England ended the second day of the Test against New Zealand firmly in control after reducing the visitors to 36/3 in pursuit of a target of 254 runs. Following a collapse in their own second innings, England recovered to post 226 before their pace attack struck early to leave New Zealand needing another 218 runs with seven wickets in hand.

After bowling New Zealand out for 113 and taking a 27-run first-innings lead, England appeared to be cruising at 126/2 in their second innings. However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose four wickets in just 11 balls, allowing New Zealand back into the contest before late contributions pushed the hosts to a competitive total.

Robinson Shines on Return

Fast bowler Ollie Robinson marked his Test comeback with his first five-wicket haul in four years. England wrapped up New Zealand’s first innings in the opening hour of Day 2 after the visitors resumed on 61/6.

Josh Tongue dismissed Glenn Phillips with the first ball of the morning and removed Nathan Smith soon after. Robinson then bowled Matt Henry to complete a memorable five-wicket performance.

Emilio Gay Impresses on Debut

Debutant Emilio Gay bounced back from a first-innings duck with a fluent 57 in the second innings. The opener shared a 52-run stand with Ben Duckett and became the first England opener since Keaton Jennings in 2016 to score a fifty on Test debut.

New Zealand's fielding let them down as catches were dropped by Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and captain Tom Latham.

Smith Triggers Collapse

New Zealand pacer Nathan Smith once again starred with the ball, taking six wickets for the second innings in succession. England slumped from 126/2 to 127/6 as Joe Root and Harry Brook fell lbw while captain Ben Stokes departed without scoring.

The innings was revived by a vital 57-run partnership between wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson. Their stand proved to be the biggest partnership of the match and helped England reach 226.

Early Blow for New Zealand

Chasing 254, New Zealand suffered immediate setbacks. Captain Tom Latham was dismissed in the opening over by Gus Atkinson, caught by Harry Brook.

Former captain Kane Williamson, playing what is expected to be his final Test, managed only 18 before being trapped lbw by Josh Tongue. Nightwatchman Will O'Rourke was then bowled by Atkinson before stumps.

Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 12 as New Zealand closed on 36/3, still requiring 218 runs to secure victory.