'The worst drop I have ever seen': England's Joe Denly puts up late contender for howler of the year

England's Joe Denly has put up a late contender for howler of the year on the final day of the second test against New Zealand in Hamilton.

The 33-year-old made an absolute meal of a catch that even a seven-year-old would have taken when Black Caps captain Kane Williamson bobbled a stroke directly toward him before lunch.

Williamson was duped by a change in delivery from paceman Jofra Archer, floating a ball straight to Denly at short mid-wicket only for it to slip through his clasp and crash to ground.

So straight forward was the catch that Archer had already begun to celebrate his would-be wicket, only to turn around and see Denly folded over in despair.

Fortunately for Denly the humour of the incident wasn't lost on his teammates who struggled to contain their laughter.

The commentators were also in disbelief as the hilarity of the situation won over the broadcast box.

"Out, oh no," the commentary ran. "What have you done? What have you done there?"

"Joe Denly has dropped an absolute gobbler. What a dolly"

Visiting captain Joe Root was just as perplexed after the day's play.

"It's something we pride ourselves on and work hard on, is taking those chances," he said.

"I don't know in terms of Joe's. I think that's just a one-off goober that doesn't happen very often.

"Very frustrating. I'm sure Joe will not hear the end of that one for a while."

The Kiwi skipper was on 62 and attempting to save the Test which ultimately ended in a draw.

"It was fairly simple wasn't it?" Williamson said of the chance.

"I note how he was disappointed. Certainly Jofra was a bit disappointed."

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said it had to rank, as possibly the worst-ever drop in Test cricket.