New Zealand Vs England, 2nd Test Day 2: Dominant ENG Stretch Lead Beyond 500 In Wellington

England led New Zealand by 533 runs with five second-innings wickets in hand at stumps on Saturday (December 7, 2024) after another day of extraordinary incidents and milestones, including a Gus Atkinson hat-trick on the second day of the second Test at the Basin Reserve. England were batting at 378-5 in their second innings at close of day's play, with Joe Root 73 not out and captain Ben Stokes unbeaten on 35. Root was among the history-makers Saturday, reaching his 100th score of 50 or more in tests. When he reached his 65th half century, which goes along with his 35 centuries, he became the fourth player after Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting to achieve that feat.

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Updated on: 8 December 2024 9:27 am

New Zealand vs England 2nd Test day 2 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

England captain Ben Stokes, left, and teammate Joe Root walk from the filed at the close of play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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England vs New Zealand 2nd Test day 2 | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport via AP

England's Joe Root bats during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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NZ vs ENG 2nd Test day 2 | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport via AP

England's Harry Brook celebrates scoring 50 runs during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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ENG vs NZ 2nd Test day 2 | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport via AP

England's Harry Brook bats during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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New Zealand England Cricket | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport via AP

England's Ben Duckett bats during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs England 2nd Test | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

England's Ben Duckett reacts after scoring 50 runs during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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England vs New Zealand 2nd Test | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

England's Jacob Bethell reacts after scoring 50m runs during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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NZ vs ENG 2nd Test | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport via AP

England's Jacob Bethell reacts as he avoids a bouncer while batting during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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ENG vs NZ 2nd Test | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport via AP

England Gus Atkinson bowler celebrates after taking a hat trick during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs England 2nd Test | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

England's Brydon Carse, right, bowls as New Zealand's Nathan Smith looks on during play on day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.