SECOND TEST, Old Trafford (day two):
England v New Zealand 204-4
The weather was set fair for the start of the second day of the second Test at Old Trafford, with New Zealand set to resume their quest for a strong total.
Football: Lampard & Rooney fit ...
Kiwis set for second IPL auction ...
French local poll to test Sarkozy ...
Oil hits new record high ... Following the dull skies that took the players off the field on Friday afternoon, bright and breezy conditions were in evidence in Manchester.
Ross Taylor was due to begin day two needing another 33 runs for his second Test ton, partnered by Jacob Oram (22).
The total of 202-4 might be for five as Daniel Flynn may not bat due to injury.
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By Sam Lyon
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"It's nearly 6pm in Taiwan, hot and humid as ever, perfect time to open a beer and settle in for some cricket action. Three cheers for the boffins who make it possible from me to listen to TMS online!"
Trick, Taipei via the TMS inbox
1103 - NZ 204-4 (55 overs)
The wind is playing havoc with the bails early doors and yet, somehow, big Darrell Hair appears unmoved and unaffected. How strange. Oram gets going with a flick off his pads for two, and the day is just three balls old before Broad tests the left-hander out with a bouncer. Broad zips another couple by throat high after switching round the wicket but Oram sways out of the way nicely.
1059: The England team stream out onto the pitch, have a quick cuddle, and judging by those bright white tops of their's there is a fair old wind blowing. Looks like young Stuart Broad will take the first over.
"Do you think New Zealand will come out fighting tooth and nail this morning?"
Graham, St Albans in the TMS inbox
1055: Well, Old Trafford really is bathed in sunshine at the moment - anybody reading this there? Get in touch and let us know what it's like - conditions, atmosphere, predictions... whatever...
1050: Paul Collingwood, speaking on the outfield, admits it was "a shame" England couldn't nip out Jacob Oram late last night - he'll be a key wicket for the hosts this morning I reckon. A spell of him and Ross Taylor tonking England to all parts and Mooresy's men may find themselves out of the game before it's really begun.
"England need quick wickets this morning, at least two, if not three or four."
yorker_129-7 on 606
(Or five, or six... SL)
1045: Morning folks, how we doing?
It's a bit of a beauty out at Old Trafford by all accounts so, after a curtailed day's play on Friday, we should be looking at a darn good slice of the 98 overs that are due today at least.
Lest we forget, New Zealand resume on 202-4 - a bit more than England will have wanted, a little less than the Kiwis were after I should imagine - and the word is that Daniel Flynn may or may not bat minus his front teeth. Bit slack if he doesn't if you ask me - distinct lack of gum-ption (sorry) that - but, anyway, I'll keep you posted.
Don't forget to get involved via email, 606*, text on 81111, smoke signal, carrier pigeon or why not pop down to Shepherd's Bush and say hello in person at Television Centre?**
* A quick thanks to Robs_All_Stars, whose Eng-NZ 2nd Test 606 thread I've jumped on the back of. Nice work son.
** Disclaimer: Messages sent via smoke signal or carrier pigeon are unlikely to be used, while any unauthorised person/stalker 'popping' into BBC TVC is likely to be turned away and/or arrested.
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