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NZ build lead in 2nd Test v England

Rory DollardAAP
Devon Conway (third left) survived an England appeal to guide New Zealand to 1-130 at tea.
Camera IconDevon Conway (third left) survived an England appeal to guide New Zealand to 1-130 at tea. Credit: AP

Fast bowlers Olly Stone and Mark Wood have helped England rally from a torrid time in the field as New Zealand moved into the lead on day three of the second Test at Edgbaston.

The Black Caps were 74 runs behind at the start of play and 23 ahead as they reached lunch 5-326, but things could, and should, have been better for Joe Root's side.

Two catches went down, one from substitute Sam Billings after Stuart Broad got a top edge from Ross Taylor, and another from under-pressure wicketkeeper James Bracey.

Having started his Test career with back-to-back ducks the Gloucestershire man was looking untidy with the gloves and put down Tom Blundell on nought.

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But he did manage to hang on to a couple of chances as the quicks got England into the game.

Stone dismissed Taylor for 80 in the first over after drinks and Wood got Henry Nicholls to glove one down the leg side immediately after clattering him on the helmet.

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The pair lifted not only the crowd but also their teammates with a spell of rapid and controlled pace bowling.

Taylor had dominated the first hour, playing positively and did the bulk of the scoring alongside the quieter Nicholls.

England prospects dwindled with every minute he was at the crease, making Stone's dismissal all the more vital.

It was a lavish drive, but the Warwickshire seamer was quick and accurate enough to make him pay.

Wood was also impressive, comfortably clearing 140km/h and getting his rewards when Nicholls responded to being hit by flicking the next ball to Bracey.

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