Tom Blundell

New Zealand recovered to trail by just 19 runs through the first innings at Mt Maunganui.

'Madness': Poms' reaction says it all as all-time confusion sparks comical drop.

Broad was handed a late lifeline when a top-edge that flew directly upwards landed between Blundell and bowler Scott Kuggeleijn, who were watching each other. Duckett was caught in the slips as Tickner found a hint of movement before a Crawley innings peppered with six fours ended when his edge found the gloves of Blundell. Number 11 Tickner contributed three runs as Blundell advanced from 80 to three figures, accompanied by roars from the home crowd under a setting sun, before he was the last home wicket to fall, caught and bowled by James Anderson.

But wicketkeeper Blundell battled to his fourth Test century to ensure that England's first-innings lead was only 19 despite Ollie Robinson bowling superbly to ...

It was probably the easiest to bat during the day. To build a couple of partnerships along the way, I am pretty pleased. If we can get a lead of 300 then we're right in the game." He charged his first ball and got away with the missed chance off his second. Blundell, though, was able to coax 124 runs out of the last three wickets. The entrance of Broad was pure theatre.

Blundell's 138 from 181 balls on a glorious day at Bay Oval drove New Zealand to 306 in their reply to England's declared first innings total of 325 for ...

"We had our second child Freddy, so it was an interesting week leading into the game. Robinson said he was no fan of the pink ball before the match and was not changing his mind after a long day in the field. He and Devon Conway (77) dug in for a vital 75-run partnership and Blundell went on to build stands with debutant tailenders Kuggeleijn (20) and Tickner (three not out). Though the wicket went begging, New Zealand had Blundell to thank for putting the match on level terms after the hosts were dominated on day one and slumped to 83 for five on day two. Blundell's 138 from 181 balls on a glorious day at Bay Oval drove New Zealand to 306 in their reply to England's declared first innings total of 325 for nine. Tom Blundell struck a brilliant century to reel in England on day two of the first pink ball test in Mount Maunganui on Friday but the wicketkeeper was left red-faced after costing New Zealand a late wicket in the evening session.

The No.11 guided his teammate to a century as part of a 59-run stand for the last wicket.

With the Black Caps trailing by 242 runs and down to their final five wickets, a tough situation called for a steadfast character.

“The first couple of years, I came in for a game here or there, which was great, but it’s just about getting an extended run and learning a lot,” Blundell said. “I love getting in the fight, getting in tough situations and doing what’s needed for the team,” Blundell said. Those were the situations in which predecessor BJ Watling also excelled, his regular rearguards forcing Blundell to bide his time. Being in this role, you tend to do it on a few occasions, and it’s a real art. Blundell felt similar about his ability to bat with the tail. It was the knock of a batsman who knew precisely what his team needed.