The fourth day began with England firing on all cylinders, with a flurry of boundaries, including 43 runs in the first five overs. Joe Root set the tone early on with a reverse scoop for six, indicating their desire to come as close to New Zealand’s total as possible in order to make the Test a contest.
New Zealand, on the other hand, finished the innings with a 14-run lead after England collapsed for 539. Despite Tom Latham’s early departure, New Zealand started brightly, gaining on their early advantage, but things swiftly altered.
They were reduced from 104 for 1 to 131 for 5 and finally to 224 for 7 when New Zealand’s batters pushed too hard at England’s bowlers only to squander their position of strength, putting England straight back into the fight, with the advantage being only 238 at the end of day’s play on Monday (June 13).
When questioned about a prospective target, Ben Foakes said, “I think as little as possible.” “Given how quickly the runs have been coming in, I’d think under 300 is achievable if you bat well. It could be anything with some of the players we have in the locker room, like Stokesy. You have no clue if he will get in. Because so much has transpired this afternoon, all three outcomes are now in play. It’s going to be a fantastic day” He went on to say.
The outcome of Day 4 will be disappointing for New Zealand. They did well to wrap up England’s innings early, but their batsmen’s lack of effort when it was needed could harm them if they lose the Test and, as a result, the series, after losing the first Test on the penultimate day.
They’ll be hoping Daryl Mitchell keeps his hot streak going and gives them a total they can defend on the final day. Mitchell is undefeated on 32 after scoring 190 in the first innings.
New Zealand was also pushed back, with Kyle Jamieson leaving the field due to back discomfort. He will bat if necessary, but he may not be part of New Zealand’s defense effort. Bracewell will fill in for him with his right-handed off break in his absence.
Foakes says, “I’d think under 300 is achievable if you bat well”
