New Zealand Player Creates World Record Vs Ireland – Tom Blundell Creates World Record as New Zealand Dominates Ireland in One-Off Test
Tom Blundell Creates World Record as New Zealand Dominates Ireland in One-Off Test
Tom Blundell celebrating his century [Source: AFP]
Tom Blundell marched on against Ireland on Day 2 after notching up a regal century in the opening day of their one-off Test. Batting at number six, the elegant wicketkeeper-batter compiled 186 runs off 292 balls with 22 cracking boundaries and three huge sixes after resuming his innings on Day 2 at 142*.
Record-Breaking Innings
The innings not only marked Blundell’s highest Test score, but also extended New Zealand’s total from 86-4 to 490-8d. Through the course of his monumental effort, the 35-year-old also scripted a huge world record on European soil.
Tom Blundell surpasses England’s Jamie Smith for huge record
Tom Blundell belted 186 runs off 292 balls with 22 fours and three huge sixes. The innings marked Blundell’s sixth Test century in his 45th match for New Zealand, and also the magnum opus of his career.
The 35-year-old also scripted the highest individual score recorded by any wicketkeeper-batter in Test history on European soil. The cricketer surpassed England stumper Jamie Smith, who clattered 184 runs against Team India at Edgbaston last year.
New Zealand’s Rescue Mission
On Day 1 of the one-off Test, New Zealand batted first and slipped to 86-4 inside the opening session. Middle-order batters Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell guided their side to a safe territory through their 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Ravindra himself cracked 121 runs off 194 balls with 11 boundaries and four huge sixes. Shortly after his departure to Harry Tector at 303-5 late in the day, Blundell aggregated another 158 runs for the sixth wicket with debutant Dean Foxcroft.
Ireland’s Woes Continue
Nathan Smith wrecks Ireland with the new ball
New Zealand captain Tom Latham eventually declared the innings at 490-8d around the halfway stage of Day 2.
In response, hosts Ireland lost each of their top six batters inside the first 10 overs. For New Zealand, fast bowler Nathan Smith picked up five of the six fallen Irishmen, all with the new ball, to claim sensational figures of 5-17 after his first six overs.
The speedster struck twice in the opening over of the second innings by claiming the huge wickets of both Ireland openers, Stephen Doheny and captain Andy Balbirnie.
Smith’s new ball partner Zak Foulkes picked the only other wicket to fall in the innings so far, that of Ireland’s number four Harry Tector in the tenth over.
