England continues on the fourth day still (still!) 80 consecutive delays, 473/5 in response to 553 of New Zealand. The pitch has changed a bit for Michael Bracewell, the part-time Kiwi, who impressed and can do more as we move forward. There is still a lot of time in this game and although the draw is a favorite, do not rule out something dramatic happening in the third innings. If New Zealand manages to score fast, it could give England a difficult mission on the fifth day. And while England did great yesterday, it would not be surprising or misplaced for them to lose wickets to teams on the fifth day … On the other hand, Ben Stokes and the home side’s locker room will imagine that, if Joe Ruth manages to continue today, they would pass the Kiwis well, then they would laugh out on a troubled tour and start a chase in the fourth inning. We’ll see. The game continues at 11 a.m. this morning. It should be sunny and pleasant there today, it has a gentle breeze. No rain is forecast. There is no reason why we can not do 90 over (or, as in the previous days, say 88 over) New Zealand family sailor Kyle Jamieson punctured his back yesterday to avoid a bowl. Yard yakka on the menu for Tim Southee and Trent Boult, both of whom continue to be wonderful, capable warriors for the Kiwi affair. They were disappointed with the stadium yesterday. I think we have had nine or maybe ten drops so far in this test, and both sides seem to have forgotten how to catch. The person who will be watching this morning will of course be Joe Root. He was incredibly good yesterday. It was a great moment to play an incredible pull drive, pulling a ball from the side and nailing it away on it was so skillful that Ben Stokes was really laughing on the balcony. Nick Hoult also led Alex Lees, who promoted his own cause. We should have a nice day, I think. I imagine Root, as always, will score fast, and if Foakes and the tail can also crack, England could still create a winning position.
