Arizona Tribune - Mitchell's 84 sets England 104 target to beat New Zealand

NYSE - LSE
CMSC -0.53% 21.93 $
CMSD -0.73% 21.77 $
BCC 1.56% 81.02 $
JRI 1.64% 12.79 $
BCE -1.22% 22.92 $
RBGPF 5.69% 65 $
RIO -1.46% 93.74 $
RYCEF 2.12% 18.39 $
NGG -0.49% 83.01 $
VOD 0.22% 13.89 $
AZN 1.45% 188.41 $
GSK 1.16% 52.5 $
RELX 1.34% 31.34 $
BP -1.59% 37.13 $
BTI 0.45% 62.76 $
Mitchell's 84 sets England 104 target to beat New Zealand
Mitchell's 84 sets England 104 target to beat New Zealand / Photo: Sanka Vidanagama - AFP

Mitchell's 84 sets England 104 target to beat New Zealand

A defiant Daryl Mitchell anchored New Zealand to 254 in their second innings to set England 104 to win the first Test in Christchurch on Sunday.

Text size:

Mitchell was the last man out for a battling 84 with the scheduled lunch break on day four delayed 15 minutes until the innings closed.

Brydon Carse took 6-42 to add to his first innings 4-64.

England felt the end was close when they reduced the hosts to 209-9.

But they were frustrated by number 11 Will O'Rourke (five not out) staying with Mitchell for 13 overs in a 45-run partnership.

New Zealand resumed at 155-6, a mere four runs ahead, and took the score to 190 before Carse struck twice in the one over.

Nathan Smith advanced to 21, playing through a barrage of short deliveries before a fuller ball from Carse nipped back and rapped into his pads.

The 29-year-old Carse, in only his third Test, took his fifth wicket of the innings four balls later with a similar delivery that accounted for Matt Henry (one).

Tim Southee smacked two sixes off Gus Atkinson before he was caught by Joe Root on the boundary for 12 swinging for a third.

Mitchell posted the top score with 12 fours and a six in his 14th Test half-century.

Ch.P.Lewis--AT