England’s batsmen put their side on top against New Zealand in the second Test at Christchurch after Nottinghamshire’s Stuart Broad helped finish off the hosts’ first innings with 6-54.
The Kiwis resumed on 192-6, but Broad and Jimmy Anderson, who took 4-76, soon began to capitalise on the second new ball.
England’s leading Test wicket taker bowled both BJ Watling (85) and Tim Southee (50), while Broad had Ish Sodhi – who joins the Outlaws this summer – caught behind for one and last man Trent Boult (16) taken by Dawid Malan as New Zealand were dismissed for 278.
With a small 29-run first innings lead, things did not initially start that well for the tourists in their second knock as Alastair Cook edged through to Watling for 14 off Boult.
But Mark Stoneman (60) – his career-best at this level – and James Vince (76) then came together to put on 123 in 38 overs for the second wicket, moving England out of any potential trouble and into a commanding position.
Neither men could go on to a three figure score that might have secured their place in the side for the English summer, offering catches in the slip cordon when well set, but Joe Root (30 not out) and Malan (19 not out) ensured their good work was not wasted.
England go into day four of the Test with a 231-run lead and seven wickets in hand as they go in search of a first away Test victory in 13 matches.
*************
You can watch every ball of Notts' scheduled home matches in 2018 - in all three formats of the game including Vitality Blast - by joining our family as a Member. Adult prices start from £38 and you can become a Member by clicking here.