Key events
David Gower is ringing the starting bell and Ben Stokes has the ball. Here we go.
Chris Woakes is taking David Gower through the Kane Williamson plan. “Ideally you get him out early, that’s when he’s most vulnerable. I think about fourth/fifth stump that’s where everyone’s susceptible. Then its all a about using the crease. It is nice when an over comes together like that.”
Mmmmm. 25 degrees with a nice breeze, and an oatmeal pitch.
Bon soir Alistair Connor in Lyon: “It’s very decent of the Guardian to OBO overnight Tests. My routine is to follow until midnight, then go to bed and in the morning, try to scroll back without learning the score so I can maintain the suspense while I catch up. Gummy half-closed eyes are an advantage. I could probably get a free-to-air NZ TV feed, but then I ‘d have to stay up all night.
“This series has huge potential. Our lot go one down, no doubt, but the sides are well-matched.”
It’s definitely a tasty side-dish to the run-up to Christmas.
“A nice flat pristine surface,” says Jeremy Coney, looking neat and trim. “For a day four surface, it looks pretty good and if you can get yourself in, runs are available.
The Wisden editor rubs it in:
Play is due to start at 10pm GMT. While you’re waiting, read about Harry Brook having jam on his toast.
Preamble
Hello! In this tail-chasing Test cricketing winter, where Sri Lanka chased New Zealand who chased India who chased Australia, England (chased down in turn by Pakistan) now close their jaws on the frisky Kiwi tail. With a lead of just four, and only four wickets in hand, New Zealand will struggle to keep the crowds, lolling deliciously at the gorgeous Hagley Oval, entertained after lunch, let alone into day five.
England utilised day three to the full – Harry Brook blissing out with yet another score of 150 plus, Ben Stokes with a restrained 80 and some plentiful biffing by Carse and Atkinson. Henry finished with four wickets, Smith with three. New Zealand, who dropped eight catches as England rocked and rolled towards 500, faltered early in their second innings. Williamson orchestrated a steady-as-she-goes recovery, but Chris Woakes outwitted him – Williamson and new man Blundell caught in successive balls. Three wickets too for the unstoppable Carse.
I’m in my friend’s lovely house in Marlow, being entertained by their kittens. Wherever you are, do drop me a line.
