England replied in kind to New Zealand’s first innings’ total of 375 runs in the ongoing second Test of the two-match series at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. England ended day three with a deficit of 106 runs with five wickets in hand.

Though New Zealand got rid of Dom Sibley and Joe Denly early, Rory Burns (101) and Joe Root (114*) added 177 runs for the third wicket. England ended the third day at 269/5, with Ollie Pope keeping Root company.

Rory Burns talked about his second Test century and admitted that his dismissal via run out just after reaching his ton left a bittersweet taste in his mouth. “I don’t think you’re ever settled in Test cricket but it’s obviously nice when you get a surface that is on the flatter side to actually cash in on it. There have been some pitches so far in my career, that has been weighted towards the bowlers, so it’s about taking your opportunities when you get them. It was nice to take that opportunity but I would have liked it to be bigger,” said Burns.

NZ v ENG 2019: Broad challenges England batsmen to "set up the game" in Hamilton

He further said, “I struggled a little bit with my tempo [on the second evening]. I basically just kept seeing it and wanted to climb into it and give it the kitchen sink. It was more of a mindset shift rather than a technical shift. I just tried to let the ball come slightly in all my play and kill it underneath my eyes and try to expand from there.”

Burns was also happy for his skipper Joe Root on getting a century after a long run of low scores. Burns added: “It’s obviously really nice to see the skipper get his runs. He’s obviously a very good player and a lot of stuff has been said in recent times. Not scoring runs as a batsman might bring other things into the equation which aren’t necessarily true. It’s because when he bats like that, everyone’s behind him and knows exactly what he can do. It’s awesome to see him get them.”

(theguardian.com inputs)