England not only took its first innings score past 350 but also scalped four New Zealand wickets on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test in Mount Maunganui this Friday (November 22). 

The three lions found themselves slightly ahead, with the Kiwis now under some pressure to hold their own. 

Still, it would be a mistake not to expect another turnaround as this has been a very closely fought Test match so far between two quality sides. 

Resuming at an overnight score of 241/4, the visitors did lose Ben Stokes (91), Ollie Pope (29) quite early but then Jos Buttler came to the rescue, scoring a very crucial 43 that helped the team build a strong total. 

Having found life difficult on Day 1 where they didn't get much rewards for their efforts, Tim Southee (4/88) and Neil Wagner (3/90) returned to the shed with seven wickets between them. Trent Boult (1/97), though, wasn't as fortunate, very rarely so in a home Test.  

In response, the Black Caps lost both their openers Jeet Raval (19) and Tom Latham (8) cheaply. Captain Kane Williamson, however, scored another valiant half-century to resurrect things to an extent. 

This is when England bounced back with the wickets of Williamson and later veteran Ross Taylor (25) in quick succession before Henry Nicholls (26*) and BJ Watling (8*) thankfully took their team safely through to stumps. 

Curiously, Stuart Broad (0/20) and Jofra Archer (0/40) went wicketless but support task Sam Curran (2/28), Jack Leach (1/29) and Stokes (1/16) provided the breakthroughs. 

Another interesting day of Test match cricket awaits us tomorrow at the Bay Oval. 

Brief Scores: 

England - first innings - 353/10 in 124 overs (Ben Stokes 91; Tim Southee 4/88) versus New Zealand - first innings - 144/4 in 51 overs (Kane Williamson 51; Sam Curran 2/28).