Picture Credit: Twitter
England are currently crossing swords with New Zealand in a three-match Test series at their home turf. After thrashing visitors in the first Test, Ben Stokes-led England did not have an impressive start to the second Test as t they conceded 553-runs in the first innings of the second Test match.
Daryl Mitchell (190 off 318) and wicket-keeper batter Tom Blundell (106 off 198) put the visitors in the commanding position of the second Test, before Joe Root and Ollie Pope stole the show in England's response with the bat. Both England batters scored hundreds for their side and kept the game in fine balance. This was Joe Root’s fastest century of his career as he reached the three-figure mark in just 166 balls.
The former captain combined with Pope to put on 187 runs off just 249 balls to make sure England gives a fitting reply to New Zealand's mammoth 553. While Root continued his sublime form by scoring the second century of the bilateral series, Pope too joined his former skipper to leave the mark in the game with his valiant 145 off 239 deliveries.
As the players delivered an outstanding performance in the middle, their proud fathers embraced each other in the stands after the duo reached their respective hundreds. The heartwarming moment was captured by England's Barmy Army and was shared on social media. "Beautiful moment from today. The fathers of Ollie Pope and Joe Root embrace as both their sons reach," was the caption.
Here is the video:
As far as the match is concerned, despite scoring over 550, New Zealand only managed a 14-run lead after bowling England out for 539 in the first innings. In the second innings, the Kiwis have breached the 100-run mark with the loss of one wicket but with just four sessions remaining, the match seems to be headed towards a draw.
