DAY FOUR: Somerset all out for 277 (Hildreth 115, Craig 5-34) NZXI won by 66 runs.
The BLACKCAPS tour of England has got off to a winning start with the New Zealand XI comfortably beating Somerset by 66 runs in warm and fine conditions today in Taunton.
The home side began the final day on 142-6 and they needed another 202 runs to secure their first victory over New Zealand in 13 attempts. They dreamed of the unlikely on the first ever ‘Somerset Day’ but somewhat inevitably came up short.
Somerset went down with a fight with James Hildreth (115) bringing up a fine century, his 33rd in first class cricket, and Tim Groenewald (47 from 37 balls) swinging the willow without fear in an aggressive cameo at the death.
It came to an end when off spinner Mark Craig bowled Groenewald to finish the match with figures of 5 for 34 from 11.5 overs. It was the 28-year-old’s fifth five wicket bag in his first class career.
“The wicket dried up a bit towards the end and lefties are my best friends as an off spinner,” said Craig, referring to the footmarks that Ben Wheeler and Neil Wagner created throughout the match.
“They gave me a little bit there. It is always nice to get a few wickets but this game was always about getting a good hit out in for what we have coming up.”
Craig, who has been a key contributor for the BLACKCAPS recent run of Test success, is looking to put his hand up for selection for the first Test at Lord’s on May 21.
“My role is a holding role for the first innings and then as the game progresses and the wicket dries out a bit I can come into play a little bit later.”
Stand-in skipper BJ Watling, who scored 65 and 46 in the match, was pleased with the side’s first warm up match and was looking forward to the next match of the tour in Worcester on Thursday.
“We had some outstanding performances here,” said the wicket-keeper batsman.
“Ben Wheeler bowled really well, young Mitch Santner had a very good 94 and was unlucky to not get 100 yesterday and then Mark Craig stepped up with the ball today so we’re pretty happy.”
Earlier today, the New Zealand XI got off to the perfect start when Doug Bracewell trapped Josh Davey in front with the second ball of the day in the cool morning conditions.
Bracewell, who got through a good workload of 29 overs in the match, finished the second innings with 3-62 and Wheeler and Wagner picked up one wicket apiece in the second innings.
This performance at Somerset will be memorable for the impressive debuts of Duffy, Santner and Wheeler who showed that there is exciting talent coming through the ranks at New Zealand Cricket.
Wheeler picked up his third first class five wicket bag in the first innings, Santner showed composure and a full range of shots in his 94 and Duffy bowled with swing and pace to open the attack.
The New Zealand XI’s match against Worcestershire is not a first class match so plays can be interchanged into the line-up like Matt Henry who arrived into England from India today.
The remaining five Test players – Brendon McCullum, Trent Boult, Corey Anderson, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson – will all arrive when they are released by their IPL franchises.
But for now, the New Zealand XI will enjoy a winning start to the BLACKCAPS tour of England.
The New Zealand XI will play Worcestershire from May 14 – 17.
DAY THREE - New Zealand XI 310 (Santner 94, Latham 57, Watling 46, Groenewald 5-65) led by 343 runs; Somerset 142-6 (Hildreth 62*, Bracewell 2-31, Mark Craig 2-13) require another 202 runs to win with four wickets remaining.
The New Zealand XI is in a dominant position heading into the final day of their first class match against Somerset in Taunton as they look for a winning start to their tour of England.
Earlier in the day, precocious talent Mitchell Santner (94) finished just short of his first century on debut for New Zealand and captain BJ Watling (46) fought hard on day three as the visitors were bowled out for 310 to lead by 343 runs.
Somerset, who made 204 in their first innings, were more resolute second time around with opener Tom Abell (42) playing positively and James Hildreth (62*) showing his quality at the other end.
But Hildreth lacked the support he needed and the New Zealand bowling attack – led by an accurate spell from Doug Bracewell (2-31) and off-spinner Mark Craig (2-13) – advanced the team into a winning position.
Somerset has never beaten New Zealand in 12 attempts and with 202 runs still required it looks likely that record is set to continue with the Kiwis only needing four more wickets.
Jacob Duffy, one of three debutants for the New Zealand side this week, believed the bowling unit has worked well as a team.
“We are in a really strong position,” said the 20-year-old. “It is obviously a hell of a way to start the tour against tough opposition, in conditions that haven’t been easy.”
This morning, all eyes were on Santner when the New Zealand XI resumed on 149-3. The 23-year-old was not out on 70 and looking to bring up his maiden century for his country.
The young talent from Northern Districts was made to work for every run and took his chances with his trademark free-flowing shot making.
He stalled when he closed in on the milestone and was in the 90s for seven overs. Santner looked to break the shackles with a cover drive, got a thick outside edge and was caught in the gully by Peter Trego on 94.
“I was pretty happy with the way I played but obviously pretty disappointed to not get 100,” Santner said afterwards.
Santner said the Somerset attack bowled well this morning and the pitch was “still doing a bit”. He still looked comfortable out in the middle.
“I was nervous. There are always going to be nerves in your first game [for New Zealand] but they eased once I got a few shots away. It was a good day and hopefully there are a few more games for New Zealand to come for me.”
Watling, who top scored with 65 in the first innings, steadied the ship once again and combined with Mark Craig (20) and Doug Bracewell (16) to continue the momentum.
Wheeler, the hero with the ball in the first innings, provided some chaos with the bat at the tail of the innings.
When Watling departed, the 23-year-old flicked the switch. He hit 33 runs from only 16 balls, including two towering sixes, to finish with a flourish.
Somerset’s Tim Groenewald, who picked up a four wicket bag in the first innings, was again the pick of the bowlers for the home team with 5 wickets for 65 runs from 18.5 overs.
New Zealand is on the cusp of a perfect start to their tour of England with a win at Somerset.
The final day of the New Zealand XI v Somerset is on tomorrow from 11am.
Day two: New Zealand XI 237 all out (Watling 65, Rutherford 37, Taylor 32; T Groenewald 4-71) led Somerset 204 all out (Trego 40, Wheeler 5-18) by 33 runs at the Somerset Country Cricket Club in Taunton.
Second Innings: New Zealand XI 149-3 (Santner 70*, Latham 57) after 35.5 overs lead by 182 runs with seven wickets remaining.
Young guns Ben Wheeler and Mitchell Santner starred on day two for the New Zealand XI as they got the visitors back into the match against Somerset with impressive debut performances.
Firstly Wheeler shone on his debut for the New Zealand XI with an aggressive opening spell of fast bowling to set the tone at the Somerset Country Cricket Club in Taunton.
The 23-year-old from Central Districts was the most destructive of the New Zealand attack as he ripped through the top order and finished with figures of 5 for 18 from 11 overs in the fine and warm conditions.
Wheeler, the younger brother of Highlanders rugby lock forward Joe Wheeler, claimed his third five wicket bag in his First Class cricket career and made a name for himself in the international arena.
New Zealand XI bowled Somerset out for 204 in the 47th over and took a 33 run lead into the Second Innings.
They extended that advantage to 182 runs with seven wickets in hand with Mitchell Santner unbeaten at the crease on 70.
Santner, a 23-year-old from Northern Districts, looked comfortable again and hit his fifth First Class half century to put the New Zealand into a commanding position at the halfway stage.
The lean youngster, who made 27 in the first innings, was composed and in control throughout, hitting 11 fours and a six during his 85 ball innings.
BLACKCAPS Test opener Tom Latham also returned to the runs with a well constructed 57 that steadied the second innings for the Kiwis.
The talking point for most of the day was the performance of Wheeler.
The left armer looked dangerous from the get-go and got the first breakthrough when he trapped Johann Myburgh in front in his first over.
There was more to come as he charged in and demolished the stumps of both Tom Cooper (0) and James Hildreth (13) as the hosts struggled with his pace and subtle movement in the air and off the pitch.
In between Wheeler’s wickets Jacob Duffy, who was also on debut for New Zealand, chipped in with his first international scalp when he had opener Tom Abell caught at second slip by Mark Craig.
The young New Zealand seamers kept coming.
Wheeler claimed his fourth when Luke Ronchi took a straightforward catch in the gully to remove Jim Allenby (28). The former NZ U19 rep led the New Zealand XI off for lunch and was satisfied with his early work.
After the break Somerset showed some resistance. Peter Trego (40 from 46 balls) batted in an aggressive manner before he was caught in the deep by the third debutant in the NZXI side Santner.
With a new batsman at the crease, Watling brought Wheeler back into the attack. The medium fast pace man was frustrated for a period before he completed his five wicket bag with a delivery that scattered the stumps of Josh Davey.
Off spinner Mark Craig, Doug Bracewell and Neil Wagner all got through good bowling loads and claimed one wicket apiece with Wagner grabbing a brace.
After a testing opening day, New Zealand resumed on 202-7 and added a further 35 runs with the Somerset bowling line-up continuing their good work on their green home pitch.
Stand-in skipper BJ Watling, who was the mainstay of the New Zealand XI batting effort, departed for 65 from 125 deliveries and soon after the innings was wrapped up in the 72nd over.
Tim Groenewald, who claimed the wicket of Watling, was the best of the hosts’ bowling effort with 4 for 71 from 21 overs and then it was the Kiwis turn to respond with the ball.
Wheeler stole the show before Latham and Santner ensured day two would belong to New Zealand.
The New Zealand XI v Somerset will resume at 11am tomorrow at the Somerset County Cricket Ground in Taunton.
New Zealand XI 202-7 (Watling 52*, Rutherford 37, Taylor 32; T Groenewald 3-53) v Somerset after 59 overs at the Somerset Country Cricket Club in Taunton
Stand-in skipper BJ Watling has delivered a fighting captain’s knock on day one against Somerset on the BLACKCAPS Tour of England.
The wicket-keeper batsman came to the crease with the New Zealand XI in trouble at 109-4. Almost two hours later when play was called off for bad light after 59 overs, he walked off holding his bat with a potential poor start averted.
Watling grafted an unbeaten knock of 52 and once again proved his resilience. He will continue tomorrow alongside Neil Wagner as the Kiwis look to play their way back into the match.
Watling, who featured in a world record partnership of 365* with Kane Williamson at the start of the year against Sri Lanka, brought up his half century off 83 deliveries and provided the backbone for the New Zealand score.
His 57 run partnership with Doug Bracewell (20) and then Wagner (9*) frustrated Somerset who were the dominant team for the majority of the opening day.
“That is just BJ,” said Wagner after the match. “He is fighter and he is at his best in tough conditions and he showed his worth today. He played really well and didn’t give them too many chances. It was a great show of his character.”
Wagner said it wasn’t easy facing a Somerset bowling attack in their home conditions.
“They were bowling in really good areas and getting some good movement off the seam throughout the innings. You could tell they have been playing a lot of cricket and were up for today.”
In seam friendly conditions, the New Zealand XI struggled against a bowling attack that was on song.
After rain delayed the start of the match by an hour and a half, the hosts’ stand-in skipper Peter Trego won the toss and was quick to say his side would field first in the cool and gloomy weather.
Hamish Rutherford (37), Ross Taylor (32) and Mitchell Santner (27), on debut for New Zealand, all got starts in the testing conditions but couldn’t carry on with the job as the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals.
Credit must go to the Somerset bowling unit who hit the seam of the Duke Ball in impressive fashion and tested the new-look New Zealand team.
Tim Groenewald claimed three wickets and Josh Davey and Jim Allenby bagged two wickets apiece as they gave their hometown faithful something to cheer.
In 12 attempts, Somerset has never beaten New Zealand and many of the locals began to believe that they could be witnessing something special.
Scottish international Davey, who had success in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 against the BLACKCAPS, delivered a fine opening spell. He went into the sheds at lunch with figures of 2 for 1 from 3 overs.
Tom Latham, who was keen to get back in the middle after not playing a match during the BLACKCAPS run in the World Cup, went caught behind in the ninth over for 6.
His opening partner Rutherford made a solid start before he too edged one to first slip where a smart catch was claimed by Allenby.
When they returned after lunch, Taylor and Santner rode their luck to begin with and then played with freedom as the conditions improved into the afternoon.
Santner looked promising on his debut for New Zealand but he went shortly after when Groenewald claimed a fine caught and bowled chance.
Groenewald had another when Luke Ronchi (8) found the leading edge and spooned a simple catch to short cover.
New Zealand was in trouble at 109-4 and the loss of Taylor and Mark Craig soon after worsened the situation.
But BJ Watling never looked bothered. He was the mainstay of the innings and the longer the Northern Knights player stayed at the crease, the more accomplished he looked.
He owned the final two sessions and guided New Zealand home to a position from which they can rebuild.
The New Zealand XI v Somerset match resumes from 11am tomorrow in Taunton.
