Journalism of Courage
England and New Zealand's recent history of attritional struggles ending in near-deadlock continued in the first of two Tests on Friday in which the initiative passed from one team to the other before the second day ended with a slight advantage to the tourists. (Reuters)
New Zealand reached stumps at 144/4 in reply to England's first innings of 353, on the back foot after the dismissal of captain Kane Williamson for 51 in the final session. Henry Nicholls was 26 not out and B.J. Watling on 6. (Reuters)
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson scored his 31st Test half-century. (AP Photo)
Williamson looked solid and likely to anchor New Zealand's inning until Sam Curran caused a ball to rise off a length and take his glove in the final twist of the second day. (AP Photo)
Sam Curran was the most effective among the English bowlers as he picked the important wickets of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. (AP Photo)
Ross Taylor made a solid start in partnership with Kane Williamson but, on 25, he misjudged a ball from Ben Stokes and offered a simple chance to Ollie Pope. (AP Photo)
The pitch at Bay Oval, hosting a Test match for the first time, favored neither bowlers nor batsmen to any great degree, explaining the fluctuating nature of the second day. (Reuters)
