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Watling's double ton and Santner leave England reeling

New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling scored a double ton against England
New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling scored a double ton against England

BJ Watling posted a double hundred and maiden centurion Mitchell Santner claimed three late wickets as New Zealand closed in on victory against England.

Watling's 205 and Santner's 3-6 after his 126-run knock left England reeling on 55-3, still 207 runs behind after day four in Mount Maunganui.

After New Zealand racked up 615-9 declared on Sunday – their highest total against England – Rory Burns (31), Dom Sibley (12) and Jack Leach (0) all fell victim to Santner prior to stumps.

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England were 48-0 in the final session before New Zealand's Santner dazzled as the tourists lost three wickets for just seven runs.

Day to remember for these two STUMPS on day four - @englandcricket 55/3 #NZvENG #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/6wf9Ldj3sj
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 24, 2019

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It was the Watling and Santner show at Bay Oval, where the pair resumed batting with the Black Caps 394-6 at the start of the day.

Watling, who was 119 not out overnight, became the 10th wicketkeeper in Test history to score a double century and first for New Zealand.

It was a marathon innings from Watling, who faced 473 balls and batted for a whopping 668 minutes.

Watling’s marathon innings is over! 205 runs, 473 balls, 668 minutes - Stand and applaud
WHAT AN EFFORT!

 CARD | https://t.co/KCxkXgRcax#NZvENG #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/2Sn9aN4NI9
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 24, 2019

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Watling teamed up with Santner for a New Zealand record 261 seventh-wicket stand, eclipsing the 225 set by Chris Cairns and Jacob Oram in 2004.

Once Santner broke through for his first Test hundred, he eventually fell to Sam Curran (3-119) as Watling edged closer to a double ton.

Tim Southee (9) had a brief spell in the middle before he was caught and bowled by England's Leach (2-153).

200* - BJ Watling has become the 10th wicketkeeper in men's Test history to score a double century and the first for the @BLACKCAPS. Indefatigable. #NZvENG #BackTheBlackCaps #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/ccXyWdftac
— OptaJason (@OptaJason) November 24, 2019

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After going into the tea break unbeaten on 200, Watling added five more runs before edging Jofra Archer (1-107), which led to Kane Williamson's declaration and a standing ovation.

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