Date:24/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/24/stories/2008032460192100.htm

Sport

Sidebottom puts England on top

Napier: An inspired spell of precision bowling by Ryan Sidebottom pulled England off the ropes and put it in charge of the third cricket Test against New Zealand as 15 wickets fell here on Sunday.

After a day of fluctuating fortunes, England reached stumps on the second day of the series decider at 91 for two, holding an overall lead of 176. As batsmen contrived to make the placid McLean Park wicket look dangerous, England’s first innings folded for 258.

New Zealand raced to 103 for one in reply before Sidebottom grabbed the initiative and New Zealand’s last nine wickets tumbled for 65 runs with the left-arm quick claiming a career-best seven for 47. The carnage continued when England started its second innings with Martin having Michael Vaughan caught behind by McCullum for four in the first over.