Tim Southee equals MS Dhoni’s batting record in Tests, WELLINGTON stager New Zealand leader and Test captain Tim Southee equaled his former Indian counterpart MS Dhoni’s census of sixes in the longest format amid his side’s home institution against England on Saturday.

New Zealand, who are in stacks of trouble dealing with ruthless England, set up a moment to cherish amid their dismal home Test series as their captain Southee added another feather to his cap during the ongoing alternate Test.

The hosts ’ fur lineup atrophied against a strong English bowling attack; featuring top- ranked Test bowler James Anderson but Southee redressed for his side with an unbeaten 23 off just 18 deliveries. The commander hit two sixes amid his blitz against England before the rain forced an early end to day two then.

Amid his brief knock, Southee drew position with former Indian captain Dhoni’s census of 78 sixes in the longest format of the game when he smashed Stuart Broad over the midwicket boundary for his alternate six of the match.

Southee achieved the corner in just 131 innings, 13 lower than Dhoni and has an occasion to surpass the latter’s census on the third day of the ongoing alternate Test. The leader, still, is a long way behind Brendon McCullum, the New Zealand record holder, whose mark of 107 sixes was lately shattered by England captain Ben Stokes.