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WATCH: Mitchell Santner pulls off screamer to dismiss Jonny Bairstow in ENG vs NZ 2nd ODI
The second ODI of the four-match series between England and New Zealand is currently underway at The Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton. The game was delayed due to rain and match officials were forced to announce revised playing conditions. The home team won the toss and opted to field first in a 34 overs-a-side match.
Having lost the series opener by a huge margin, England entered the second match with the aim of having a cracking start. However, the Black Caps did not allow their opponents a favourable start as their premier pacer Trent Boult decided to give his side an early breakthrough. The left-arm pacer dismissed dangerous Jonny Bairstow in the third over of the innings with his sheer pace.
As much credit as Boult is receiving, the same Mitchell Santner, who took an incredible catch at cover, should also get. An inswinger from Boult around the middle, and Bairstow looked to hit it across the line. The leading edge went towards cover and Santner leapt up and took a sensational one-handed catch. The right-handed (6 off 8) batter had to depart without making any impact on the scoreboard.
Watch the video below:
WHAT A CATCH SANTNER 🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/5bVjHpPWBA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 10, 2023
Trent Boult made a stunning comeback to international cricket
On the very next ball, the star pacer removed Joe Root and provided a flying start for New Zealand. It was a length delivery around middle and leg, but formed sharply back to beat Root who tried to flick it across the line. The ball hit on his pads in front of the wickets and the umpire did not hesitate to raise his finger.
Bolt didn’t stop his onslaught; In his next over, he sent back Ben Stokes and registered a three-wicket haul inside the first five overs. The 34-year-old fast bowler who made a return to international cricket in the ongoing series, singlehandedly destroyed the England top order. The visitors had lost a couple of more wickets – Matt Henry dismissed Harry Brook and Santner and removed skipper Jos Buttler. England are 82/5 after 18 overs.