Despite a strong second innings by the Kiwis in the second Test in Wellington, England are close to winning their sixth straight Test. Fans questioned Ben Stokes’ choice to enforce the follow-on despite his team’s lead.
Paul Collingwood, the Test team’s assistant coach and former England all-rounder, supported the captain’s decision to urge the home team to bat again after bowling them out for 209 runs in the morning session of the third day. Ben Stokes was always going to enforce the follow-on, and Collingwood was right.
“We lead. We caused several problems, yet we weren’t rewarded. Today has several positives. Our method is forceful. Stokesy knew when we arrived this morning that we would enforce the follow-on if we could. Never backtrack, “Paul Collingwood told BBC Sport.
This team never has a limit: Paul Collingwood
The Kiwi hitters improved in the second innings after a poor first innings, which was saved by Tim Southee’s searing knock. Devon Conway and Tom Latham’s excellent opening stand frustrated the English pacers.
The host team lost three wickets to England spinners after tea. Paul Collingwood believes his team is ahead and will seek to capture early wickets with the second new ball, which is three overs old.
“We don’t count targets or limit this team. This game favours us. The seam bowlers are benefiting from the morning sessions, so hopefully we can make major inroads with the new ball tomorrow and have a score we can chase “Paul Collingwood added.
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