Zak Foulkes expects the Trent Bridge pitch to offer the hardest batting conditions of the Test, and England’s Shoaib Bashir agrees that the surface is breaking up.
Foulkes makes an impact
Foulkes came in as a concussion substitute for Blair Tickner and bowled 15.2 overs to take 3 for 35. His wickets included Harry Brook and England captain Ben Stokes, and they helped New Zealand spark a collapse after England had been 223 for 2. The hosts were bowled out for 354, as the visitors fought back with accurate, patient bowling.
Spin to play a big part
After the day’s play, Foulkes said Bashir’s turn and bounce showed how difficult the pitch is becoming. He expects Mitchell Santner to have a major role in the fourth innings, which is the advantage of bowling last, with the surface hopefully at its worst by then.
Bashir took 2 for 105 in New Zealand’s first innings of 436, which was built on a 317-run opening stand between Tom Latham and Devon Conway. He acknowledged the pitch is deteriorating, which makes his own role more important. In his words, the weather has dried the surface out, adding turn, bounce and sideways movement, and he has bowled well here in a second innings before.
Where the match stands
By the close of Day 3, New Zealand were 120 for 3 in their second innings, a lead of 204 that puts them firmly in control.
Bashir was still positive about England’s chances on the final two days. He would not put a number on a chase, saying the side has unbelievable players, though they would naturally prefer a small target as the pitch worsens.
