Cricket: Rare batting feat has NZ set to push for win

Mark Craig scores off Stuart Broad in the second test between England and New Zealand at Headingley.

In what must rank as one of New Zealand cricket's more extraordinary statistics, seven of the incumbent top eight batsmen have test averages in excess of 38 with five extending beyond 40.

Luke Ronchi is an outlier at 59.50 in his debut test but injured first choice all-rounder Jimmy Neesham clocks in at 43.28. Martin Guptill ranks outside the bracket at 29.96 as he rebuilds his test career but perhaps most freakish is Mark Craig at 42.10 in 16 innings. That's useful by anyone's standards, let alone a No.8. He has scored more than 40 six times and had as many not outs.

It is almost certainly the only time New Zealand has had such consistent test batting resources. They were showcased yesterday on the abridged fourth day of the second test at Headingley. The visitors rocketed into command with 116 runs at 7.25 per over to declare at 454 for eight, setting England 455 to win. The hosts were 44 without loss when rain curtailed play four overs into the middle session. Further precipitation is forecast for a brief period around lunchtime today.

Play is set to start under overcast skies.

Watling (average 40.71) extended his feat as the only New Zealander to make a test century at the venue on the fourth day, going to 120.

"I didn't actually know what was going on there, I read it last night and I'm very proud, hopefully it's a match-winning one.

"The tail's gone reasonably well in recent years and Pidge [Mark Craig] has done a fantastic job. Tim [Southee with 40] and Henners [Matt Henry with 12 not out] also whacked a few.

"We've still got 98 overs [to win], including around 30 overs with a second new ball, so we're backing ourselves. England will be tough to get out because it'll probably still be a day four wicket as a result of the weather."

Watling said despite his success on an injured right knee that's recovering well, he's keen to return to wicket-keeping duties.

Naturally, England's Joe Root felt their chances were alive, starting with the opening pair of captain Alastair Cook and Adam Lyth.

"They're doing what they do best and are ruthless doing so. We've got to go in with a view that we can chase it down and adapt accordingly.

"We've had a reasonable start with the bat and it's still a good pitch. It was freezing out there, but we're professionals so we have to get on with it."
Watling suggested they had a few options with the ball.

"[Mark Craig] spinning to seven left-handers could be tricky. If he lands in good areas he should enjoy a bit of turn and bounce but it's up to the quicks to hit the right lengths as well.

"If they're chasing we're always in the game, but it's still a decent enough wicket to guts it out. You can score freely and the outfield is quick."
Watling's only regret was the series' brevity.

"I'd like to think we deserve one extra game to make it a three-test series. We're just warming into it. If we win it's an anticlimax at 1-1."

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