Mitchell and Blundell combine to thwart England at Lord’s

LONDON (AP) — Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell led a recovery as New Zealand battled back from losing its first four wickets cheaply to reach 128-4 in the second innings at tea on Day 2 of the opening test against England at Lord’s. Mitchell was 43 not out and Blundell unbeaten on 39 at the interval after the pair had shared an unbroken stand of 72 for the fifth wicket. Their partnership meant New Zealand stretched its lead to 119 runs over England, which had earlier been bowled out for just 141. The debutant Matt Potts was again the central figure as he took two of the four Kiwi wickets to fall.