Event of the Day: New Zealand versus England

Our event of the day is the 5th Day of the 1st Test Match as England try and bat out the day to save the game against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. England were bowled out on the first morning of this game for just 58 and things haven’t improved much since then. First Kane Williamson (102), and then Henry Nicholls (145*) made centuries for New Zealand as they built a mammoth first innings total, declaring with a lead of 369. 

England would likely be in a lot more trouble had they not had some assistance from the weather over the last couple of days. Only 26 overs were possible on days two and three due to rain. It’s all about survival now for England who closed day 4 on 132-3, still trailing by 237. After losing Alistair Cook early, Mark Stoneman and Joe Root combined for a stand of 88 before Stoneman fell for 55. Finally, with the last ball of the day, Trent Boult had Joe Root caught down the legside for 51 to take his 8th wicket in the match. That has left England with a massive uphill struggle to avoid defeat in the first Test, needing to bat out the final day against a New Zealand bowling attack, led by Boult, who have so far blown away this England batting lineup. Can England survive? Find out today.

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NBA as the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Denver Nuggets. This contest from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia is crucial for Denver as they look to secure a playoff spot with the regular season reaching its finishing stages, Philadelphia secured a playoff spot on Sunday, but they will be trying to get the best seed possible. Elsewhere in the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves play the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns face the Boston Celtics. In women’s cricket India play Australia as their Tri-Nation T20 series continues. In football, Wales play Uruguay in the final of the China Cup, the Netherlands play Portugal in Geneva and there is a qualifying game for the U21 Championship with Northern Ireland hosting Iceland in Coleraine. In the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights line up against the Colorado Avalanche, the Montréal Canadiens face the Detroit Red Wings and the Calgary Flames travel to the Los Angeles Kings. Tennis’ ATP and WTA Miami Opens continue with their 6th and 7th days respectively.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

Fixture

Photos by England Cricket; BlackCaps