Joe Root double century ensures exciting day 4

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A brilliant double century by Joe Root has given England hope of winning the test match against New Zealand on the 4th day of 2nd Test match played at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Monday.

Starting on the overnight score of 269 for 5, Joe Root and Ollie Pope played with confidence against the New Zealand pacers. Both batsmen showed their class making the batting look easy. In the first hour, Root and Pope ensured that they do not lose any wickets. Root reached his 150 off 335 balls. At lunch, England were 379 for 5.

In the 2nd session play, Pope completed his fifty off 165 balls. Neil Wagner broke the partnership dismissing Ollie Pope for 75. Pope and Root added 193 runs for the 6th wicket. Root was simply sensational to reach double century off 412 balls. The England captain was finally dismissed for a brilliant 226 off 441 balls. In attempt to hit quick runs, England were bowled out for 476. Neil Wagner was the pick of bowlers for New Zealand again with figures of 5 for 124. The umpires called tea break.

It was an ideal start for the visitors as Sam Curran dismissed Jeet Raval in the first over. Kane Williamson came to the crease and looked confident with his stroke play. Chris Woakes did the damage by getting the wicket of the centurion of first innings Latham cheaply for 18. The experienced duo of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson looked confident with their defensive play and put the bad balls away for boundaries. Jofra Archer, Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran tried all their things but could not succeed. Both have added so far 68 runs for the 3rd wicket. New Zealand end the 4th day at 96 for 2 just trail by 5 runs.

New Zealand 96 for 2 in 34 overs ( Kane Williamson 37*, Ross Taylor 31*, Chris Woakes 1/8, Sam Curran 1/26) 375 in 129.1 overs ( Tom Latham 105, Daryl Mitchell 73, BJ Watling 55, Stuart Broad 4/73, Chris Woakes 3/83) trail England  475 in 162.5 overs  ( Joe Root 226, Ollie Pope 75, Rory Burns 101, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner 5/124, Tim Southee 2/90, Matt Henry 1/87) by 5 runs.

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