Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell Unbeaten Stand Puts New Zealand In Driving Seat Against England

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell were both eyeing coveted hundreds at Lord's after batting New Zealand into a commanding position on Friday's second day of the first Test against England

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell were both eyeing coveted hundreds at Lord's after batting New Zealand into a commanding position on Friday's second day of the first Test against England. In a match where bowlers on both sides had previously been on top, the pair's unbroken partnership of 180 took the World Test champions to 236 for four in their second innings at stumps, a lead of 227, after they had come together with New Zealand in trouble at 56 for four.

Mitchell was 97 not out and Blundell 90 not out -- the first two fifties of the match -- with the duo now having equalled New Zealand's record fifth-wicket stand against England, set by Martin Crowe and Shane Thomson at Lord's in 1994.

They compiled the first century partnership of this match in classic Test style, displaying a sound defence while punishing anything loose or too full.

Mitchell finished Friday's play in style, driving the last ball of the day, from England debutant Matthew Potts, for four to move to within three runs of a second hundred in 10 career Tests following his unbeaten 102 against Pakistan at Christchurch last year.

His alliance with wicketkeeper Blundell highlighted how a good pitch was blameless for the fact 17 wickets had fallen on Thursday.