NZ vs ENG, 1st Test: Watling scores a double century, England on verge of innings loss

Till the end of the fourth day of the first Test between New Zealand and England, the visitors are on the verge of a defeat. England is struggling at 55 for three in the second innings. Joe Denly is at the crease at 7 runs and is still 207 runs behind to avoid the defeat by the innings with one day to play. While the host needs 7 wickets to win the match by an innings.

On the fourth day, Watling and Mitchell Santner batted brilliantly. Watling converted his century into a double century and Santner followed him and scored a brilliant century. Watling scored 205 and Santner contributed 126 runs. In this way, New Zealand's first innings was declared at the score of 615 runs for 9 wickets.

Sam Curran took the three wickets for England. Ben Stokes and Jack Leach got 2 wickets each. On the basis of first innings, the Kiwi team got a lead of 262 runs over the English team.

The England team, which came to bat in the second innings, had a good start. Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley added 48 runs for the first wicket. This partnership was broken by Santner. After this, Santner dismissed Burns (31) and Jack Leach (0) and England's score was 55/3.

England needs to score 207 runs to save the defeat from the innings, which seems difficult. Santner has taken three wickets so far.

image credit: Cricketrevolt