New Zealand captain Tim Southee has equaled a long-standing batting record of former Team India skipper MS Dhoni in Tests.
Southee matched Dhoni during Kiwis’ second Test match against England. Southee hit a massive six of Stuart Broad’s delivery during the match and in the process equaled Dhoni with a total number of 78 sixes. The right-handed batter is now just six sixes away from equaling the legendary West Indian batsman Viv Richards’ tally in the longest format of the game.
Southee scored an explosive 73 from just 49 balls with the help of five fours and six sixes. In reply, to England’s first innings score of 435, New Zealand were bowled out for 209.
The Kiwis had a strong reply in their second innings as they are 202 for the loss of three wickets at stumps of day three. They are still trailing by 24 runs to the first innings score of England. Kane Williamson (25 not out, 81 balls, 2x4) and Henry Nicholls (18 not out, 70 balls, 1x4) are occupying the crease.
Opener Tom Latham (83, 172 balls, 11x4) was the top scorer for New Zealand in their second essay. Another opener Devon Conway (61, 115 balls, 6x4, 1x6) gave Latham good support as they stitched together an opening partnership of 149 runs.
New Zealand have to bat really well in their second innings to give any challenge to England.