England declare on 435-8 as they look to drive home superiority

England declare on 435-8 following Harry Brook and Joe Root’s majestic centuries as they look to force the issue against New Zealand and clinch a 2-0 series victory

• Harry Brook and Joe Root dug side out of trouble ensuring commanding position
• Brook struck 186 while Root was unbeaten on 153 when declaration came
• England lead 1-0 in the series as they look to drive home their superiority  

England declared their first innings closed at 435-8 in the second test against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.

Joe Root was unbeaten on 153 at the Basin Reserve when captain Ben Stokes called his batters in.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field.

Having declared, England made an early breakthrough in New Zealand’s first innings, with James Anderson removing Devon Conway caught behind for a duck. 

Anderson then struck again, taking the wicket of Kane Williamson to leave the hosts in a tricky position.  

England won the first test in Mount Maunganui by 267 runs.

More follows. 

Joe Root brought up his 150 on another successful morning for England as they looked to put the game beyond New Zealand in the first innings

Root – who has endured something of a tough spell with the bat recently – relished his return to form

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