Cricket News

SECOND TEST, Old Trafford, Day Four:
England 202 & 98-1 v New Zealand 381 & 114

Blimey it's all going off isn't it?

It certainly is. England started at 76/1 this morning, knowing that a good solid day with the bat will see them win the Test match.

What do they need?

284. Which is a figure that both looks daunting and reachable at the same time.

Hmm. I suppose. What are the chances?

Slim. Despite having only lost Cook to Vettori so far, it's worth having another look at New Zealand's second innings to see what might be ahead for England.

Well?

Well they were dismissed for only 114, with no one getting above 30. And crucially, it was Monty Panesar who did the damage, taking career-best figures of 6-37.

Nice one Monty. So what you're saying is, there's a lot of turn in the pitch?

Precisely. And New Zealand have a left-arm spinner of their own who is quite handy.

Daniel Vettori.

You're good.

Thanks.

And baring in mind he's already got a five for in this match, and the first wicket of the second innings, New Zealand have to look like favourites at the minute.

Don't be so pessimistic, England's top six will come good finally, you just watch.

Fingers crossed. But if they do, and knock off the total before close today, do you know what that means?

No?

That we'll have got our pre-match prediction right, that England would win with a day to spare.

Blimey. That is pretty shocking. We can't be having that. Come on Daniel...