Nathan Smith’s 6-40 puts New Zealand in complete control against Ireland

Nathan Smith produced career-best figures of 6-40 as New Zealand dominated Ireland on day two of the one-off Test in Belfast. Ireland were bowled out for 179 in reply to New Zealand’s massive 490/8 declared and were forced to follow on after collapsing to 38/6 in the first innings.

Andy McBrine fought back with an unbeaten 73 while Mark Adair made 40, but Smith’s fiery spell kept the visitors firmly on top. Earlier, Tom Blundell scored a career-best 186 and debutant Dean Foxcroft narrowly missed a century with 98. Ireland reached 65/2 in their second innings at stumps but still trail by 246 runs with eight wickets remaining.

New Zealand are now strongly placed to seal a convincing victory before their England Test series.