Cricket world in disbelief over Kiwi batter's 'horrible' moment

New Zealand opener Tom Latham has produced a contender for worst leave in Test cricket history in the second match against England at Trent Bridge.

The Kiwis built a lead of 238 with three second innings wickets remaining heading into a delicately poised final day of the second Test in Nottingham.

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But two run-outs and some poor shot selection from the tourists left them at 7-224 at stumps on Day 4, giving England a glimmer of hope that they can dismiss the Kiwis and clinch the series on the final day.

Standing in for regular captain Kane Williamson, Latham gave the Kiwis the worst-possible start to their second innings when he shouldered arms to a Jimmy Anderson delivery and watched the ball cannon into middle stump.

The Kiwis were 1-4 after Latham was sent packing for four, with his dismissal leaving cricket fans and commentators stunned.

"Oh dear. There are two types of leave - good and bad," one TV commentator said.

"And that is a bad one. That is a horrible leave."

Another commentator added: "Maybe his brain was a bit scrambled because of the captaincy.

"Maybe he was expecting the ball to swing away towards the slips, but it didn't and that has crashed into the stumps."

New Zealand dismissals leave England with a chance

All outcomes remain possible on the final day, although a draw seems the most likely outcome.

The main source of encouragement for New Zealand was that in-form batter Daryl Mitchell was unbeaten on 32 at stumps.

"If we can get to somewhere around 280 - maybe 300 is a bit greedy - that would be good for us," said New Zealand batter Devon Conway.

"If we can then get the ball in the right areas it can put England under pressure on the final day."

In the opening session, New Zealand gained a 14-run first inning lead after rattling through England's lower order, bowling the hosts out for 539 as Trent Boult claimed five wickets.

England added just 66 runs for their final five wickets to reach 539, but then made a swift breakthrough with Anderson bowling Latham to claim his 650th Test wicket.

A century partnership between Young and Devon Conway restored the dominance of bat, before Conway (52) top-edged an attempted sweep off Jack Leach which was well taken by Jonny Bairstow.

Henry Nicholls followed for 3 before Will Young was run out for 56 following a mix-up with Mitchell.

Tom Blundell made 24 before turning a short, rising delivery from Stuart Broad to Ben Stokes at backward square.

Michael Bracewell tried to force matters, scoring 25 from 17 balls, but his attempt to drive Matt Potts over the top finished with the ball in the hands of Broad at mid-on.

Another run-out gave England their seventh wicket, Mitchell turning blind for a second run and sending back Tim Southee, who was stranded.

"It's pretty finely balanced," said England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.

"Quite a lot has happened in the afternoon and evening sessions so it has left everyone in with a chance. We'll be looking to take early wickets and see where we can go.

"You don't know what is going to happen with the wicket - it is playing a little bit up and down. You would think anything under 300 is gettable," he added.

with agencies

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