New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell scored a sublime 190, his second straight Test century in the ongoing three-match Test series against England. After a brilliant ton at Lord’s, Mitchell followed it with 190 in Trent Bridge.
However, he not only fell 10 runs short of his maiden double-century in Tests, but his dismissal also left Trent Boult on level record for the most runs by No.11 in Test cricket. On Day 2 of the second Test against England, Boult, who had 607 Test runs, needed 16 runs to go past Muttiah Muralitharan as the most prolific No.11 in Test history.
While Mitchell and Boult were batting, England was looking for one last Kiwi wicket. Boult's (16*) four quick boundaries leveled him with Muralitharan before Mitchell chased and edged a wide one. which folded New Zealand for 553, leaving Boult level with Muralitharan and Mitchell 10 runs shy of a double ton.
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Asked if Boult was aware of the record, Mitchell revealed both of them knew and added that Boult mentioned it every day for two months during the IPL 2022.
"I've spent the last two months with Trent at the IPL and I reckon he's mentioned it every day, that he wants that record. I think it's an amazing achievement. Even though he probably carries on, I think he's a really good batsman and I love the energy he brings, it's awesome fun batting with him. But it's something we definitely discussed over many a coffee at the IPL for the last two months. Maybe he'll go for the No. 10 record now, who knows?,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell further said that it is fun batting with Boult: "It's always good fun batting with [Trent] Boulty at the end there, he always provides a bit of entertainment.”
New Zealand’s huge total came thanks to a 236-run collaboration with fellow centurion Tom Blundell, as the middle order starred with the bat after the top order faltered. England seamer Matthew Potts denied Mitchell his double hundred by dismissing him with a wide, slower delivery.
"To be honest, a double-hundred personally doesn't mean a hell of a lot. It was just nice to contribute to a score that can help us win a Test match,” Mitchell said.
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The 31-year-old also talked about the two catches he dropped to reprieve Alex Lees and Ollie Pope.
"I think that's the nature of the game, anyone who's played cricket has dropped a catch in their life. For me, I can't control what happens now but it's just concentrating on the next one and taking the next one,” he said.
Mitchell said his bowling teammates would relentlessly pursue the channel outside the off-stump when play resumes on Sunday.
"We created some chances tonight which is really promising heading into tomorrow. If we can keep building pressure, keep backing up spells and keep asking questions of the English batters around that off stump, we're going to give ourselves the best chance to take 10 wickets this innings and hopefully another 10 the next,” he added.
(Reuters inputs)
