New Zealand captain Kane Williamson notched up his record 18th test century in the morning of the second day/night test against England at Eden Park, passing Martin Crowe who made 17 centuries for the blackcaps. After getting a chance when one just went past his edge while he was on 97, he brought up century number 18 with a dab to point where a misfield allowed him the single.
However, not long after the rain set in to pause the play briefly.
After the covers were taken off and the new ball was brought in Williamson could only add another two runs before being trapped in front by James Anderson. He went to review it, but the decision couldn’t be overturned, and he was on his way for 102 ending his 83 runs partnership with Henry Nicholls.
Nicholls and BJ Watling put on 23 for the fifth wicket until for the second time rain had to force players off the pitch. This time the rain a lot steadier and showing no sign of easing up.
Despite another two inspections of the pitch play got called off at 9 PM. With Nicholls and Watling in the midst of a currently unbroken 23 run stand for the fifth wicket. With Nicholls not out one short of a half-century on 49, while Watling is not out on 17, New Zealand saw out day two on 229-4 after 92.1 overs, with a lead of 171 only losing the one wicket on a shortened day two of Williamson for 102.
There will be an early start tomorrow and for every day until the end of the test match with a 13.30 start time as opposed to 2 PM. With rain forecast for the rest of the test match, however, the real question is will we be able to get an early start for most of these days.
