As Nathan McCullum and Kane Williamson rattle through the overs, England add 25 to their score from the last five overs. Bell has moved on to 61 with Root on 23.

Ian Bell has reached his fifty with a punch to deep cover for a single. England 107-2 with Root at the other end on 19.

At halfway, England have reached 97-2 with Bell on 43 looking to kick on and make a big score. With him is Joe Root on 16 as England continue to go at a run rate of 3.88 which will see them through to 194 at the end of the innings if they continue to score that.

George, Chris, Ollie and Matt are students from London.  Unfortunately their rubber rings, and other inflatable equipment had been confiscated at the gate.  When asked what they like about Nottingham, they replied: “We love Trent Bridge, we love Nottingham, and we love the ladies!”

The Co-op on Melton Road is running a ‘Guess the Number of Balls’ competition today.  Please support them by having a go.  This years charity, chosen by the staff, is the Carers Trust, which aims to support over 20,000 young  people who are carers this year.  More information can be found at www.cooperative.coop/charityoftheyear

Brian

… all the way from Leeds! 

‘We’ve come down from Leeds today to see New Zealand complete the hat trick against England’   It’s the first time they have visited Nottingham, and enjoyed the walk from the station.  See you in Hooters later!

Brian 

Riki Wessels (@rikiwessels) on Twitter: safe to say that @TrentBridge is by far the sexiest ground in the country if not the world.

In the last five overs England have added 17 runs for the loss of Trott for 37. Bell is on 33 and new batsman Root is on 3 as England reach 74-2. The platform is in the hands of these two with Morgan, Bopara and Buttler to provide the hitting late on.