New Test venue under scrutiny as Williamson, Nicholls fall foul

manner of Kane Williamson's dismissal and a blow to head of Henry Nicholls put maiden Test wicket at Mount Maunganui under scrutiny with three days to play in first Test between New Zealand and England on Friday. In first Test at ground, Bay Oval wicket showed signs of becoming unpredictable late on day two. Although hours appeared even after first two days, England believe if wicket continues to deteriorate n y are in box seat. New Zealand go into day three on Saturday at 144 for four in reply to England's first innings 353, but with senior batsmen Williamson and Ross Taylor already dismissed. Williamson had cruised to 51, reaching his half-century with a boundary off Sam Curran, but fell on next delivery which unexpectedly reared sharply, forcing New Zealand skipper to take evasive action and ball was gloved to second slip. dismissal even took Curran by surprise, but he saw it as a good omen.

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"It probably took off a little bit more than usual length but that's a really good sign for us kwing we have runs on board," he said.

" wicket may start being a bit uneven and fingers crossed that suits us and re can be a few more (wickets) and it gets worse as game goes on, because most likely we'll be bowling last."

New Zealand's senior bowler Tim Soue, who ignited demise of England middle and lower order when pitch was playing true, said Williamson's dismissal raised questions. "That's unkwn about playing a first Test match on this ground. He was looking reasonably comfortable and he got one that reared off a length which can happen," Soue said, wary of having to bat last. "If it does continue to deteriorate and we do start to see a bit more of it going up and down we'd like to get as many as we can in this innings." 

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Signing autographs

Nicholls, who was t out 26 at stumps, was felled by a sharp bouncer from Jofra Archer but a medical check showed immediate sign of concussion, although he will undergo a furr examination before resuming on Saturday. unpredictable wicket was t only source of drama with New Zealand ruing a missed review and nearly being made to pay for signing too many autographs. Opener Tom Latham, given out leg before wicket on eight, walked without seeking a review, unaware of an inside edge that was detected by Hot Spot.

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Earlier exit of Jos Buttler for 43 had cricket watchers scrambling through rule book as he was caught by Mitchell Santner, who had been off field of play when Neil Wagner prepared to bowl. Santner had to stop signing autographs, leap advertising hoardings and enter playing area to take catch, which appeared to contradict rules about player movement and a batter's right to kw field placements. Buttler, though, had objections as he walked off immediately.

After England resumed day at 241 for four, Stokes and Ollie Pope advanced total to 277 when Soue struck with three wickets in 11 balls including prized scalp of Stokes for 91. Stokes was eyeing his ninth Test century when he was caught one-handed at first slip by a diving Taylor, who had dropped all-rounder before stumps previous day. Buttler and Leach forged a late 52-run stand but orwise, re was little England resistance at bottom of order. Soue finished with four for 88 and Wagner took three for 90, while Curran was pick of England's bowlers with two for 28. 

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