Watling became the first New Zealand batsman to score a Test century at Headingley
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
New Zealand batsman BJ Watling scored an unbeaten hundred to put his side in a commanding position against England on the third day of the second Test at Headingley.
Watling was well supported by opener Martin Guptill, who made 70, and captain Brendon McCullum, who scored 55.
Starting out the day on 253/5, England’s lower order completely collapsed and they soon found themselves struggling at 267/8.
Stuart Broad and Mark Wood stemmed the bleeding with a 51-run partnership before Wood was caught behind off the bowling of Mark Craig for 19.
Broad ended up making 46 off 39 balls, which included five boundaries and a six, before he was clean bowled by Matt Henry.
Tim Southee was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Craig and Trent Boult snapped up two wickets apiece and Henry chipped in with one as England were bowled out for 350.
With the scores level, New Zealand began their second innings on a low as opener Tom Latham and batsman Kane Williamson were dismissed cheaply.
Guptill and Ross Taylor stabilised the innings with a 99-run partnership, during which Guptill brought up his half-century, before Taylor was caught by Ben Stokes at extra cover off the bowling of Wood for 48.
Guptill went on to score 70 off 72 balls, which included seven boundaries and a six, before he was caught by Joe Root at third slip off the bowling of Wood.
Guptill hit seven boundaries and a six during his knock of 70
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
McCullum and Watling steadied the innings with a 121-run partnership, during which both batsmen registered their half-centuries, before McCullum was given out lbw off the bowling of Wood.
McCullum decided to review the decision, but replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and going on to clip leg stump. This led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.
McCullum’s solid innings of 55 came off 98 deliveries and included three boundaries and a six.
McCullum was a lot more composed during his innings of 55
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Watling and Luke Ronchi kept the runs flowing with a 53-run partnership before Ronchi was caught behind off the bowling of James Anderson for 31.
Watling and Craig ensured New Zealand finished on a high as they amassed an unbeaten 23-run partnership, during which Watling recorded his fifth Test century, before stumps was called.
Watling finished on 100 off 137 balls, which included 13 boundaries and a six, while Craig remained undefeated on 15 off 35 deliveries, which included two boundaries.
Wood was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Broad took two and Anderson claimed one.
New Zealand ended day three on 338/6 and will continue batting tomorrow at 11:00 local time or 10:00 GMT.