The NPL marks a milestone for Nepali cricket, bringing new opportunities and excitement to the sport!

The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.

This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.

The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.

As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.

In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.

The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.

Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.

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Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team

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Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team

Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.

McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.

Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.

Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.

Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.

The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.

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BGT

Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket

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Steve Smith and Travis Head discuss BCCI's influence in cricket, raising debates about power and fairness in the sport.

Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.

Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.

Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.

These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.

As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.

Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.

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