Daryl Mitchell hits another century and breaks a 73-year-old record as New Zealand reach 325-8 at lunch on day two of the third Test against England at Headingley
- New Zealand are approaching a par score after winning the toss and batting first
- Daryl Mitchell made 108 before he holed out to Ben Stokes off Jack Leach
- Mitchell broke the record for most runs scored in a men’s Test series for New Zealand against England
Daryl Mitchell continued his superb run of form with his third century in three Tests as New Zealand battled to 325-8 following a tricky and dramatic morning session at Headingley.
Mitchell made 108 having broken Martin Donnelly’s 73-year-old record for the most runs scored in a men’s Test series for New Zealand against England.
He tried one shot too many to Jack Leach, who dangled the ball invitingly and Mitchell took the bait, holing out to Ben Stokes on the stroke of lunch.
Mitchell, who reached three figures with a maximum, had earlier survived a drop as Ben Foakes put down a catch off the bowling of Matthew Potts that appeared better suited to Joe Root at slip.
Daryl Mitchell made 108 before holding out to Ben Stokes on the stroke of lunch on day two
Mitchell tried another big shot off the bowling of Jack Leach but was caught by captain Stokes
Tim Southee frustrated England again as he ended the session unbeaten on 33 following trademark big-hitting lower down the order.
Mitchell and Southee have moved the tourists closer to a par score having won the toss and chosen to bat first.
New Zealand resumed on 225-5 but England were dangerous in the first hour and dropped both Mitchell and all-rounder Michael Bracewell before the latter edged Stuart Broad to Zak Crawley, just two deliveries after the hosts were successful in their vociferous appeal to have the ball changed.
That had come after Potts trapped Tom Blundell lbw for 55, with the New Zealander unable to review the decision as the DRS technology was down.
Tom Blundell was trapped lbw to Matthew Potts but could not review as DRS was down
Stuart Broad pleaded with umpire Marais Erasmus to get the ball changed as England chased wickets
The umpires eventually relented and Broad took the wicket of Michael Bracewell two balls later
England, despite having a ball in their hands which had started to swing, resorted to short-ball tactics and New Zealand cashed in.
Following Bracewell’s departure, Southee and Mitchell began to take the game to England’s attack.
England finally dismissed Mitchell as the clock ticked down to lunch, with the centurion looking to end the session with a flourish and paying the price.
Off the penultimate ball before the break he swung hard at Leach, spraying an awkward catch high and wide of mid-off. Stokes was on hand to complete a calm take as the ball swirled above him.
Mitchell had gone past Donnelly’s total of 462, which he set in a Test series in England back in 1949.