Blundell leads New Zealand fightback in England first Test

A rollicking Tom Blundell century propelled New Zealand back into contention before two late England batting stumbles left the first Test tantalisingly poised at Mount Maunganui on Friday.

The tourists held a 98-run lead with eight second-innings wickets in hand and still three days to play in a fast-moving day-night Test at the Bay Oval.

Blundell’s career-best 138 resurrected his side from 83-5, steering them to 306 and just 19 runs short of England’s 325-9 declared. The delicate nature of the contest didn’t prevent the tourists playing their shots, although they lost openers Ben Duckett, for 25, and Zak Crawley, for 28, in reaching 79-2 at stumps.

Ollie Pope was unbeaten on 14 and nightwatchman Stuart Broad was six not out. 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.

It didn’t detract from Blundell’s whirlwind fourth Test ton -- a mix of improvisation and power off 181 balls, featuring 19 fours and one six.

It also continued the 32-year-old’s prolific form of the last year, having scored 383 runs during last June’s 3-0 series loss in England, at an average of 76.6.