England have moved ahead after twenty overs of the New Zealand reply, the wickets of Munro, Williamson and lastly McCullum to Root, Bresnan, Tredwell have put England firmly on the front foot.

Here at Trent Bridge we are proud to welcome members of the British Army for today’s game. Around 12 members of 62 Works Group, The Royal Engineers came to see England v New Zealand, some seeing their first live game today, and during the interval we had the chance to find out more about them.

Having returned from their latest tour of Afghanistan only last week, 62 Group were based in Helmand Province where they had been stationed since 11 November and working on Infrastructure Development and Capacity Building Projects in support of the local population and provincial ministries. In additional the Group have also been heavily involved in long term construction projects in support of the Afghan National Army  in Kabul.

It hasn’t been the warmest of summer days and, being used to temperatures in excess of 35 degrees the lads said that whilst it was great to be home it was still taking them some time to get accustomed to the conditions.

We were able to ask a few more questions about being in Afghanistan and, critically, whether or not those based out there had much time to play cricket?

“Unfortunately not. We were too busy to play,” was the response, however there was a degree of comfort in the fact that the servicemen were able to watch England on satellite TV.

Chris Newell looks very much at ease. Relaxed and about to enjoy a wonderful meal in box 17 at Trent Bridge his demeanour belies the fact that he is going home today £50,000 richer thanks to a fantastic piece of bowling during the half time interval.

Set the challenge of bowling and hitting three stumps, then two stumps, and then finally one single stump in successive balls Newell mastered his nerves and skill to dislodge the bail(s) with each delivery.

Whilst some competitions like this during the interval can result in spectators heading for the bar the crowd in the William Clarke and Fox Road Stands were captivated, cheering each successful attempt and, with the third the ground erupted.

Meeting Chris, 50, afterwards we had a few burning questions we wanted answers to.

Firstly, does your wife know?

“She does now. Actually she was in the car when I called with my two sons. They were all cheering and screaming when I told them.”

Your bowling was pretty sharp- who do you play for?

“(laughs) Well I’m originally from Yorkshire so I guess there’s a bit of the old Fred Truman in there somewhere. My boys both play for Herefordshire and I’ve been watching them to pick up some pointers. But I’ve not played properly for 20 years.”

Any plans for the money?

“A family holiday. If we can get tickets we’ll go to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG later this year, but if then the Caribbean.”

After your achievement Michael Vaughan said on Twitter that that Australia have fast tracked (him) into their squad. Any comments?

“Well being from Sheffield like Michael I don’t mind what he has to say.”

Lastly, what was going through your head when you were out there?

“With the first ball all I wanted to do was try and hit the stumps, then I just wanted to repeat that with the second.”

“When it came to the third I don’t know, I was in a dream. The crowd were really helpful and with that third ball I wanted to do it more for them than for me.”

New Zealand have enjoyed a positive opening ten in this second innings, punishing wayward bowling with boundaries across the ground. England’s attack of Broad and Finn only yielded one wicket from their combined nine overs, that of Ronchi, whose attempt at a big hit found only the hands of Trott. However, things looked up for the hosts when Tredwell clean bowled Guptill for 38. 70-2, with 218 more needed.

Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan): Rumours that Australia have fast tracked the bowler at Trent Bridge who has just won 50k hitting 3 then 2 then 1 stump…!!!

Nikki Zeimann (@princess_nikzee): Sounds like the crowd are having fun #TrentBridge

Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge): Buttler’s 47 off 16 balls a strike rate 293.75. Gayle’s 175 in at 265 #bighitting

Sarah Bloomfield (@sarah_bloomy): I think inflatable beach balls should be thrown around always!! Loving the lads in snorkels making all the fun and noise!!!!

Drew (@drewsomerston): Sam Horwood will you marry me?!