England set for Test victory
25th March, 2008
England need only to take five wickets from the final day’s play to secure their first away series victory since 2005.
England resumed play yesterday on 416-5, batted for 35 minutes to reach 476-7 and then declared to give themselves a lead of 552 runs. New Zealand would need to produce a record run chase if they are to win the series, but will surely be looking for a draw after losing 5 wickets in their second innings yesterday.
Panesar got the wickets of Bell and Fleming, while Broad took 2-40 as the hosts closed on 222-5. It leaves the home side 331 runs needed to record an unlikely victory. Should the hosts manage to bat out the final day for a draw, they will probably be happy. At 12/1 with the likes of Totesport, some will be banking on England’s bowlers collapsing. A New Zealand victory is almost out of the question, reflected in Totesport’s 66/1 price.
By Chris M
