Mitchell Ton Helps New Zealand to Huge Total in Second Test

Mitchell’s ton in the second Test against England, his third century in the series, has put the hosts in contention to win the series. Mitchell and Tom Blundell put on 236 runs in partnership in the second innings, which helped New Zealand to a huge total. However, Mitchell’s ton left England with a gaping 463 runs and they lost the second innings by a total of 566. Mitchell’s ton took New Zealand to their 20th highest Test total.

Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell shared a 195-run stand in the first innings. Combined with Mitchell’s ton, New Zealand made 553 in the first innings. In reply, England managed 90-1 in their first innings. However, Mitchell went after Jack Leach and hit two huge sixes to reach his hundred. This partnership was the best partnership in Test cricket for New Zealand, and it sparked a remarkable batting display.

In the previous Test, Mitchell had missed the century by just four runs, so he was very much on the offensive against England’s spinner Jack Leach. But Mitchell was not done yet. Blundell smacked Leach for four and Mitchell stepped into the attack with an explosive riposte. Mitchell then edged a Leach delivery to mid-on for four and then hit Stokes to mid-off for a six.

With a massive total at the end of the first innings, New Zealand’s batting order was able to defend it. After Mitchell’s ton, Boult and Trent Boult added another 33-run partnership. Mitchell’s ton was the fifth century for a New Zealand batsman, and he was only 10 runs away from a double ton.

Mitchell and Bracewell added 76 off 109 balls. Mitchell’s ton brought up the first 150 in the second test, and Bracewell followed suit. Mitchell and Bracewell then put on a big stand for the fifth wicket, a 236-run partnership. However, the partnership ended in the 110th over. Blundell attempts to loft Leach, but he is caught at mid-off by Stokes.

England’s bowlers also struggled against the Kiwi batting order. The visitors piled up a total of 553 in their first innings, which was the fourth highest in Test history. Only Bangladesh has scored more in an opening innings. However, the New Zealand team played a big part in a historic match. New Zealand’s Trent Bridge Test ended with the highest number of runs scored and most boundaries.

England’s Joe Root, meanwhile, helped New Zealand to a massive total at Trent Bridge. Root’s innings was a triumph for England, as he scored 163 not out. With a slow pitch, the England batsmen could match or even pass the New Zealand total, and a high-scoring Test may be on the cards. Once the hosts have reached their target, the series will be a high-scoring draw.

Earlier in the innings, Mitchell and Lees added 74 for the third wicket. Mitchell benefited from England’s drops, hitting three sixes and a four off Trent Boult. However, Mitchell and Lees have a long way to go, with Pope nearing the half-century mark with his eighth century and 46-wicket partnership. Despite the poor start, they are on track for their second Test century.