SECOND TEST, Old Trafford (day three, stumps):
England 202 & 76-1 v New Zealand 381 & 114
Monty Panesar produced his best Test bowling figures to revive England in the second Test against New Zealand. Left-arm spinner Panesar took 6-37 as the Kiwis were all out for just 114, having led by 179 on first innings. It left England, who were all out for 202 earlier in the day, with a victory target of 294. And although Daniel Vettori followed his 5-66 in England's first innings by removing Alastair Cook for 28, they avoided further loss to reach 76-1. LATEST ACTION (ALL TIMES BST)  | 606: DEBATE |
e-mail tms@bbc.co.uk (with 'For Sam Lyon' in the subject), text 81111 (with "CRICKET" as the first word) or use 606. (Not all contributions can be used)ENGLAND'S SECOND INNINGS 1835: Well what a day that was. Topsy-turvy from first ball to last, England out of it and then right back in it, this Test match is well and truly up for grabs... Make sure you're back here tomorrow for what should be the climax to a fascinating match. Unless you can make it up to Old Trafford of course, in which case get yourselves down there and let us ticketless oiks know how it goes! Adios amigos.
"This is a good, good start for England. They've only lost the one wicket, they're playing the obvious threat in Vettori pretty well and Strauss and Vaughan look up for the fight. New Zealand started the England innings as favourites, but I'm not sure now - I'd say it's even money."
Vic Marks on TMSCLOSE OF PLAY 1826 - Eng 76-1 (27 overs)
Vaughan takes it upon himself to see out the final over of the day and he does so impressively, fending off the first five deliveries and then pouncing on a long hop to spank a cut away for four. 1823 - Eng 72-1 (26 overs)
How starts with a long hop that Strauss pulls away for a couple, and a couple of full tosses fail to trouble the left-hander. Yet another full toss is pushed away for a couple more but Strauss misses out on another half-tracker when he miss-times his cut. Not the best over, really, but at least Vettori gets another go with the last over of the day... 1820 - Eng 68-1 (25 overs)
Daniel Vettori is slowly starting to find his rhythm and he beats Vaughan's outside edge with one that spins out of the footmarks. The England skipper looks less than comfortable but manages to get out of the over unscathed. Taufel and Hair check the light meter for the first time but Vettori makes their minds up for them by throwing the ball immediately to part-time off-spinner Jamie How. 1817 - Eng 68-1 (24 overs)
Michael Vaughan shows a touch of class first ball of the over, timing the monkey out of his drive down the ground for four. A single next ball means England need a further 226 for victory... 1812 - Eng 63-1 (23 overs)
Daniel Vettori rushes through his over, Vaughan grabbing a single with a push through the covers. The umpires show no intention of considering the light just yet, so O'Brien will continue. 1810 - Eng 62-1 (22 overs)
Mickey V plays it straight against O'Brien, pinching a single late in the over, but I would imagine England would bite your hand off for an offer of the light right now.
"This game is so intriguingly poised right now. How England would love a couple more left-handers in their top order to combat Vettori..."
Simon Mann on TMS1803 - WICKET! Cook c Marshall b Vettori 28, Eng 60-1
Oh how New Zealand needed that... Vettori gets one to turn back at Cook at hip height and the left-hander can only inside-edge it onto his thigh and into the hands of James Marshall at short leg. Crucial breakthrough before the close. Michael Vaughan comes to the crease, grabs a single off his first delivery, and there are six overs remaining in the day. Eng 61-11800 - Eng 57-0 (20 overs)
This opening pair of England's continue to frustrate the Kiwi bowlers, O'Brien probing away but Cook refusing to do anything silly just yet and that's one from the over. News that there are plenty of tickets available tomorrow at Old Trafford - I'd get along if I were you, it'll be a cracker either way, surely. "Regarding Angus Fraser's comment about NZ not knowing how to finish a team off, couldn't the same be said of England? The only difference, of course, is the bit about getting in a good position..."
Nick in Nebraska via the TMS inbox 1757 - Eng 56-0 (19 overs)
Cook cracks a shorter one from Vettori away for a couple towards deep point, and then grabs another two with some good running off a thick edge to one that had him panicked a touch outside off. 1754 - Eng 52-0 (18 overs)
Maiden to O'Brien, who gets one to spit off a crack and then has Strauss groping at a wide one. 1750 - Eng 52-0 (17 overs)
The England openers are ticking the scoreboard over nicely with the singles off Daniel Vettori, four off that over, and the hosts bring up the 50 without loss.
"New Zealand strike me as a team who just don't quite know how to finish a team off. They get in a good position, but then don't have the required conviction to nail an opponent."
Angus Fraser on TMS1746 - Eng 48-0 (16 overs)
Another probing over from Iain O'Brien is well negotiated by Alastair Cook, the ladies' favourite pinching a single off the last delivery to keep the strike. "I predict a wicket for Vettori soon, and Vaughan coming in as nightwatchman to protect Broad."
SwamyCricketAnanda on 606
Join the debate 1741 - Eng 47-0 (15 overs)
Close! Andrew Strauss comes down the pitch to fend off a Vettori delivery and almost nudges it straight to short leg, the ball falling just short. He gets off strike and Alastair Cook uses his feet in similar fashion to punch one through square on the on side for a well-timed four. 1739 - Eng 41-0 (14 overs)
O'Brien's first over is tidy enough, Strauss pinching a single off the back foot through the covers but nothing else for England's batsmen to feast upon. 1735 - Eng 40-0 (13 overs)
Maiden over for Vettori and England looking in OK shape. A couple of wickets changes everything, though... 1732 - Eng 40-0 (12 overs)
Much to Brian Waddle's bemusement, Kyle Mills does continue and Andrew Strauss takes advantage of a wide half-tracker with a fine cut for four. Iain O'Brien is warming up, and not before time...
"Can someone explain to me why Kyle Mills is still bowling? Please?"
Jeremy Coney on TMS1728 - Eng 35-0 (11 overs)
Daniel Vettori's radar is a little off at the moment, Alastair Cook nudging him down the leg side for four off the first ball and then back-cutting him behind point for three next up. Andrew Strauss is then a touch fortunate when he comes down the pitch to flick uppishly to the on side, but it is wide of the fielder and he is safe. 1724 - Eng 27-0 (10 overs)
Strangely, Iain O'Brien - the man who removed both openers in the first innings and bowled so impressively this morning - is still kicking his heels on the outfield. Mills bowls a maiden, bar a no-ball, but fails to trouble Strauss with anything too far out of the ordinary. "Is anyone else just pressing F5 every two mins hoping you don't see that green and white picture of a umpire?"
91hanrahan on 606
Join the debate 1720 - Eng 26-0 (9 overs)
Daniel Vettori is indeed on but, after his first delivery slips under Cook's attempted sweep, he then sees the England opener turn him to square leg for a couple. A wayward leg-side ripper then flies away for four byes. I've just noticed Cook's collar is rather provocatively unbuttoned to the chest, the cheeky swine. Still, that's one way to get more women into Test cricket. 1716 - Eng 20-0 (8 overs)
Mills continues but a wayward leg-side delivery is punished by Andrew Strauss, who nudges it off his hips for the first boundary of England's innings. Vettori is loosening up... 1712 - Eng 16-0 (7 overs)
Better from England, that over, Strauss tapping a couple to square leg and he and Cook dashing a couple of singles. No great alarms, so far - my money is on Vettori bowling the over after next. 1707 - Eng 12-0 (6 overs)
It's not just the Kiwis who are waiting for Vettori it seems, with England's openers becalmed and keen to keep their wickets intact rather than score. Cook pinches a single off another Mills over.
"There's a sense of New Zealand 'biding their time' at the moment with Martin and Mills - we're all just waiting for the real protagonist, Daniel Vettori, to get going. The sooner the better for my money."
Jeremy Coney on TMS1703 - Eng 11-0 (5 overs)
Cor blimey guvnor - a Chris Martin 88mph in-dipper seams off a length and zips past Cook's face and almost over Brendon McCullum at full stretch behind the stumps. If the pitch keeps playing like that, England have got no chance. A no-ball and Cook single keep the scoreboard ticking over. 1659 - Eng 9-0 (4 overs)
Andrew Strauss plays his first real shot in anger with a lovely nudge off his pads - it almost goes for four, but Jamie How claws it in from the boundary rope with a fabulous dive. Cook then pushes a single and, while they are not exactly rattling along, England will be content enough with this start. 1655 - Eng 5-0 (3 overs)
Alastair Cook is squared up a touch by Martin but the England opener's edge falls well short of the slip cordon and he dashes through for a couple. Good, accurate fare early doors. England need a further 289. 1650 - Eng 3-0 (2 over)
Kyle Mills is pretty accurate first up as well, Alastair Cook clipping a couple off his legs - good job he got bat on that, otherwise he was a goner. 1646 - Eng 0-0 (1 over)
Chris Martin - not Daniel Vettori... yet - has the new ball in his hands and he starts with a maiden, Andrew Strauss leaving most alone outside off stump. A quick kudos check for Joss from Paris (see below) - all England need now is for KP to smash a ton and a TV series and interview with Richard and Judy awaits, surely...
"New Zealand need to recapture the way they bowled this morning. Putting pressure on and looking to Daniel Vettori for his usual magic."
Brian Waddle on TMS
"What England need is a partnership - one substantial partnership early - and then all of a sudden the ball stops turning, the pitch stops spitting, and maybe, just maybe, they could do this."
Vic Marks on TMSNEW ZEALAND'S SECOND INNINGS "How very accurate Joss was (see below) by predicting six Panesar wickets and the total was close too, well done!"
Joe, Reading via text 1632 - WICKET! O'Brien c Anderson b Sidebottom 6, NZ 114 all out
Well that didn't take long - the New Zealand innings is all over as O'Brien attempts to punch Sidebottom over the covers but he can only find James Anderson at mid-off. New Zealand's lead is 293, meaning England need to post an Old Trafford record 294 to snatch victory here. I can't see it myself, but...
"Daniel Flynn will not bat - he has improved but the Kiwis will not take a risk with him - and he has returned to the team hotel. This is the last wicket."
Alison Mitchell on TMS1628 - WICKET! Mills c Ambrose b Panesar 8, NZ 114-8
Monty Panesar strikes again and it has been coming - Mills attempting a hoik on the sweep and succeeding only in top-edging high into the Old Trafford sky, Ambrose pouching the catch with ease. Chris Martin - and not Daniel Flynn - comes in and sees out the over. The Kiwis in danger of posting second-lowest total in their history at Old Trafford here. 1626 - 113-7 (40 overs)
Ryan Sidebottom is getting the ball to jag back in at Iain O'Brien a touch, and he whizzes one just past the batsman's off stump as the tail-ender shoulders arms. He's left kicking the turf again at the end of the over when O'Brien is fortunate to spoon one into midwicket and he ends up running three. 1622 - NZ 110-7 (39 overs)
Iain O'Brien is fencing off Monty Panesar pretty well at the moment, but just occupying the crease and taking up time is doing his side few favours, I reckon. Talk that the light is closing in - the TMS crew think the Kiwis will stay on regardless, though. 1619 - NZ 109-7 (38 overs)
Tidy enough from Sidebottom, but no great alarms for the Kiwi pair, Mills pinching a couple off his pads. "Things CAN get better. Australia 21/5 in their second innings!"
Mike the Essex man, juggling between the reports, via the TMS inbox
West Indies v Australia 1616 - NZ 107-7 (36 overs)
Monty Panesar wheels away to Iain O'Brien, and he finds the edge second ball only for it to drop shot of Collingwood at second slip. O'Brien plays it well otherwise, but it's a maiden. 1609 - WICKET! Oram c Ambrose b Sidebottom 7, NZ 106-7
Got him! Good catch from Ambrose as Oram swipes loosely at a Sidebottom delivery only to edge it behind. Seven wickets down, a lead of 285 runs, and still no sign of Daniel Flynn as Iain O'Brien comes out to bat. "Blimey, just put the live text on after the F1 - from one outbreak of chaos to another isn't it? Can I just take this opportunity to say hello to the enigmatic Sarah from Canterbury, who I was lucky enough to meet at the Kent vs Surrey FP trophy game at the Oval a few weeks back - another example of TMS bringing people together!"
Ollie Woods via the TMS inbox 1608 - NZ 106-6 (35 overs)
Oram appears to be coping a bit better with his neck/shoulder problem this side of tea and he times Panesar through midwicket for a couple before pinching a single to keep the strike next over. 1605 - NZ 103-6 (34 overs)
Sidebottom, running into the wind, is cutting an increasingly frustrated figure and his mood is not helped when Pietersen lopes along to allow Kyle Mills to dash through for a couple with a prod to midwicket. "If England win from this position I'll gladly eat both of my shoes."
mrcann on 606
Join the debate 1601 - NZ 100-6 (33 overs)
Jacob Oram does his best to leave Panesar well alone before pinching a single to end the over - one wonders if he'll be able to do the same to some short stuff from Sidebottom. 1558: The players are out in the middle and Monty Panesar will take the first over. Strap yourselves in people, this is going to be fun. 1548: And while we're waiting for England and New Zealand to finish off their Earl Grey... check out Graham Gooch's blog bemoaning the lack of authority in England's batting.
England batting lacks authority 1545: A little weather update for you, courtesy of Phil Avery on TMS; we should be all right for the rest of the day - light might be an issue later on, Monday will be ok as well, with the odd shower threatening but nothing major, but Tuesday is an absolute write-off as we stand. We won't get anywhere near troubling play on Tuesday will we?
"I can't wait for the final session to get under way, to be honest, this is absolutely riveting."
Jonathan Agnew on TMSTEA 1540 - NZ 99-6 (32 overs)
Sidebottom takes the last over before tea, Mills thick-edging through the slip cordon for four and a couple of leg byes add to New Zealand's lead. The tourists lead by 276 and we might just have an extremely interesting final session of the day ahead of us. By the way, Monty's last nine overs went for 11 runs and earned him four wickets. What on earth might Daniel Vettori do on this pitch? Or is that too pessimistic? "I'm flicking channels between the cricket and the League One play-off at Wembley. Hit wrong button and accidentally caught Hyacinth Bucket in 'Keeping up Appearances' - got involved for five minutes and missed three wickets. Might try it again, see England if can take two more."
Mike, Ashford, Kent via text 1536 - NZ 93-6 (31 overs)
Jacob Oram, in clear distress and discomfort, sees out the over with a couple to square leg, but the all-rounder really does look in pain. 1532 - WICKET! Taylor lbw Panesar 15, NZ 91-6
That's the wicket England wanted! Taylor is caught in front playing defensively and Taufel takes a moment before putting his finger up. Replays suggest it might just have been doing too much, as it happens, but Monty does not care a jot as he celebrates his 100th Test wicket in only his 28th Test. That's one match fewer than Daniel Vettori took to reach that landmark, and the same as Bob Willis, Dominic Cork and Andy Caddick. 1531 - NZ 91-5 (30 overs)
Lest we forget, it was this pair that took the game away from England in the first innings, so Mickey V won't be counting his chickens just yet. Ryan Sidebottom is as accurate as ever and he can't believe he hasn't uprooted Mills's off-stump with the final delivery, the batsman shouldering arms and the ball jagging in off a length millimetres past the stumps.
"As a neutral, you just hope the rain stays away because the equation is getting more and more enticing. A demanding target will undoubtedly be set, but not necessarily an impossible one, and it could barely be more intriguing."
Vic Marks on TMS1524 - WICKET! Vettori c Broad b Panesar 4, NZ 91-5
Vettori's gone! Madness from the Kiwi skipper, top-edging a slog sweep straight down Stuart Broad's throat at deep square leg - nice catch out of the sky, that - and as big a lead as 270 already is for the tourists, one can't help but think the momentum is swinging away from them a touch. It's not Oram in next, it's Mills. 1522 - NZ 90-4 (28 overs)
This is more like it from the England bowlers - taking a leaf out New Zealand's books and keeping things tight. Sidebottom throws down a maiden, Vettori happy to keep his bat out of the way of most. 1519 - NZ 90-4 (27 overs)
More good work from Panesar, but Ross Taylor plays out a maiden well, his one minor alarm coming when he misses with an attempted sweep and it hits his pads. The ball was doing too much and going over the top, though. "Excellent, we are actually having a go, rather than giving up."
bow4fowler on 606
Join the debate 1516 - NZ 90-4 (26 overs)
Ryan Sidebottom comes on and Vettori greets him with a firm push wide of mid-on that earns him three. Jacob Oram will not come in next, if needed apparently, although you have to wonder in what state he will be. Ross Taylor nabs a single but Sid finds his range late in the over, getting one past Vettori's outside edge with one that's a little fuller. 1507 - WICKET! McCullum lbw Panesar 0, NZ 85-4
And again! McCullum almost goes first ball when he is rapped on the pads - the ball was possibly too high - and Panesar then rips one off the pitch past his outside edge. He's gone next ball, though, McCullum attempting a sweep but missing, the ball striking him on the back leg/hip in front of off. Monty's got the mocker on McCullum a touch in this series, but is it too little too late for England? 1504 - WICKET! Marshall lbw Panesar 28, NZ 85-3
Panesar strikes again! Easy decision for Taufel as a quicker arm ball from Panesar squares Marshall up completely and strikes the batsman on the pads plumb in front of middle. Brendon McCullum comes in. 1503 - NZ 85-2 (24 overs)
Stuart Broad goes up for an lbw shout when he raps Marshall on the pads with one that comes in off a length - it struck him outside the line - and salt is rubbed into the wound when four leg byes follow from another misdirected delivery. Ross Taylor then goes down on one knee and crunches the final delivery through point for a beauty of a boundary. 1459 - NZ 77-2 (23 overs)
A single apiece to Taylor and Marshall off another tidy Panesar over, the last delivery really showing some bite off the pitch. Need a few more of those do England. 1457 - NZ 75-2 (22 overs)
James Marshall is looking increasingly confident and he whips Broad away for another three, Jimmy Anderson doing well to stop a boundary on the dive, and that's the only scoring shot of the over. The latest, latest word from Alison Mitchell is that neither Oram nor Flynn will bat, now, almost definitely for sure. Sort of. I hope that clears that up. 1453 - NZ 72-2 (21 overs)
Monty Panesar is again unfortunate with an lbw shout - and when I say shout, I mean the kind of scream reserved for eight-year-olds pleading for a packet of chocolate biscuits in aisle 13 - when he gets one to hold its line on middle and leg and it traps Ross Taylor. Simon Taufel denies the appeal, but replays suggest it was hitting leg halfway up. A maiden. 1450 - NZ 72-2 (20 overs)
Broad's proving a bit expensive, here. His first ball is tucked to square leg for three by Ross Taylor, and Marshall then back-cuts him for three through gully. He is suffering a touch of what Anderson had earlier in the day - twice losing his run-up heading into the wind - but he needs to tighten things up. 1445 - NZ 65-2 (19 overs)
Panesar continues to wheel away but Marshall plays him pretty comfortably. A maiden. "Looks like it's up to Lewis Hamilton to produce some English joy today. Do you think he's got TMS on in his driving seat?"
Carol, online in Portugal, via the TMS inbox
(If TMS doesn't inspire him at 180mph, Carol, nothing will... SL) "On the subject of Muppets, I propose Daniel Vettori is a spitting image of Dr Bunsen Honeydew."
Mike, Manchester via the TMS inbox
"Jacob Oram is still having a bit of trouble with his neck in nets - he fell awkwardly in the warm-up apparently - and I'm not sure Flynn will bat at all. I understand McCullum will be in next, followed by Vettori."
Alison Mitchell on TMS1439 - NZ 65-2 (18 overs)
Broady does indeed come into the attack, but he drifts down leg early doors to gift Marshall four runs. In fact, the youngster is too straight throughout the over and it costs England six. "Ok, all together now, rain dance on the count of three..."
ruthere909 on 606
Join the debate 1435 - NZ 59-2 (17 overs)
Ross Taylor gets off the mark with a single and Monty then drifts onto his leg stump, allowing him to pick up a three with a casual flick. Stuart Broad is getting warmed up, might be time for Anderson to take a break. 1431 - NZ 54-2 (16 overs)
Anderson thinks he's trapped Marshall lbw but there was a bit of bat on that, and the Kiwi then clips one from outside off away through midwicket for four. That hands New Zealand a lead of 233 - which means England would already need a record score on this ground to chase down victory (the previous best being England's successful chase of 231 for the loss of three wickets against the West Indies in 2004).
"New Zealand were definitely looking to get after Panesar but that wicket might just check that approach now."
Angus Fraser on TMS1428 - NZ 50-2 (15 overs)
Panesar continues to New Zealand's man in form Ross Taylor, and he thinks he might have got him when Taylor misjudges the length of one that he goes back to instead of forward, but the Kiwi gets enough bat on it to survive. Another maiden. "Re the Muppets, and following Vic Mark's earlier comment - Peter Moores and Avram Grant - the grumpy two old men in the Royal Box."
Andrew, Dubai in the TMS inbox 1425 - NZ 50-2 (14 overs)
There is the odd demon in this pitch and Anderson spits one off a length that rises into Marshall's arm, the Kiwi fortunate to keep the ball down in the end. First slip, third slip and gully catching, but England still can't afford to over-attack. Still, that's a maiden. 1420 - WICKET! How lbw Panesar 29, NZ 50-2 (13 overs)
New Zealand are keen not to let Monty Panesar settle and Jamie How does his bit with a lovely punch through the covers for four first up. He and Marshall then keep the scoreboard ticking over with singles... but then How goes! The opener trying to get forward to one that straightened from off and middle and Simon Taufel has no hesitation in giving that out at all. "If we're widening the net on muppet chat may I suggest Freddie for Big Bird?"
Cocky, on holiday in the rain, via the TMS inbox 1417 - NZ 44-1 (12 overs)
Marshall's gameplan appears to be to attack and he back-cuts Anderson away for four first ball - he loves that shot - and then an attempted flick to the on-side clips his pads and runs away for another four. Anderson replies with one that beats Marshall's outside edge, but the Kiwis' lead is already 223... Anyone else think that's already enough? 1413 - NZ 36-1 (11 overs)
Panesar finds Marshall's edge, but it goes past slip and down to third man for a fortunate four. Marshall then finds a far more confident stroke with a cut through square for a couple.
"The key here for England in my book is to dry up the runs - the wickets will come, but they need to stop New Zealand scoring."
Vic Marks on TMS1405 - WICKET! Redmond c Collingwood b Anderson 6, NZ 28-1
Breakthrough! Good delivery from Anderson in the 'channel of uncertainty' and Redmond's attempted drive can only find Collingwood in the gully, the ginger ninja taking a good catch. James Marshall comes to the crease on a pair... but he gets off the mark second ball. NZ 29-1 (10 overs) "Sesame Street characters aren't strictly Muppets, but I can hear clamouring for a recall for Rob Key - the Cookie Monster."
Owen O'Rorke via the TMS inbox "Another muppet - Ian Bell could be Beaker. And back in the day David Gower was a ringer for Statler."
Cen via text 1403 - NZ 28-0 (9 overs)
It may only be the ninth over but Monty Panesar is on already. He has a slip, gully and silly point first up to Redmond, but none of those have a chance when Redmond punches a four through the covers. A single and then a brace through point for How follow and Monty was far too full in that over, for me.
"It would appear Darrell Hair is taking the conservative approach in this Test. But, I'm sorry, that was out."
Simon Mann on TMS1359 - NZ 21-0 (8 overs)
Massive escape for Jamie How, moments after smashing four through point, when he is trapped apparently plumb in front by one from Anderson that nipped back at him a touch off a length. Darrell Hair is again unmoved, though, and that's something of a reprieve. By the way, England captain Michael Vaughan has already pushed field back, with slip, gully and short mid-wicket the only close catchers (what on earth?!).
"News on Daniel Flynn - he is at the ground and among the New Zealand team but no-one is quite sure if he will bat just yet. He is feeling better from yesterday, apparently, and is down at six, but whether he will be pressed into action is another thing."
Alison Mitchell on TMS1355 - NZ 17-0 (7 overs)
Jamie How finally gets Ryan Sidebottom off the square, punching a half-volley down the ground for four, and the opener repeats the stroke - this time through the on side - for another boundary. He grabs a single to end the over and no great scares for the tourists just yet. "England cricketers as Muppets... Rowlf the piano playing bear has to be Ryan Sidebottom."
Chris Lowe via the TMS inbox 1351 - NZ 8-0 (6 overs)
Anderson gets one to spit up at How off a length, that the batsman does well to fence away, and Jimmy then jags one back in to the opener's pads to spark a big lbw appeal. Darrell Hair is unmoved, though, maybe judging the delivery to have been too high - close call. One off the over. 1347 - NZ 7-0 (5 overs)
Third straight maiden from Sidebottom, though he will be disappointed not to have got Redmond playing at it more. How long before Panesar is brought on? 1343 - NZ 7-0 (4 overs)
James Anderson raps a straight one into Jamie How's pads first up but it is going down leg, and then, after yielding a couple to the leg side, the Lancashire boy offers How a wide one short of a length that is dispatched to the boundary. 1336: We're a few minutes away from the restart at Old Trafford and our assistant editor Paul Grunill is predicting a wicket within the first two overs... which should pretty much guarantee an explosive opening century partnership from the Kiwis - don't go anywhere. "Re: Maty, Innsbruck - But which muppet would each player be?"
OSJ, Istanbul via the TMS inbox "I recommend everyone switches over to the F1. Rain at Monaco - far more exciting than another inept England performance."
Simon, Cambridge via the TMS inbox
Live - Monaco Grand Prix "How about the English middle order batsmen entering Eurovision 2009 as a Muppet tribute act?"
Maty, Innsbruck via the TMS inbox "I'm revising for my Cancer Biology Final on Wednesday, and just about the only thing that is more depressing than learning about the various ways I'm going to snuff it, is the cricket score."
Chris, Norwich via the TMS inbox "If the England cricket team are to be a serious international force, then they need the best coaches in the world. The Football Association recognised that when they appointed Fabio Capello, so why are the ECB still persisting with their own version of Steve McClaren?"
peterwgtennant on 606
Join the debate "Do England really need lunch? They've not really done enough to build a sweat up have they?"
Lee, Herts via text LUNCH 1300 - NZ 1-0 (3 overs)
Ryan Sidebottom goes round and then over the wicket but it's all too comfortable for Redmond and he sees out a maiden before lunch. New Zealand totally and utterly on top and Michael Vaughan and his team have a huge amount of work to do. I'm off to play on Facebook for a bit, see you all there. "Sam - don't you understand? This is all part of Vaughany's master plan. Panesar to get six wickets and the Kiwis to be bowled out for 120. Pietersen to get a quick hundred on our way to an easy victory. Lovely."
Joss in Paris via the TMS inbox 1255 - NZ 1-0 (2 overs)
Amusingly, after hitting the bat twice - and the pitch six times - the ball is deemed not good enough to continue with and the umpires change it. Quickest ball change ever? Jimmy Anderson can't get any swing from the new ball either, but he does at least get Aaron Redmond playing. The opener edges one short of Alastair Cook at gully, before pinching a single off his hips. "On my laptop I have the cricket in one window, golf in another, tennis in another and F1 on the TV! How am I supposed to get any work done?"
Matt, in sunny Eastbourne, via text
(Face it Matt, you're not. Get the beers in, son... SL) 1249 - NZ 0-0 (1 over)
No swing for Sid and even though it's a maiden to start, Jamie How only has to play at two deliveries. Hhmmm. "Panesar has to take a hatful. And on this pitch, against these batsmen, he REALLY should. Turn, bounce, and batsmen who average sub-30."
GenesisTub on 606
Join the debate 1245: The players are out and if there is anyone who can get England back into this match through sheer guts and effort, it has to be Ryan Sidebottom. He of the perm will open the bowling. ENGLAND'S FIRST INNINGS
"New Zealand just have to start again, now, but if they bat like they did in the first innings then a declaration could, in theory, be comfortably made by lunch on day four. The weather forecasts may be in their mind, I wouldn't be surprised if they again take the attack to England's bowlers."
Jeremy Coney on TMS1236 - WICKET! Broad c sub b Mills 30, Eng 202 all out
Stuart Broad plays one aggressive shot too many and falls driving uppishly at deep cover to sub fielder Jeetan Patel. Splendid innings from Stuey, though, England's 'proper' batsmen should take note. Daniel Vettori has a quick huddle with his team on the outfield before they go back into the pavilion with a 179-run lead. Cracking morning for the tourists. "Rob Key has to be recalled back to the England team!"
Michael Jeffrey via the TMS inbox 1234 - Eng 202-9 (83 overs)
Anderson is on strike first up against Vettori but prods into the offside off the back foot for a single - nice. Broad adds another to bring the 200 up, before Anderson pushes a nice cover drive for a couple to end the over. "Should we move Broad up to three?"
monsta666 on 606
Join the debate 1231 - Eng 198-9 (82 overs)
Just what England need at the moment, this, as Stuart Broad takes the attack to Kyle Mills, crashing hard past extra cover for four and then lacing another boundary off the back foot next ball. A much needed morale boost, this.
"We are seeing now why England are desperate to get Flintoff back. Him at seven and Prior at six in the series against South Africa for me."
Vic Marks on TMS1226 - Eng 189-9 (81 overs)
Broad continues to make a mockery of the batsmen's struggles, shepherding Jimmy Anderson well and picking up the odd run. He grabs a two with a thick edge to midwicket and then adds another three to the scoreboard to keep the strike at the end of the over with a neat cover drive. 1223 - Eng 184-9 (80 overs)
Broad grabs a single in a brief trouble-free over from Mills. The new ball is due but Daniel Vettori won't be looking at that just yet, I don't think. 1220 - Eng 183-9 (79 overs)
Vettori continues - and Broady sees England past the follow-on target with a neat push into the covers for two. Cue ironic cheers from the Old Trafford crowd and a version of 'The Great Escape' from the trumpeter. A single from the stylish left-hander adds to the total but it's all looking a little desperate for the hosts.
"Peter Moores is looking a little like Avram Grant on the balcony..."
Vic Marks on TMS
Grant sacked as Chelsea manager "As an Essex supporter, can I remind the selectors of an excellent wicket-keeper who can hang about in very difficult circumstances... Foster scored 88 to save the game against Leicestershire practically single-handedly yesterday."
Mike the Essex man via the TMS inbox
Battling Essex deny Foxes victory 1212 - WICKET! Panesar c McCullum b Mills 1, Eng 180-9
Stunning! Jonathan Agnew is making some rather worrying excited noises in the TMS inbox as Brendon McCullum pouches a staggering catch, diving to his left, to remove Panesar off the bowling of Mills. England still need two to avoid having to bat again... and all eyes are on Jimmy A... 1210 - Eng 178-8 (77 overs)
Monty not only sees out Vettori's over, but also grabs a single. Broad is then beaten outside off, but he survives. 1207 - WICKET! Ambrose c Taylor b Vettori 3, Eng 178-8
Well, maybe Matt Prior should be dusting off his England caps after all... Tim Ambrose drives unwisely at Vettori and the spinner finds his edge, Ross Taylor again the man to take the catch at slip. Just what England didn't need, that, and Monty P and/or Jimmy A need to help Broad to get three more runs to avoid the follow-on. 1206 - Eng 178-7 (76 overs)
Kyle Mills comes on to give O'Brien a breather after being tonked about a bit by Broad in his last over and he keeps things pretty tight, Stuey grabbing a single to the covers. "Why are we still playing 'Test' cricket - surely we've practised long enough to get on with the real thing? Mind you, on this morning's performance..."
David R via the TMS inbox "Come back Hick and Ramps, all is forgiven."
Rob H via the TMS inbox 1200 - Eng 177-7 (75 overs)
Stuart Broad sweeps away confidently for a single off Vettori and, as those of you chatting on 606 are pointing out, he's showing up the 'proper' batsmen at the moment. 1156 - Eng 175-7 (74 overs)
Stuart Broad - he's a cracking prospect to my mind - gets a much needed boundary with a delicate flick off his pads and then crunches a beauty of a cover drive for another four. Only six needed to avoid the follow-on... "Just think no Football to worry about over the summer, perhaps the Cricketers will cheer up the malaise that currently seems to effect all of the English national sides. Or perhaps not.. anyone know how the English national hop scotch team is doing at the moment?"
David, Aylesbury via the TMS inbox 1153 - Eng 167-7 (73 overs)
A single apiece for Ambrose and Broad but Daniel Vettori ends the over with a big lbw appeal against the former. Darrell Hair turns it down - but it is a huge escape for Ambrose, who was plumb in front. Poor decision, that. In reply to Thomas, below, I think most readers of this website would know I'm a big fan of Prior. But Ambrose has to get a run in the side I think - England can't keep chopping and changing the wicket-keeper every two minutes. That said, in the form Prior's in at the moment (he's scored over 500 runs this campaign already), might he justify a place as a batsman only? "Hey Sam, i wonder if the selectors are wondering whether they should have kept Prior. His runs would be invaluable considering the failure of the top order as he averages around 40, what do you think?"
Thomas Viegas via the TMS inbox 1150 - Eng 165-7 (72 overs)
Huzzah! Timmy Ambrose gets off the mark with a nudged single to the leg side and the crowd go wild. I say wild, I think they collectively coughed up a sweet or something, but still. Just that run from O'Brien's over - the Kiwi seamer is being made to look a world beater, here - which statistics, and we all know how useless they are, tell you he is most definitely not. "I see the armchair selectors are chirping again..."
tommybrusher on 606
Join the debate "Innings defeat, anyone?"
Sarah, Canterbury via the TMS inbox 1142 - WICKET! Collingwood lbw Vettori 2, Eng 164-7
Oh dear, BBC Sport's good friend Paul Collingwood is back in the hutch, playing back to a faster, flatter one from Daniel Vettori and trapped plumb in front of middle. The Kiwis are rampant, but Broad sees out the over - just. "Hey Sam, why don't YOU enter Eurovision? You have a few tunes up your sleeve don't you..."
Ste Pritchard, Warrington via the TMS inbox
(Ste, I absolutely will not post this simply to promote me and/or my music. You can all find me on myspace and facebook, though, cheers... SL) 1137 - WICKET! Bell c Taylor b O'Brien 8, Eng 164-6
Belly's gone! Just reward for a superb O'Brien spell, the seamer getting one to nip away and Ross Taylor takes the edge at first slip at the second attempt. England are reeling - and have still not avoided the follow-on target of 182. Simon Mann, rather optimistically, points out on TMS that it was Colly and Ambrose who turned the second Test around for England in New Zealand... I'm not holding my breath. 1135 - Eng 163-5 (69 overs)
Paul Collingwood is beaten by a terrific Vettori delivery that spins out of the rough, but he then brings out the trusted sweep to grab a couple. For my part, I'm struggling to shake the image of Hair umpiring in just his pants, which in itself is disturbing on so many levels.
"The wind is howling out there. It's threatening to take off Darrell Hair's trousers."
Simon Mann on TMS
(A rather hideous thought if ever there was one... SL)1132 - Eng 161-5 (68 overs)
Is it me or is there an air of inevitability about this England innings? Ian Bell, as he often does, looks rather wonderful in pinching a single - but can he go on? - while Paul Collingwood contents himself with a solid defence. 1125 - WICKET! Pietersen c Taylor b Vettori 26, Eng 160-5
Well, we can't say that wasn't coming. KP has had two lives but falls on the third - getting a big stride forward, his bat in front of his pads, and edging a Vettori delivery that turned a little straight to Ross Taylor at first slip, who pouches an easy one. Yet another failure from an England middle-order batsman. Collingwood sees out the over. "Correct, it was the year before, but also they came from Finland, not Iceland!"
Sven Thomas, Cambridge (and about a dozen others keen to usurp me in the 'sad' stakes) via the TMS inbox 1124 - Eng 159-4 (66 overs)
Another probing over from Iain O'Brien and it's another maiden, with KP desperately digging in. 1120 - Eng 159-4 (65 overs)
Daniel Vettori speeds through another over, KP sweeping a single but still he and England have yet to settle at all. "Perhaps Pietersen should dress up in a Viking death-goth outfit and start wielding an axe instead of a bat? It worked for Iceland in the Eurovision last year..."
Rob G via the TMS inbox
(Lordy actually won it the year before, I believe. Oh gawd, how sad am I... SL) 1118 - Eng 158-4 (64 overs)
O'Brien is really 'making it talk' at the moment as he slams another beauty into Ian Bell's pads. Unfortunately, he can't yet get the ball to scream the word 'out' as Bell gets literally millimetres outside the line. A maiden.
"Deliveries like that only serve to remind England that it is imperative that they get up to - and preferably beyond - New Zealand's total if they are going to be competitive in this match."
Jonathan Agnew on TMS1114 - Eng 158-4 (63 overs)
KP is getting a bit of working over at the moment and Vettori gets one to spit off a crack that rips by the outside edge at around shoulder height. "WALK!!! KP knew that was out... what is going on??"
waikato_fc on 606
Join the debate 1110 - Eng 156-4 (62 overs)
Word is that Jacob Oram is off the pitch this morning because of a shoulder injury - the tourists will be desperate for him to have a bowl at some point today, I'm sure. Pietersen is again troubled by an O'Brien in-seamer and he is fortunate not to get an inside-edge onto his pad as it is caught in the slips. In fact, 'hot-spot' shows KP did edge it - massive escape, that, and the Kiwis may regret a half-hearted appeal. Pietersen's second escape of the innings after somehow surviving an lbw shout against Vettori last night. 1106 - Eng 154-4 (61 overs)
Daniel Vettori will share the opening overs and he gets a thick outside edge of Pietersen, coming down the pitch, that rolls along the floor. Pietersen grabs a single off the last, Ian Bell yet to face a delivery this morning. "Injustice of the Eurovision? Surely it celebrates the worst of contemporary music and coming last is therefore victory! This could be a useful approach for England in the cricket as well?"
Adrian, Wiltshire via the TMS inbox 1104 - Eng 153-4 (60 overs)
An early lbw from Iain O'Brien as he raps Kevin Pietersen on the pads, the England man beaten by the seam, but it hit him outside the line and Simon Taufel correctly rules it not out. A leg bye gets England scoring.
"Big, big day for England's middle order today. The top order did it at Lord's but the middle order failed - it's their turn to shine now."
Jeremy Coney on TMS "Sam, I thought you were there to report on the cricket. I did not know that it is your job to criticise the Eurovision song contest from last night, let alone suggest that the voting was unfair. I thought the BBC is supposed to report objectively. Apparently that is not the case here!"
Sebastian Suter via the TMS inbox
(I'm still trying to work out if this email is tongue in cheek... SL) 1058: The players are out on the pitch, Iain O'Brien to take the opening over. 1050: Apparently, the pitch is already starting to crack up a bit - Daniel Vettori may well be licking his lips - making it all the more imperative England try to avoid batting for survival on the last day one would think. A sunny start has been replaced by overcast conditions, again playing into the Kiwis' hands... "I too feel this Eurovision thing is a scandal. As a top lawyer specialising in matters of insult to the great British public, I will certainly be taking the case to the European Court for Pop Warblers' Rights, and will be calling Mr Cliff Richard as a key witness, thus proving it's been going on for some time now."
Paul in Lancs via the TMS inbox "I'm attending tomorrow but am concerned by the apparent ground ban on musical instruments, which I find faintly ridiculous. Is there any chance of me being able to bring my conch shell on? In 2005 it was confiscated by 'security' on the grounds that it could be used as 'an offensive weapon'. Never mind the thousands of umbrellas that were being taken in!"
Dan Smith, Stockport, via the TMS inbox "If anyone wants an example of how to turn a negative into a positive they need look no further than West Indies late assault against Australia last night."
Seb {He's won it ten times!} on 606
Join the debate "The Latvian pirates, with a 'high high ho' and a 'high high he', were robbed!"
Mat in a wet Norfolk via text 1042: Oh yes, don't forget to get involved via email, 606 and text on 81111, Lordy (past Eurovision winners no less) knows I need your missives today to keep me entertained. 1040: Hello everybody peeps. If you are a resident in the south of England, you may be looking outside your window and wondering just how we're going to get any cricket in with the weather as wet as it is. But fear not! Manchester is dry as a bone as it stands and we'll be kicking off on time. I'll be honest, the forecast is not great for the rest of the day - light rain is apparently due later on - but we'll press on and deal with that when it happens... England need a bit of a mammoth effort from one, if not two players to get back into this Test today after a fabulous second day from New Zealand led by Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori - what are the odds on KP and Belly each getting a ton? But before the cricket all that, what about the injustice that was Eurovision last night?! You know, I'm not even sure it's a song contest anymore, I reckon it's all about politics...
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