Bob Willis: 'England have to take early wickets'

Published: May 23 2015 | 05:15

Last updated: May 23 2015 | 07:38

Bob Willis is adamant that England have to take early wickets against New Zealand on the third day of the first Test at Lord's.

Bob Willis has suggested that England have to take early wickets on day three of the first Test against New Zealand to get back into the match.

The Kiwis are in a strong position in the game after bowling Alastair Cook's men out for 389, while Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor finished the day unbeaten with their side at 303-2.

Willis is adamant that the Three Lions have to use the new ball to wrestle back the initiative otherwise he believes the game can quickly get away from them.

He told Sky Sports News: "It was a hard-work day for England, which makes the new ball first thing on Saturday morning absolutely crucial.

"They will hope that they bowl better with it than they did with the first new ball and that it swings. Some cricket balls do, some don't.

"England need to make early inroads because if Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson come in 20-30 overs after that new ball, there could be some very destructive batting."

Jason Gillespie has revealed that he is in talks about replacing Peter Moores as the coach of the Three Lions.