Record-breaking Williamson gives New Zealand 99-run lead at lunch
Cricket
New Zealand were 325-5 at lunch on the day four of second Test against England.
WELLINGTON (AFP) – Record-breaker Kane Williamson edged New Zealand into the lead on Monday in the second Test against England with a half-century to leave the game finely balanced.
The hosts resumed their second innings trailing by 24 runs in Wellington and reached lunch on the fourth day 99 ahead at 325-5, with Williamson (63 not out) becoming New Zealand's all-time leading Test run-scorer during the session.
After England declared their first innings at 435-8 they scuttled New Zealand for 209 and enforced the follow-on.
But New Zealand have clawed their way back into contention with the former captain Williamson receiving a standing ovation when he passed Ross Taylor's total of 7,683 runs to become New Zealand's most prolific Test batsman.
Williamson, who survived a close shout for a stumping when on 45, frustrated England with support from Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell.
England seamer Ollie Robinson chiseled out a fourth wicket when Nicholls edged to Harry Brook, who juggled the ball three times at third slip before holding the catch.
After clubbing a massive six, Mitchell departed half an hour before the interval when his skied shot off Stuart Broad landed in Joe Root's grateful hands.
Williamson's stubborn display ensures England still have plenty of work to do in order to sweep the series 2-0 after winning the first Test by 267 runs.
New Zealand will join an elite club if they claim victory. Only England, twice, and India have achieved the feat of winning a Test after following on.
