Duckett & Stokes haul England back into third Test

England staged a remarkable comeback on day two of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, largely thanks to captain Ben Stokes' inspirational bowling and Ben Duckett's scintillating century. After New Zealand reached a dominant 317-0 on the opening day, England's bowlers, led by Stokes, took all 10 wickets for just 121 runs, dismissing the tourists for 438.

Stokes, returning to the side, was the catalyst for the turnaround, delivering a tireless spell in the sweltering heat. His eight overs yielded three crucial wickets, alongside a dropped catch. Shoaib Bashir contributed two wickets in an over, and Jofra Archer also took a wicket, while striking Blair Tickner with a blow that ultimately ruled the fast bowler out of the match with concussion. New Zealand, from their overnight 361-4, lost six wickets for 77 runs on Friday.

In response, England's batters, despite losing opener Emilio Gay for a duck, began cutting into the deficit. Duckett, supported by Jacob Bethell, achieved his first Test hundred since June, ending a challenging year on and off the field. The second-wicket pair added 179 runs, with Duckett eventually scoring 113. Bethell remained unbeaten on 74, his first Test half-century in a first innings at home. Joe Root was 21 not out.

England, who have endured a difficult eight months with only two wins in their last nine matches, showed immense credit by hanging in the game. Facing the task of dislodging New Zealand on a pitch that favors seamers and in extreme temperatures, they could have crumbled. Their ability to fight back, first with two wickets at the end of day one and then by dominating day two, sets up a potentially decisive finish. This match is charting a similar course to England's memorable win in 2022, which also occurred despite New Zealand posting a large first-innings total.