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That's it from this game then. New Zealand take 1-0 lead going into the second and final Test. We will be back for that game which starts on 29th November, 2019. It starts at 1100 local (2200 GMT Previous day). Till then, take care.

New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson says that England is an outstanding side and it took a lot of effort. Tells that their middle-order was excellent in helping them put on such a massive first innings total. Adds that they wanted to make sure they do not have to bat last on this surface. Congratulates Santner and Watling for their ton and double ton respectively. Believes that they showed incredible focus out in the middle. Credits Watling for doing that for such a long time. Feels that the surface was good and reveals that few niggles and tired legs stretched the game a bit long. Praises Santner for bowling almost throughout the day. Mentions that this was a great game of cricket played on a perfect surface.

Joe Root, the English skipper, says that their first innings total was not a good one and they missed out the opportunity there. Tells that one or two players should've scored a bigger knock. Feels that the side did a few good jobs but could not carry on. Believes that there are a number of areas they can work on and work on quickly. Feels that the decision at the toss was right but the first innings failure cost them the game. Believes this is not the end of the world and they will look to come back strong to level things up in the next game.

BJ WATLING IS MAN OF THE MATCH. Says that he feels really good. Adds that they wanted to build partnerships and the guys managed to stick well. On his batting, Watling says that he just plays the situation and does not read the scorecard. Tells that he takes a little break between the series to keep the body fresh. Mentions that it is special to play in front of the home crowd. Says that keeping was a bit difficult as there were few balls which did too much.

Stay tuned for the presentation...

From there, there could only be one winner - New Zealand! All England could do is save the game, they had to bat out a little less than 4 sessions. However, losing 3 wickets at the end of Day 4 did not help. Entering Day 5, with batters like Root, Buttler, Stokes, they would have surely backed themselves to save the game. However, a resurgent Neil Wagner struck them. A fifer from him saw his side take an unassailable lead in the series.

Despite finishing with an under par score, the English bowlers had the Kiwis reeling at 127-4. They could have bagged a good first innings lead had Stokes taken the catch of Watling. That dropped proved to be one which cost the visitors the game. Dropped on 31 and he went onto score a massive double ton. He was well-supported by Nicholls first, then by Colin de Grandhomme who scored a half ton and Santner who notched up his maiden ton in Tests. Contributions from the lower-middle order saw New Zealand take a mammoth 262-run lead.

A very well-deserved win for the hosts, they were the more hungrier of the two sides and even during the crunch moments, it was them who came out on top. England though also had their moments. Like on Day 1, they finished strongly courtesy Stokes, Denly and Burns. They could have batted themselves into a strong position but collapsed and ended with a total which was below par.

What a victory for New Zealand, a thumping one in the end! A tremendous effort from the home side! Especially today, they were a bowler down, that to one of the best bowlers going around at the moment, Trent Boult and with just three bowlers, on a wicket which is still decent to bat on, taking 7 wickets against a top class side is not easy but they have done so in just over the two sessions. A whole-hearted performance by Wagner, he is the star for them as all of the last five wickets fell to him. Take a bow! Who would say that guy is a 33-year old, certainly not me judging by the way he bowled today.

96.2

W

OUT! Five for Wagner and it's all over for England. Low full toss, slower one as well. Broad looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. Wagner roars out a massive appeal and the umpire agrees. Broad has no option but to review, he does that but it doesn't look like he will survive. Here comes the replay, front foot is fine. Here comes the Snicko, no bat involved. Ball Tracker time, pitching in line, hitting flush on the stumps. New Zealand win by an innings and 65 runs.

Review taken by Broad after the umpire gives him out first ball. Looks dead plumb this one. No bat, shows Snicko. Here comes the Ball Tracker, pitches in line and hitting the stumps. Game over.

Stuart Broad is the last man in.

96.1

W

OUT! Caught! Wagner strikes and the Kiwis are just a wicket away. Back of a length ball on middle, Archer pulls it well but it goes straight to deep square leg where Matt Henry, the substitute makes no mistake. The umpire is checking for the front foot no ball. It is alright. So, Wagner celebrates.

95.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Curran looks to defend but gets an outside edge on this one. It goes towards the first slip fielder on a bounce.

95.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Curran sweeps it to square leg.

95.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Curran looks to defend but gets an inside edge on this one. It goes towards the leg side.

95.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Curran blocks it well.

95.2

.

BEATEN! That kept very low. Flighted delivery just outside off, Curran looks to defend but misses it due to the turn on this one.

95.1

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Curran pushes it to mid on.

94.6

.

Bouncer outside off, Archer leaves it alone.

94.5

.

Full and on middle, pushed to mid on.

94.4

.

Around off, Archer keeps it out.

94.3

.

Another bouncer on middle, Archer has no problem ducking under it.

94.2

.

Bouncer now! Archer ducks it away.

94.1

4

FOUR! Smashes it through the covers! Wow! Overpitched and outside off, Archer leans into the shot and creams it through the covers. No chance for any fieldsman.

Neil Wagner is back on. 18-6-40-3 are his figures so far.

93.6

.

This time a proper front foot defense to this fullish ball on middle.

93.5

.

Pitches around off and turns in again. Curran blocks off the back foot at the last moment.

93.4

.

Quicker one outside off, Curran pokes and plays for the spin but it goes straight to beat the outside edge.

93.3

.

Fullish and around off, Curran comes forward and blocks it out.

93.2

.

Around off and turning in, Curran stays on the back foot and block.

93.1

.

Flighted fuller and around off, Curran pushes it towards point.

92.6

2

Full delivery outside off, Archer drives it towards covers where Williamson tries to stop it with a dive but it goes through him. He chases it down and keeps it to two.

92.5

1

Length delivery on middle, Curran flicks it through square leg for a run.

92.4

.

On a good length on middle, Sam keeps it out.

92.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Curran defends it off the back foot.

92.2

.

On a good length on off, Sam blocks it off the back foot.

92.1

.

Bowls a bouncer, Curran does well to duck under it.

91.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Archer keeps it out.

91.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Archer defends it off the back foot.

91.4

.

Full delivery on off, Archer drives it to mid off.

91.3

.

BEATEN! Floated delivery outside off, Archer looks to defend but misses it.

91.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Archer defends it off the back foot.

91.1

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Curran flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.

90.6

1

Length delivery on off, Curran punches it through point for a single.

90.5

.

On a good length on off, Sam defends it out.

90.4

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Length delivery outside off, Curran guides it towards third man for a boundary. 50-run stand is up between Sam Curran and Jofra Archer.

90.3

1

Short delivery on leg, Archer pulls it through square leg for a run.

90.2

.

Bowls a bouncer on middle, Archer ducks under it.

90.1

1

Length delivery outside off, Sam taps it through point for a single.

89.6

4

FOUR! Low full toss and around off, Archer leans into the shot and thumps it to the long off fence. His fourth boundary of the innings.

89.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Archer flicks it to mid-wicket.

89.4

.

Full delivery on off, Archer drives it to covers.

89.3

.

Floated delivery on leg, Archer looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

89.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Jofra defends it off the back foot.

89.1

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Archer looks to drive but misses it.

88.6

4

FOUR! Clipped off the pads nicely. Southee goes full but on the pads. Curran just helps it to the fine leg fence.

88.5

.

Play and a miss! Good length delivery outside off, Curran looks to defend but misses it. The ball kept low on him.

88.4

.

On a good length and outside off, Curran looks to guide but misses it.

88.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Sam blocks it off the back foot.

88.2

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Curran rocks back and cuts it hard through point. The fielder in the deep tries to stop it with a slide but fails to do so. It races away to the boundary.

88.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Curran leaves it alone.

87.6

.

NOT OUT! Just clipping the leg stump and the umpire's call it will be. England survive another scare. This ball pitches on off, probably on a rough. It keeps really low and Archer cannot lay bat on the ball. He is hit on the thigh pads. A massive appeal from the Kiwi follows but not out says the umpire. Williamson has a word with his bowler and then he goes for the review. No bat involved. Here comes the Ball Tracker, pitched in line, but just clipping the leg pole. Umpire's decision stands and Archer survives to continue the fight. New Zealand keep their review.

Another review! Again taken by Kane Williamson. That kept really low. Hitting the leg? Clipping the leg? Missing the leg? Well, Clipping the leg it is which means umpire's call it will be. So Archer survives. Review is retained for the Kiwis though.

87.5

4

FOUR! Bang! Short and just outside off, Archer rocks on the back foot and crashes it through covers for a boundary.

87.4

.

Outside off, Archer offers no shot to this one.

87.3

4

EDGE AND FOUR! Floated delivery outside off, Archer looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes wide of second slip towards third man for a boundary.

87.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Archer keeps it out.

87.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Archer defends it out.

Mitchell Santner to bowl from the other end. Can he get a fifer?

86.6

.

Length delivery outside off, Curran taps it to point where the fielder makes a fine stop.

86.5

.

Outside off, Sam shoulders arms to this one.

86.4

.

Full delivery outside off, Curran plays it to covers.

86.3

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Curran looks to drive but misses it.

86.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Archer flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

86.1

.

In the air... but no short leg! A good short one to begin with. Takes Archer by surprise, he looks to nudge it on the leg side but it hits the glove and lobs on the leg side.

We are back for the final session of this Test match. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Sam Curran and Jofra Archer will resume their batting for England. Tim Southee will start the proceedings for the final session.

... Day 5, Final Session ...

Don't think I need to mention who this session goes to! New Zealand are just the two wickets away from taking a 1-0 lead in this series. 4 wickets is what they took in this one with the first being of Stokes after he and Denly got up their 50-run stand. Southee once again got the better of him. However, since then, it has been the Wagner show. Three wickets and three good ones sees New Zealand in the position they are now. They have a little more than 30 overs to take the remainder of the wickets. England on the other hand, need a miracle. Will we see one? We'll have to wait to find out.

85.6

.

Fullish and around off, Curran keeps it out. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 5.

85.5

.

Beaten! Flatter and outside off, Curran looks to push it towards the off side but is beaten.

85.4

.

Full and on off, Curran keeps it out.

85.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

85.3

1nb

NOT OUT! You can't get a wicket off a no ball. A flighted fuller ball outside off, Curran pads it away. Santner and New Zealand make a loud appeal but the umpire is not interested. Williamson takes his time and then goes for the DRS. The impact would not matter because Curran has not offered any shot there. Let's see what the replays show. Well, wait, nothing will matter but seems like Santner has overstepped. The TV umpire is checking the same with various angles and yes, he deems it as a no ball. So, Curran continues.

New Zealand have taken a DRS call against Curran after the umpire has given him not out. They're checking the front foot no-ball first. Oh dear, looks like he has overstepped there. No need to check where it hit or anything.

85.2

.

Big Big turn! How can one play these. Santner manages it to pitch in the rough outside the off stump. The ball turns in big time and there is extra bounce too. Curran looks to fend it off but is hit on the body.

85.1

.

On off and turns in, Curran stays on the back foot to tap it onto the pitch on the off side.

Mitchell Santner is back on. 34-16-39-3 are his figures so far.

84.6

4

EDGY FOUR! Edge has been drawn now but it flies through the gap between the slip and gully region. Fullish and outside off, Archer is drawn into the shot once again. He reaches out for the drive but can only manage a thick outside edge which flies through the empty slip and gully cordon for a boundary.

84.5

.

Play and a miss! A good teaser this one outside off from Wagner. He makes Archer throwing his bat to drive but only to miss it.

84.4

.

Length and around off, Archer keeps it out.

84.3

.

Bouncer and outside off, Archer sways away from the line of the delivery.

84.2

2

Good effort but a couple of runs off the misfield. Full and just outside off. Archer drives it nicely but Williamson dives to his right to make a half stop. The ball goes towards long off and a couple of runs for Archer.

84.1

.

Good length ball around off, Archer comes forward and blocks it off the front foot.

83.6

1

Fullish and around off, Archer brings his bat down to direct this one through point for a single.

83.5

4b

FOUR BYES! Bowls a bumper, Archer ducks under it. Watling tries to jump to stop it but it goes over him also for a boundary.

83.4

.

Bowls a bouncer outside off, Archer does well to duck under it.

83.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Archer blocks it off the front foot.

83.2

.

Outside off, Archer offers no shot to this one.

83.1

2

Length delivery on middle, Archer flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

82.6

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery outside off, Curran drives it through covers for a boundary.

82.5

.

BEATEN! Good length ball just outside off, Curran pokes at the ball but is beaten.

82.4

.

On a good length on off, Curran drives it to covers.

82.3

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Wagner. On the pads of the left-hander, Curran tickles it towards fine leg and bags a boundary.

82.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Curran drives it straight back towards the bowler.

82.1

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Curran looks to defend but misses it.

81.6

.

Outside off, Jofra does not bother to play at that.

81.5

.

Good length delivery outside off, Archer lets it go.

81.4

.

Outside off, Archer offers no shot to this one.

81.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Archer blocks it off the front foot.

81.2

.

On a good length and outside off, Archer does not bother to play at that.

81.1

.

Outside off, Archer leaves it alone.

Tim Southee is back on. 14-3-38-1 are his figures so far.

80.6

.

NOT OUT! There is a clear inside edge! Not sure why that was given out. This is fuller and on off, Curran looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. An appeal and the umpire gives it out very late. Curran reviews straightaway and replays show that there is an inside edge. He survives to fight another day. End of a top over from Wagner.

Curran has been given OUT LBW. He has been given out but he has instantly gone for the review. Big inside edge there shows Hot Spot so Curran survives.

80.5

.

Fuller and on off, Curran strokes it towards cover.

80.4

1

On the pads, again, Archer works it down to fine leg and takes one.

80.3

.

Fuller and on off, it is driven back to the bowler.

80.2

.

A huge appeal but not given! Once again tails it back in from around the wicket but from off. Archer looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad. An appeal but it is going down leg.

Jofra Archer is the new batsman in.

80.1

W

OUT! KABOOM! The second new ball does the trick straightaway. It gets rid of the last recognized batter of the English side. What has Buttler done there though? Till now the shot making by the English batters was quite shocking but this leave is unbelievable. Wagner is steaming in from around the wicket, he is bowling way too wide from the crease so leaving a ball when it is bowled from such an angle is probably the last option. This one though tails back in too from outside off. Buttler decides to leave it and it hits the off pole. Wagner is on a roll now, his third wicket and New Zealand are just two wickets away from a win.

The second new ball is now available and it has been taken immediately. Wagner has the new cherry in his hand.

79.6

.

Full delivery on off, Curran drives it to covers.

79.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Curran defends it off the front foot.

79.4

4

FOUR! Good shot. Floated delivery on off, Curran guides it towards third man for a boundary.

79.3

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Curran looks to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards the leg side.

79.2

.

Floated delivery outside off, Curran offers no shot and pads it away.

79.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Curran blocks it off the front foot.

78.6

.

On a good length on off, Buttler defends it out.

78.5

.

Good length delivery outside off, Buttler leaves it alone.

78.4

.

Outside off, Buttler lets it go.

78.3

.

On a good length on off, Jos defends it off the front foot.

78.2

1

Full delivery on middle, Curran flicks it towards short fine leg where the fielder dives to stop it but it goes through him. The batsmen take a single.

78.1

.

On a good length on off, Curran keeps it out.

77.6

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Jos defends it off the back foot.

77.5

.

Outside off, Buttler shoulders arms to this one.

77.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Buttler defends it off the back foot.

77.3

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Jos defends it off the front foot.

77.2

.

Floated delivery on middle, Buttler looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

77.1

.

Flighted delivery outside off, Buttler looks to defend but misses it as it turns away.

76.6

.

On a good length on middle, Curran defends it out.

76.5

.

Full delivery outside off, Curran drives it to mid off.

76.4

.

Bowls a bumper, Curran does well to duck under it.

76.3

.

On a good length on off, Curran defends it off the back foot.

Sam Curran is the new batsman in.

76.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Wait, is that Superman? No, no, no, it is Mitchell Santner who takes an absolute screamer. Did it with the bat, did it with the ball and now in the field. That is amazing, the more you look at this catch the more it amazes you. Pope walks back now and New Zealand just three wickets away. Wagner gets another one but all credit has to be given to the fielder. This is a nothing delivery, probably the worst Wagner would bowl today. It is a wide full toss outside off. Pope reaches out for it. He hits it nicely but Santner at cover-point dives full stretch to his right, sticks one hand out and the ball stays in. Pope for a second can't believe it but he has to trudge off. He fails to make an impact again. Will this game end in this session?

76.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

75.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Jos blocks it off the back foot.

75.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Jos flicks it to the leg side.

75.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Buttler punches it to point.

75.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Buttler defends it off the front foot.

75.2

1

Floated delivery on middle, Pope flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

75.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Pope defends it off the front foot.

74.6

.

Outside off, Buttler offers no shot to this one.

74.5

.

On a good length on middle, Buttler defends it off the back foot.

74.4

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

Jos Buttler is the next batsman in.

74.3

W

OUT! There is a mark on Hot Spot and Denly is a goner. Huge, huge wicket as Denly looked solid. The Drinks break has done the trick for the hosts as they breakthrough right after it. Wagner gets his first. This is a length delivery just outside off, it comes in with the angle and also takes off a little. Denly looks to leave it but it kisses the glove and goes to the keeper who takes it above his head. An appeal but it is turned down. New Zealand review straightaway and replays show that the on-field call has to be overturned. Excellent use of technology. The resistance from Denly comes to an end and England in trouble now. More than 40 overs to go and New Zealand only have 4 wickets to take.

Review time! New Zealand appeal for a caught behind but it is turned down. They are very confident and review immediately. Big moment as Denly is well-set.

74.2

4

FOUR! Rare mistake from Joe Denly as he was disciplined. On a good length and outside off, Denly looks to push but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where it falls short of him and goes through him towards third man for a boundary.

74.1

.

Full delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.

DRINKS!

73.6

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Pope lets it go.

73.5

4

FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Pope makes room and cuts it through point for a boundary.

73.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Pope plays it to point.

73.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Pope flicks it to mid-wicket.

73.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot.

73.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Pope defends it off the front foot.

72.6

.

On a good length on off, Denly defends it to covers off the back foot.

72.5

.

Outside off, Denly offers no shot to this one.

72.4

.

Lands this on a length and on off, Denly is solid in defense.

72.3

.

A good short one on the body, it is ducked under.

72.2

.

Outside off, Denly does not play at it.

72.1

2

Fuller and outside off, Denly pushes it through covers and takes two.

Neil Wagner is back on!

71.6

.

Outside off, Pope leaves it alone.

71.5

.

Flighted delivery outside off, Pope offers no shot and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. New Zealand do not go for the review as they know it straightened a touch, had that gone on with the arm, Pope would have been in trouble. Hawk Eye later on shows that it is missing the off stump.

71.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Pope keeps it out.

71.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot.

71.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot.

71.1

.

Floated delivery on off, Pope defends it out.

70.6

1

Good length delivery on off, Pope looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.

70.5

.

On a good length on off, Pope defends it out.

70.4

.

Good length delivery on off, Pope blocks it off the back foot.

70.3

.

On a length on middle, Pope nudges it to the leg side.

70.2

.

Full delivery on leg, Pope looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. New Zealand do not go for the review. Hawk Eye shows that it is missing the leg stump.

70.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Pope plays it back towards the bowler.

69.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the front foot.

69.5

.

Outside off, Denly shoulders arms to this one.

69.4

.

GIves it a lot of air this time and lands it on off, Denly creams it to mid off.

69.3

.

Another tossed up ball on off, Denly blocks it.

69.2

.

Slower through the air and on middle, Denly keeps it out.

69.1

.

Slower through the air outside off, not played at.

68.6

.

Fuller and on middle, this is driven back to mid on. End of a successful over for Southee.

68.5

.

Outside off, Pope lets it be.

Ollie Pope is the new man in.

68.4

W

OUT! Chops it on! The crowd finds its voice back! Ben Stokes is disgusted with himself and rightly so. That is a delivery he could have left. New Zealand on the other hand have broken this gritty stand. Once again it is Southee who gets the better of Stokes. He is amidst a very good spell and he deserves that wicket. He bowls this one slightly shorter and outside off. Seeing the width on offer, Stokes' eyes lit up. He looks to smash it through the off side but the ball does not bounce as much as he expected it to. It hits the underedge and goes onto hit the stumps. Will this open the floodgates? New Zealand will hope so. They are 5 wickets away from a win now.

68.3

.

BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Stokes looks to defend but misses it. The ball kept low on him.

68.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Stokes offers a forward defense on this one.

68.1

.

On a good length on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.

67.6

.

Full delivery outside off, Denly drives it to covers.

67.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Denly keeps it out.

67.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly blocks it off the front foot.

67.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Denly drives it back towards the bowler.

67.2

1

Floated delivery on middle, Stokes drives it towards mid on. The batsmen cross ends.

67.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Stokes defends it out.

66.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the back foot.

66.5

.

On a good length and outside off, Denly offers no shot to this one.

66.4

2

A little bit of width offered this time, Denly pushes it through covers and two is taken. Up comes the 50-run stand between the two. 144 balls is what they have faced which means they have shown a lot of grittiness. Need to continue.

66.3

2

Fuller and on off, Denly right at the end, opens the face of the bat and guides it through point for two.

66.2

.

Well bowled! It is just outside off, also it is from wide of the crease so it builds a doubt whether it should be played at or not. Denly makes the right choice as he lets it be.

66.1

.

Outside off, left alone. Southee makes a loud loud appeal but not sure why. He was the only one appealing.

So it is confirmed! Boult won't be taking any further part in this Test due to pain in his right rib. He will be going for MRI scans tomorrow. Not good for the hosts, they are now a bowler down and that to, they will be missing the services of their best. England will breathe a big sigh of relief they aren't going to face him.

65.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes keeps it out.

65.5

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Denly flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single.

65.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

65.3

.

Flatter and on off, it straightens a touch. Denly stays back and keeps it out.

65.2

.

Slower through the air and on middle, Santner keeps it out. Not seen the ball do a lot for Santner.

65.1

.

Floats it up on off, Denly lunges and keeps it out.

64.6

4

FOUR! Short delivery outside off, Stokes looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes over Watling towards third man for a boundary.

64.5

.

Outside off, Stokes leaves it alone.

64.4

.

On a good length on off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.

64.3

.

Outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.

64.2

1

On a length on middle, Denly nudges it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run.

64.1

1

Short delivery on middle, Stokes pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.

63.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Denly flicks it to the leg side.

63.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.

63.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly drives it to mid on.

63.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Denly flicks it to mid-wicket.

63.2

.

Outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

63.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Denly offers a forward defense on this one.

62.6

.

Back of a length, Stokes keeps it out nicely.

62.5

.

On off, blocked.

62.4

4

EDGY FOUR! This is just outside off, in the channel of uncertainty. Stokes is not sure whether to leave it or play at it. He ends up hanging his bat outside off, it goes off the outside edge, past Taylor and widish first slip and down to the boundary.

62.3

.

Another delivery on a length and around off, Stokes gets right behind the line and defends it.

62.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Stokes stays back and keeps it out nicely.

62.1

.

Good length and on off, Stokes prods forward and keeps it out.

61.6

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Denly defends it out.

61.5

.

Floated delivery on middle, Denly flicks it to mid-wicket.

61.4

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

61.3

.

BEATEN! Floated delivery outside off, Stokes looks to defend but misses it.

61.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Stokes defends it off the back foot.

61.1

.

Shorter and outside off, Stokes goes back and pushes it hard. It hits the fielder at silly point.

60.6

2

Full and on middle, Denly flicks it through mid-wicket and picks a couple before the fielder can stop the ball and return it back to the keeper.

60.5

.

On the stumps line this one, Denly tucks it towards mid on.

60.4

.

That came back in sharply. It pitched around off and jagged back in sharply. Denly pokes at it but is beaten for the inside edge.

60.3

.

Around off on a fullish length. Denly pushes it towards cover.

60.2

.

In the channel outside off, it is left alone.

60.1

.

Full and on the pads, Denly flicks it to mid-wicket.

59.6

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Ben offers no shot and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

59.5

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Ben plays it to mid-wicket.

59.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.

Tim Southee to bowl from the other end.

59.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Stokes plays it to covers.

59.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes keeps it out.

59.1

4

FOUR! Nice start to the session. Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

We are back for the second session. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Ben Stokes and Joe Denly will resume their innings. Interestingly, Trent Boult has not walked out to the middle. He just bowled the one over in the first session. He has an issue with his right rib. His participation in the game is in limbo and it can be a massive blow for the hosts if that is the case. Mitchell Santner will start the proceedings after Lunch.

... Day 5, Session 2 ...

Just a wicket in the session. One would guess that England would be the happier side heading to the break. While Root fell cheaply once again, Denly along with Stokes are out in the middle and are battling it out. The duo have managed to see off 98 deliveries in this first session. They now have two more sessions to survive and this stand will be key. Will they be able to do so or the Kiwis will strike in the coming session to push a result in this game? Join us post the Lunch break to find out.

58.6

1

On off and middle this one. Stokes looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards fine leg for a single. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 5.

58.5

.

On middle, kept slightly low. Stokes keeps it out.

58.4

.

Shortish length on middle, Stokes keeps it out.

58.3

2

On the pads of the left-hander. Stokes flicks it wide of the long on fielder to pick a couple.

58.2

.

On middle, Stokes lunges and pushes it back to the bowler.

58.1

3

Starts with a full ball on middle, Denly flicks it through mid-wicket. The mid-wicket fielder chases the ball down and makes a sliding stop before the ropes. Three runs taken.

Kane Williamson is into the attack.

57.6

.

That kept low and turned down the leg off the cracks. It pitched on off and then went on the leg side. Stokes just about managed to get a bottom edge towards leg slip.

57.5

.

Flatter one this time, Stokes now goes back and defends it nicely.

57.4

.

Bowls it slower through the air around off. Stokes comes forward and keeps it out.

57.3

4b

FOUR BYES! Flighted delivery outside off, Stokes leaves it alone. It beats the keeper and the first slip fielder and goes towards the third man region for a boundary.

57.2

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Stokes leaves it alone.

57.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.

56.6

.

Fuller and outside off, Denly pushes it towards cover.

56.5

.

Another bouncer outside off, Denly once again sways away from the line of the ball.

56.4

.

In the channel outside off, Denly shoulders arms.

56.3

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Denly does well to sway away from the line of the delivery.

56.2

.

Beaten! Nicely bowled. It pitches on middle and then goes away. Denly has a poke at it but only to get beaten.

56.1

.

Fuller and around off, Denly pushes it towards cover.

55.6

.

That pitched in the rough. Flighted delivery on off, Stokes looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad due to the extra bounce on this one.

55.5

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes defends it out.

55.4

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes defends it off the back foot.

55.3

.

The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.

55.2

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes plays it to point.

55.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Stokes blocks it off the front foot.

54.6

.

Sharp bouncer this one. Denly looks to get away from the line of the ball but is late on it and is hit on the helmet. Nothing serious as he continues.

54.5

.

Outside off, Joe lets it go.

54.4

.

On a good length on off, Denly looks to defend but gets hit on the shoulder due to the extra bounce on this one.

54.3

.

Outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

54.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the front foot.

54.1

.

Fuller and around off, Denly pushes it towards cover.

53.6

.

Around off, Stokes is solid in defense.

53.5

.

This time it is on middle, Stokes uses the crease and goes back to defend.

53.4

.

Outside off, turning in. Stokes keeps it out.

53.3

.

Outside off this one. Stokes covers his stumps and lets it be.

53.2

.

Full and on middle, Stokes pushes it mid on.

53.1

2

Shortish length outside off, Sotkes punches it through covers to pick a couple of runs.

Mitchell Santner back on. 20-11-21-3 are his numbers.

52.6

.

Outside off, Denly shoulders arms to this one.

52.5

.

Full delivery on off, Denly drives it to covers.

52.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, Denly looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

52.3

.

Outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

52.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Denly taps it to point.

52.1

.

On a good length on off, Denly plays it to covers.

51.6

4

FOUR! Short and wide outside off this one from Boult. Stokes stays on the back foot and punches it through covers for a boundary.

51.5

.

Good length ball just outside off, Stokes taps it towards mid off.

51.4

.

On the pads this one. Stokes works it towards mid-wicket.

51.3

.

Outside off on a length this time. Stokes initially wanted to play at it but bailed himself out in the end.

51.2

.

On off, this one. Stokes keeps it out off the front foot.

51.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Stokes tucks it towards mid-wicket.

Santner gets some rest as Trent Boult is on now. 5-4-2-0 on Day 4 from him.

50.6

2

On a length on middle, Denly flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

50.5

.

Full delivery on off, Denly drives it to covers.

50.4

.

On a good length on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.

50.3

.

Full delivery on off, Denly plays it to mid off.

50.2

.

Outside off, Denly lets it go.

50.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Denly plays it to mid on.

49.6

.

Quicker one but outside off, it is left alone.

49.5

.

Ohh! That could've gone onto hit the stumps. Lucky, very lucky. Slightly shortish length ball around off, Stokes goes back to defend. He taps it in front of him. The ball bounces and goes back, through his legs but just wide of the leg stump.

49.4

4

FOUR! Rare loosener this one from Santner. Short and wide outside off, Stokes goes on the back foot and slams it through point to get off the mark.

49.3

1

Floated delivery on middle, Denly flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

49.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the front foot.

49.1

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Denly lets it go.

48.6

.

Around off, Stokes keeps it out coming forward.

48.5

.

Another leave from Stokes on this length ball outside off. 23 balls and yet to get off the mark.

48.4

.

Fullish but outside off, Stokes does not fiddle with it and lets it go to the keeper.

48.3

.

Landed on middle, Stokes pushes it towards short mid-wicket.

48.2

.

Closer to off pole this time and on length but not enough to make Stokes play.

48.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Stokes offers no shot to this one.

Bowling change! Neil Wagner is into the attack now.

47.6

.

Flighted delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.

47.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Denly drives it to mid on.

47.4

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.

47.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Denly plays it to mid on.

47.2

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Denly looks to sweep but misses it.

47.1

.

Flighted delivery outside off, Denly shoulders arms to this one.

46.6

.

Short and outside off, Stokes lets it be.

46.5

.

Full and on middle, Stokes flicks it towards mid-wicket.

46.4

.

Another fuller length, Stokes pushes it towards cover this time.

46.3

.

Fuller and on off, Stokes blocks coming forward.

46.2

.

Outside off, Stokes lets it be.

46.1

1

Good length ball on middle, Denly tucks it towards square leg for a single.

45.6

.

Big turn there! It pitches just around off and then went down the leg side. It goes to fine leg off the thigh pads.

45.5

.

On middle, Stokes tucks it towards square leg.

45.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

45.3

.

Slightly shortish, Stokes goes on the back foot and taps it onto the pitch.

45.2

.

On off, Stokes looks to push it towards mid off but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

45.1

.

Full and on middle, Stokes nudges it to the short leg fielder.

44.6

.

Outside off, Denly shoulders arms to this one.

44.5

.

Bowls a bouncer, Denly does well to duck under it.

44.4

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

44.3

.

Full delivery outside off, Denly drives it to covers.

44.2

.

On a good length on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.

44.1

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on middle, Denly flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

Drinks! De Grandhomme has managed to get rid of the big fish and England have been pushed further.

43.6

.

Fullish and on off, Stokes lunges forward and keeps it out.

43.5

.

Quicker one this time, and on off. Stokes taps it towards cover.

43.4

.

Flighted and around off, Stokes keeps it out.

43.3

.

Floated delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.

43.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.

43.1

1

Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

42.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

42.5

.

Fuller one, Stokes pushes it towards mid on.

42.4

W

OUT! Caught! The skipper departs. The plan with the close-in fielders has worked. A short ball this one, outside off, Root is surprised and looks to pull his bat away from the ball but he cannot do so.It catches the outside edge and goes towards gully. Latham gets low to his left and plucks it inches above the turf. Excellent catch. Excellent plan and execution. Ben Stokes walks out to bat next.

42.4

1wd

WIDE! A bouncer now but down the leg side. Root lets it be. Called wide by the umpire.

42.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

42.2

.

Again outside off and on a length. Root makes another leave.

42.1

.

In the channel outside off. Root lets it be.

41.6

.

Loopy delivery outside off, Joe leaves it alone.

41.5

.

Outside off, Denly lets it go.

More close-in catchers. 2 slips, a short leg and a silly point.

41.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.

41.3

.

Floated delivery outside off, Denly shoulders arms to this one.

41.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Denly looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It falls short of the second slip fielder.

41.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.

40.6

.

Good length ball around off, Root taps it towards gully. A gentle appeal from de Grandhomme for LBW as he thinks it might have been pad first but that is not the case.

40.5

1

Full delivery outside off, Denly drives it through covers. The fielder tries to stop it but it goes past him. The batsmen take a single.

40.4

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Denly looks to defend but misses it.

40.3

.

Outside off, Denly offers no shot to this one.

40.2

.

On a good length on off, Denly plays it to covers.

40.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Denly drives it to covers.

39.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

39.5

.

Fuller and around off, Root this time guides it towards gully with the angled bat.

39.4

.

Shortish and outside off, Root goes back and defends it out. He is using the crease well.

39.3

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Flighted delivery on middle, Root drives it through mid on for a boundary.

39.2

.

Outside off, Root shoulders arms to this one.

39.1

.

Short delivery outside off, Root cuts it to point.

38.6

.

Another solid defense to see through the over. Good length delivery it is, Denly comes on the front foot and keeps it out.

38.5

.

In the channel outside off, it is left alone.

38.4

.

Length outside off, Denly is once again solid in his defense.

38.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

38.2

.

Fuller and around off, Denly drives it well but can't beat the extra cover fielder.

38.1

.

Good length ball around off, Denly comes on the front foot and defends it.

37.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Root looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the first slip fielder on a bounce.

37.5

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Root looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

37.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Root defends it off the back foot.

37.3

.

Floated delivery on middle, Root defends it off the back foot.

37.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Root defends it off the front foot.

37.1

.

Flighted delivery outside off, Root offers no shot to this one.

36.6

.

On middle, Denly defends it out coming forward.

36.5

.

Good length ball around off, tapped towards point.

36.4

.

Fuller and on off, driven to mid off.

36.3

.

Length delivery on middle, Denly flicks it to mid-wicket.

36.2

.

Full delivery on off, Denly drives it to mid off.

36.1

.

Bowls a yorker on middle, Denly digs it out.

Interesting! Colin de Grandhomme into the attack, ahead of Trent Boult.

35.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Root defends it off the front foot.

35.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Root flicks it to mid-wicket.

35.4

.

Outside off, Root lets it go.

35.3

.

Floated delivery outside off, Joe shoulders arms to this one.

35.2

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Root keeps it out.

35.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Root defends it off the back foot.

34.6

1

On middle, Root nudges it towards mid-wicket for a run.

34.5

.

Slightly fuller than the previous ball but outside off. Root makes another leave.

34.4

.

In the channel this time, Root lets it be.

34.3

.

Full and on off, driven straight to mid off.

34.2

.

On off, Root defends it out solidly.

34.1

.

Fuller around off, pushed to mid on.

33.6

.

Left alone this time. Good probing line from Santner this one. In the zone, slightly fullish. Asking the batter to go for the drive. Denly is not lured as yet.

33.5

.

Fuller around off, Denly pushes it towards cover.

33.4

.

Floated delivery on middle, Denly tucks it to mid-wicket.

33.3

.

Tossed up delivery outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

33.2

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the front foot.

33.1

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Denly looks to flick but misses it. The keeper takes the bails off but Denly never went outside the crease.

32.6

.

Good length delivery on middle, Root keeps it out.

32.5

.

On a good length on off, Root blocks it off the back foot.

32.4

.

Outside off again, Root shoulders arms to this one.

32.3

.

Outside off, Root lets it go.

32.2

.

Full delivery outside off, Joe offers no shot to this one.

32.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Root drives it to mid on.

31.6

1

Outside off and on a shortish length. Root taps it wide of the point fielder who makes a diving stop but cannot stop the single.

31.5

.

Yorker now! It is on off pole. Root jams the bat down in time.

31.4

.

Wow! Where did that pitch. On the crack probably. It pitched outside off and went to first slip, yes first slip. Big turn that.

31.3

.

Short again, Root pushes it straight to the point fielder.

31.2

4

FOUR! Nice shot. First boundary of the morning. Short delivery outside off, Root goes on the back foot and crunches it through cover-point. It races to the fence.

31.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Root defends it out.

30.6

1

The skipper is away as well. He gets a length ball on the pads. Root nudges it to fine leg and take a run.

30.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Root defends it off the back foot.

30.4

1

First run of the morning. Length delivery on middle, Denly plays it towards mid-wicket.

30.3

.

Third consecutive leave for Denly. Outside off, Denly does not bother to play at that.

30.2

.

Outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

30.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Denly shoulders arms to this one.

29.6

.

Floated delivery on off, Root taps it to point.

29.5

.

Quicker one on off, Root just about manages to get his bat down to defend.

29.4

.

Flighted delivery on off, Root defends it off the front foot.

29.3

.

Outside off, Root lets it go.

29.2

.

Tossed up ball outside off, Root comes forward and pushes it towards cover.

29.1

.

Quicker one on the pads, it is defended off the back foot.

28.6

.

Good delivery! After taking a few away, Southee gets this one to jag back in from outside off angle. Denly looks to defend but gets hit on the body.

28.5

.

Outside off, it is left alone again.

28.4

.

And again, in the outside off corridor. Denly makes another leave covering his stumps.

28.3

.

In the channel outside off this time, Denly lets it be. The ball dies down as it reaches to Watling.

28.2

.

Fullish ball around off, Deny drives it well but can't beat the cover fielder.

28.1

.

Good length ball outside off. It pitches and goes further away from the batter as Denly shoulders arms.

Tim Southee to bowl from the other end.

27.6

.

Another loopy ball, this is full and on off. Root comes forward and defends it off the front foot.

27.5

.

Flighted ball outside off first up. Root lets it be.

We are ready to begin Day 5. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Joe Denly will be joined by Joe Root in the middle. Mitchell Santner will finish the two balls of his over.

Can England win this? Highly unlikely. What can they do? Salvage a draw? The draw would've looked more on the cards had they not lost the three quick wickets late on Day 4. New Zealand, after declaring their innings by taking the lead of 262, courtesy the massive 261-run stand between BJ Watling and Mitchell Santner with them scoring a double ton and a ton respectively. The English openers, Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley almost saw off the 28 overs they had to face. That was not to be as Santner struck thrice inside 7 overs to push England towards defeat. Well, there is still a lot of batting left with the likes of Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler yet to come. Can they do some magic? Now, will the Kiwis be able to bundle the visitors and take 1-0 lead in the series or will England be able to take the game deep and manage a draw?

... Day 5, Session 1 ...

Now then, everything on Day 5 is set up brilliantly! 7 wickets is what New Zealand need in 3 sessions and England will have to play out that many sessions. They have Joe Root and Ben Stokes two of their best batters to come in and a lot will rely on them. Judging by how things for the Kiwis, Mitchell Santner will hold the key for them with the ball. Join us for what should be an exciting Day 5 at 1100 local (2200 GMT Previous day). Till then, take care and goodbye!

Day 4 was about two men - Mitchell Santner and BJ Watling! The former first did it with the bat as he scored his maiden ton. The pair put up a 261-run stand with the right-hander becoming the first ever New Zealand keeper to score a double ton. They began the day quite slowly but in the second session they found the boundaries at will. It is because of them, the hosts managed to take a huge, huge lead. After declaration, England had under one session to play out and they would have hoped to enter Day 5 unscathed. However, Santner once again haunted them, this time with the ball as he got three crucial wickets.

What a day for New Zealand! They are in the driver's seat heading into Day 5. 7 wickets in 90 overs is what they need to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The last session too, like many other sessions in this game belongs to them. They came out, batted for a few overs, added a few runs before declaration. The English openers were stubborn to begin with, they dodged everything thrown at them and seemed were really battling hard. However, the introduction of Mitchell Santner changed things. He got Sibley first, then Burns and now Leach in the last over of the day which sees England in big trouble.

27.4

W

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! That is an absolute screamer from Latham! Mitchell Santner is on a roll here but credit has to be given to Latham too as he has taken a very good catch. Santner has got rid of one guy who can literally grind it out. We have seen that before so I would probably say this is a very good wicket and it has come right at the stroke of Stumps. This lands outside off and then turns back in. Leach looks to defend, it seems to have taken the inside edge, onto the pads and lobs up. The fielder at short leg, Tom Latham, takes an excellent catch diving forward with one hand. An appeal and up goes the finger. Leach has a chat with his partner but then does not review. Now then, replays show that there was nothing on Hot Spot and nothing on Ultra Edge either. Leach wasn't sure if he had hit that or not but since he is just a nightwatchman, he maybe did not review. He will be pretty disappointed. He trudges back and the other players along with the umpire also walk back as IT IS STUMPS ON DAY 4!

27.3

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

27.2

.

That has hit the helmet! It took off from nowhere. How often do we see a spinner hitting the batters helmet. This is flatter and outside off, it pitches in the rough and then takes off and turns back in. Hits the helmet of Leach.

27.1

1

Flatter and on middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket. Denly wants a run, Leach is a touch late to respond but they complete the run in the end.

26.6

.

Goes very full and on off, it tails back in. Leach keeps it out.

26.5

.

Shouts of catch it but it is wide! Shorter and on the body, Leach hopes and nudges it uppishly but wide of short leg.

26.4

.

Back of a length and on middle, this is kept out.

26.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

26.2

1

In the air... safe! Shorter and on the body, Denly fends at it awkwardly, it hits the splice of the bat and lobs on the leg side for one.

26.1

.

Almost another! This is on a length and outside off, it is bowled from around the wicket. Due to that angle, Denly pokes at a ball he does not need to, gets beaten.

25.6

.

Fires it outside off, it is left alone. End of another successful over for Santner.

25.5

.

On the stumps again, Leach defends it out.

25.4

.

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.

25.3

.

Flatter and on off, Leach works it with the turn on the leg side.

25.2

.

Slower through the air on off, Leach keeps it out.

25.1

W

OUT! In the air... taken! Santner gets another one. The dropped catch in the last over does not cost anything. Clever bowling this by Santner. He tosses it up and bowls it wide outside off. He wants Burns to reach out and play the sweep shot and Burns does that. Also, since Santner is tall, he gets extra bounce which he does here. It goes off the top edge and lobs towards short fine leg where Colin de Grandhomme moves to his right and takes it. Both the openers now back in the hut. England in a spot of bother here. New Zealand still have 17 balls to take another wicket today. Jack Leach is the new man in.

24.6

.

A short one to end, Denly keeps it out.

24.5

.

A bumper and it is ducked under.

24.4

.

One more short ball, Denly defends it out.

24.3

.

A bumper now on the body, Denly ducks under it.

24.2

.

Shorter and on off, Denly stands tall and keeps it out again.

24.1

.

Shorter and around off, Denly stands tall and guides it to point.

23.6

.

On off, it is kept out. End of another good over by Santner.

23.5

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

23.4

.

Almost! Flatter and on middle, Burns goes back and tries to defend. It lands on the ground and spins backwards but away from the stumps.

23.3

.

DROPPED! Santner almost had two in two overs. A tough chance though. This is floated up on off, Burns looks to work it with the turn but the ball sticks in the surface. He ends up chipping it uppishly towards short mid-wicket. Southee there dives forward and gets his fingers underneath but spills it.

23.2

.

Flatter and outside off, it turns back in. Burns looks to push at it but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

23.1

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

22.6

.

Bowls a bouncer, Joe ducks under it.

22.5

4

FOUR! Dispatched! Short delivery on middle, Denly pulls it over square leg for a boundary. 50 up for England.

22.4

.

Bowls down the leg side, Denly leaves it alone.

22.3

.

On a good length on off, Denly keeps it out.

22.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the back foot.

22.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Denly lets it go.

21.6

1

Denly is underway! This is tossed up on off, it turns away. Denly looks to defend but it goes off the outer half through backward point for one.

21.5

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Santner gets the breakthrough. He did it with the bat and now he does it with the ball. However, not sure why Sibley played that shot. This is tossed up wide outside off, it is turning away further. Sibley reaches out and tries to defend but the little turn takes the outside edge and Watling makes no mistake behind. Not sure why Sibley went after such a wide ball. Now Santner is a finger spinner so that would have only spun one way that is away from the batter, even if it was an arm ball, it was still very wide outside off. Just needless from Sibley. He was struggling against Santner and finally falls to him. Sibley fails to make an impact in his second innings as well. Joe Denly is the new batsman in. Can New Zealand get another before Stumps?

21.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

21.3

.

On middle, blocked.

21.2

.

Well played in the end! This is slower and outside off, Sibley thinks of defending it but then the ball turns away and also there is extra bounce. Sibley does well to play it with soft hands. It goes on the bounce to the first slip fielder.

21.1

.

On middle, it is kept out.

20.6

.

A short one outside off, Burns looks to pull it but it hits the bottom and dies onto the ground.

20.5

.

Shorter and on off, Burns stands tall and keeps it out.

20.4

.

A short one down the leg side, Burns somehow evades it.

20.3

4

FOUR! Excellent timing! It went to the fence like a tracer bullet. On the pads, this is clipped through square leg and it reaches the fence.

20.2

.

Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.

20.1

.

Shorter and on off, it is kept out.

19.6

.

Flighted delivery on middle, Sibley blocks it off the front foot.

19.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, Sibley blocks it well.

19.4

.

Full delivery on off, Sibley drives it to covers.

19.3

.

Floated delivery outside off, Sibley offers no shot to this one.

19.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Sibley plays it to covers.

19.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle, Sibley defends it off the front foot.

18.6

.

Bowls down the leg side, Burns looks to flick but misses it.

18.5

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Burns leaves it alone.

18.4

4

FOUR! Nice shot. Short delivery on leg again, Burns pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary.

18.3

2

Short delivery on leg, Burns pulls it over mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.

18.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Burns blocks it off the back foot.

18.1

.

Bowls it down the leg side, Burns lets it go.

17.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

17.5

.

Flighted delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.

17.4

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.

17.3

.

DROPPED! A reprieve for Sibley. A bit unlucky for Santner. Santner bowls a flighted one around off, Sibley looks to go for the drive but get an inside edge onto his pads. The ball then lobs to the keeper, Watling there looks to grab it but the ball hits his thigh and then his finger. He tries to catch on the second attempt but the ball kisses the turf. Watling is a bit disappointed with himself there.

17.2

.

Floated delivery on off, Sibley defends it out.

17.1

1

Flighted delivery on leg, Burns sweeps it through square leg. The batsmen take a run.

16.6

.

A short one to end, Sibley spots it early and evades it.

16.5

.

Shorter in length, Sibley works it to mid-wicket.

16.4

.

Another short one but once again it is bowled down the leg side.

16.3

.

A short one but down the leg side, left alone.

16.2

1

A good short one on off, Burns pulls it through square leg and a single is taken.

16.1

.

Shorter and around off, it is ducked under it.

Neil Wagner is on now!

15.6

.

Slower through the air on off, this is pushed to the man at covers.

15.5

1

The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.

15.4

.

Slower through the air outside off, Burns looks to sweep but gets a bottom edge and it goes on the bounce to mid-wicket.

15.3

.

Tosses it up outside off, Burns keeps it out.

15.2

1

A little too straight, this is worked through square leg for one.

15.1

.

Tosses it up on off, it is pushed to covers.

DRINKS BREAK!

14.6

4

FOUR! Easy peasy! Down the leg side, Burns works it to the fine leg fence.

14.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

14.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Burns stands tall and defends it onto the ground.

14.3

.

One more ball outside off, not played at.

14.2

.

Fuller and outside off, it is hit to covers.

14.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

13.6

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

13.5

1

Out comes the sweep shot through square leg for one.

13.4

.

BEATEN! The arm ball outside off, Burns looks to defend but does so for the turn which is not there. He gets beaten.

13.3

.

Burns comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He keeps it out.

13.2

.

Flatter and on off, Burns goes back and keeps it out.

13.1

.

A full toss on off, Burns works it to mid on.

12.6

3

Good effort in the field. Colin sprays one onto Burns' pads. Rory flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder from deep square leg runs across to his right and saves a run for his team. The batsmen in the meantime take three.

12.5

.

Length ball on middle, Burns defends it to mid-wicket.

12.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

12.3

.

Length ball too wide for the batsman to play. Burns lets it through.

12.2

.

Another outside off delivery, Rory leaves it alone.

12.1

.

Length and around off, Burns lets it be.

11.6

.

On a good length on off, Sibley defends it out.

11.5

.

BEATEN ONCE AGAIN! Santner is spitting venom here. Sibley this time looks to drive it through the off side but once again the ball spins past his outside edge and goes towards the first slip. The man there takes it.

11.4

.

BEATEN! Vicious turn and bounce for Santner. He tosses one up outside off and draws Sibley forward. Dominic looks to push it off the front foot but the ball spins past his forward push. The ball spins further away and the man at first slip takes it.

11.3

.

Outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.

11.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.

11.1

.

Short delivery on off, Sibley cuts it to point.

Mitchell Santner is into the attack.

10.6

.

Outside off, the batter does not play at it.

10.5

.

That is just short! The change of angle almost works. This lands on off and then straightens. Burns defends inside the line, the ball goes off the outside edge but lands just short of the keeper.

10.4

.

The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact.

10.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

10.2

4b

FOUR BYES! Way too wide outside off, it swings away further. The keeper dives to his left but fails to stop it cleanly. It goes down to the third man fence.

10.1

.

Fuller and on off, it is driven to mid off.

9.6

.

On a good length on off, Sibley defends it out.

9.5

.

BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.

9.4

.

On a good length on off, Sibley defends it out.

9.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Sibley defends it off the back foot.

9.2

.

On a good length on off, Sibley plays it to point.

9.1

.

Outside off, Sibley lets it go.

8.6

.

Length delivery on middle, Burns flicks it to mid-wicket.

8.5

.

Good length delivery on off, Rory defends it out.

8.4

.

Outside off, Burns leaves it alone.

8.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Rory defends it out.

8.2

.

On a good length on off, Burns looks to defend off the back foot but gets hit on the glove.

8.1

1

On a good length on off, Sibley plays it towards point. The batsmen take a single. That is Sibley's first runs on the off side in this Test. Just shows he is more of a leg side player. New Zealand know that and hence, they keep bowling it outside off to him. He has played it well so far though.

Colin de Grandhomme is into the attack.

7.6

1

The batsman has driven it through mid on. The batsmen have run through for a single.

7.5

1

A little too straight, this is worked through square leg for one.

7.4

.

Back of a length and on off, kept out.

7.3

.

Good delivery and well played. This initially angles into the batter, it then shapes away. Burns first thinks of playing at it but then lets it be.

7.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

7.1

.

Good length and on off, Burns keeps it out.

6.6

2

Nicely punched! A very full ball on middle, Sibley gets his bat down in time and hits it through mid on for two.

6.5

.

Bowls it closer to the off pole this time, Sibley is solid in defense.

6.4

.

One more delivery outside off, it is not played at.

6.3

.

Outside off again, DS covers his off pole and shoulders arms to this one.

6.2

.

One more ball outside off, testing the patience of Sibley. He lets it be.

6.1

.

Fuller and outside off, Sibley lets it be. New Zealand are constantly bowling it outside off to him, they sense that is his weakness.

5.6

1lb

A single to end! This is worked down to fine leg for one.

5.5

.

That has taken off from nowhere! Slightly shorter and on off, it gets big on the batter. Sibley looks to fend at it but the ball hits the handle and lands safe on the off side. DS was lucky there, it could have easily popped up to a fielder.

5.4

.

A scrambled seam delivery outside off, Sibley plays inside the line and gets beaten.

5.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Sibley stands tall and keeps it out.

5.2

.

On the fuller side and on off, DS pushes it to mid off.

5.1

.

On middle, Sibley plays it to mid-wicket.

4.6

2

Back of a length ball outside off, Burns cuts it uppishly over point. The batsmen take a couple.

4.5

4

EDGED AND FOUR! Southee bowls on a fuller length and just about manages to nip the ball away from the left-hander. Burns looks to push it through to mid on but gets it off the outside edge. The ball runs away through the vacant gully region and into the third man fence for a boundary.

4.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

4.3

.

Full and swinging into the left hander, Burns plays it back to the bowler.

4.2

1

Length ball on the pads, Sibley flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

4.1

.

Length and on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot

3.6

.

The last ball is left alone as this is bowled outside off. A maiden but not a threatening one.

3.5

.

Finally makes the batter play by bowling it full and on off, it is driven to mid off.

3.4

.

4 leaves in a row! Boult once again bowls this one outside off, Burns does not want to play at it.

3.3

.

Three leaves in a row as Boult continues bowling it outside off.

3.2

.

One more leave as this is also bowled outside off.

3.1

.

Slightly fuller and outside off, it is left alone.

2.6

.

Down the leg side, Sibley looks to flick but misses.

2.5

2

Looks to bowl the magic delivery, tries to swing it from the leg pole to the off pole. Sibley though shuffles across and works it through square leg for two.

2.4

.

Just outside off, Sibley covers the off pole and makes a leave.

2.3

.

Gets the batter to play this time by bowling it on off. Sibley keeps it out nicely.

2.2

.

One more outswinger but again, it is outside off. Not played at.

2.1

.

The awayswinger but outside off, left alone.

1.6

.

Edged but short! A good nut to end! Length delivery, it tails away late from off. Burns looks to defend but the ball finds the outside edge. It lands just short of second slip.

1.5

.

Outside off, the batter does not fiddle with it.

1.4

.

A little too straight, this is worked to the man at mid-wicket.

1.3

.

Outside off again, the batter does not fiddle with it.

1.2

.

Just outside off, a good line this. Left alone nicely.

1.1

.

On middle, it is kept out.

Trent Boult to start from the other end.

0.6

4

FOUR! Sibley is off the mark in a similar manner like he did in the first innings! A little too straight, Dominic works it through mid-wicket and bags a boundary.

0.5

.

Fuller and outside off, it tails away. Sibley lets it be.

0.4

.

On the fuller side and around off, Dominic strokes it back past the bowler. Mid off gets across and stops it with a dive.

0.3

.

On the fuller side and outside off, Sibley lets it be. Once again some movement for the bowler.

0.2

3

England are underway! However, some swing for Southee. This is full and outside off, it swings back in. Burns works it through mid-wicket. Wagner gives it a chase from mid on, dives and pushes it back in. A tremendous effort to save a run.

Now then there is a halt in play as one of the stumps has come off. Some sawdust is being sprayed and now it is being hammered in.

0.1

.

A beauty to begin with! This is on a length and around off, it straightens a touch and then also takes off. Burns looks to defend but is beaten.

The players are out in the middle. 28 overs left for the day. How many wickets can New Zealand get with the new ball? Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley open up for England. Tim Southee to start off proceedings to Burns.

The wicket still seems to be a good one to bat on but scoreboard pressure can get to the English batters. An interesting passage of play awaits.

Now then, England will probably bat to save this game. They need to take it session by session. Their first aim will be to get through today with not a lot of damage being done. New Zealand on the other hand, have around 28 overs today and they would look to take as many wickets as possible.

England at the moment will be mentally and physically drained! They have bowled over 200 overs. Their bowling throughout looked flat. Not a lot you can write about a bowling attack which has failed to bundle out an opposition in two days. If you still have to pick one bowler who impressed, then it is Sam Curran. Overall, it is a performance the English bowlers would want to forget.

The stars for the Kiwis, BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner and Colin de Grandhomme. Nicholls and Williamson also played well but when the two were dismissed, the Kiwis were on the back foot. However then the fightback started. First Watling and Colin de Grandhomme took the hosts to safer shores and then Santner and Watling with a massive 261-run stand took New Zealand right on top. The wicket keeper scored a double ton and Santner managed to get his maiden first Test ton.

NEW ZEALAND HAVE FINALLY DECLARED! Yes, you have read it right, they HAVE DECLARED after batting for around 2 days. They have probably batted long enough to ensure they can't lose the game from here and the only team who could win this one is themselves. They have a lead of 262 now and just less than 4 sessions to get the 10 wickets they need of England.

200.6

4

Full and outside off, Wagner also can bat and he shows off his skills. Wagner reverse sweeps it between the slips and gully. The ball races away to the third man fence for a boundary.

200.5

6

SIX! That is huge! Out comes the slog sweep and it is nailed. It goes over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

200.4

.

Flatter and on middle, it turns back in. Wagner looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

200.3

1

On the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.

200.2

1

This is swept through square leg for one.

200.1

.

On off, kept out.

Trent Boult is the last man to walk out for the Kiwis.

199.6

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! End of a marathon knock from BJ Watling. As he walks off, the England players walk upto him and shake his hand. Also the crowd is up on its feet applauding the effort. End of something extremely special. A slower one outside off, there is extra bounce. Watling looks to go over covers but it goes off the outside edge, low towards the keeper who takes it. Finally a wicket for Archer.

199.6

1wd

WIDE! Way too short outside off, it is left alone. Wided.

199.5

.

One more short one on middle, Watling pulls it straight to mid-wicket.

199.4

.

Another short one outside off, Watling hops and looks to cut but misses.

199.3

.

Shorter and outside off, BJ looks to cut but misses.

199.2

4

FOUR! Up and over! Fuller and on middle, it is the slower one. Watling picks it early and he lifts it over mid on for a boundary. 600 up.

199.1

.

Shorter and on middle, Watling works it to mid-wicket.

Neil Wagner is the new man in.

198.6

W

OUT! Caught and bowled! Leach has the last laugh. This is tossed up and on middle, Southee hits it back to the bowler. It comes at a comfortable height for him and Leach makes no mistake. Still no signs of declaration.

198.5

1

Watling drives this flighted ball through covers for a run.

198.4

1

Southee works this full ball through the leg side and take a single.

198.3

.

Tossed up ball on off, Southee pushes to the cover region.

198.2

.

Full and on the pads, Southee flicks it to square leg.

198.1

6

SIX! First ball after the break and Southee has dispatched that. Leach tosses up around off, Southee comes down the track makes room and lofts it over long off. The ball sails over the fence.

Welcome back for the final session, the Kiwi batters do make their way out to the middle which means there is no declaration. The England players follow. How long will New Zealand bat? Maybe a few overs, one thing we can assure is, we are in for some fun now. Southee will be on strike and he will be facing Jack Leach.

... Day 4, session 3 ...

So the Kiwis have batted yet another full session! However, this time around, they have scored at a very brisk rate. They managed to score 138 runs in 27 overs. Right from the onset both Santner and Watling started off in a positive manner. They were finding the fence regularly, especially the former who got to his maiden Test ton. The pair brought up the250-run stand too between them before the left-hander was dismissed. Watling though continued and he got to his double ton. The lead is 237 now so the only thing we believe the hosts are playing for is to take the lead to the 250-run mark. Will they be declaring then or will they bat for another hour or will they be declaring immediately? A lot of questions to be answered and they will be in a while. Stay tuned.

197.6

.

Another bumper and Watling once again ducks under it. TEA ON DAY 4.

197.5

.

Short ball on middle and off, Watling does well to drop his wrists and get away from the ball.

197.4

.

Full and outside off, Watling drives it to covers.

197.3

.

Good length on off, Watling plays it to mid off.

197.2

.

Good length and around off, Watling defends it to the off side.

197.1

.

Length and on off, Watling defends it.

196.6

.

Floats it up on off, Tim drives it to covers.

196.5

.

On off, it is kept out.

196.4

.

A huge appeal but nothing! Maybe an ambitious one. Down the leg side, Southee looks to flick but misses. The keeper appeals but the umpire shakes his head.

196.3

.

On off, kept out.

196.2

1

200 for BJ watling! What a moment for him. A top, top knock. He was gritty when needed and now in the last hour or so has upped the ante. He gets there by working it on the leg side for one. Takes his helmet off and acknowledges the applause from the crowd.

196.1

.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

195.6

1

Finally gets to the other end. This also takes him to 199. Watling punches this length ball on off through covers and takes a quick single.

195.5

.

Watling once again blocks this length ball to the off side.

195.4

.

Watling defends this length ball around off right near his boots.

195.3

.

Watling cuts through point, this short ball outside off. The fielder there dives to his left and prevent Watling from getting off strike.

195.2

.

Outside off, Watling lets it be.

195.1

1

Good stop by the fielder at mid off. Curran goes full and wide outside off, Southee drives it through mid off only for the fielder to cut off the race there. Only a single taken.

194.6

1

Hesitation but safe! Southee works it on the leg side and takes off. Watling hesitates but then goes for it. Buttler gets to the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

194.5

.

An appeal for a stumping has been taken upstairs! England do not seem excited. NOT OUT! Southee has his foot planted down on the ground. It is the arm ball outside off, Southee plays inside the line and gets beaten. Buttler whips the bails off and appeals. Initially the umpire does not take it upstairs but eventually does. Replays roll in and they show that Southee is well in.

194.4

1

On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.

194.3

.

On off, kept out.

194.2

4

FOUR! Nice shot! He expected a short ball and got that. Watling makes room and slaps it through covers and bags a boundary. He is now three short of a double ton.

194.2

1wd

Down the leg side, Watling leaves it. Wided.

194.1

.

Watling dances down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He keeps it out.

193.6

.

A stifled appeal but not given! Fuller and outside off, Southee looks to drive but misses.

193.5

1

Fuller and on off, it is driven through mid off for one.

193.4

2

Shorter and outside off, Watling punches it through covers for two.

Tim Southee walks in to bat after a marathon stand between Watling and Santner ends.

193.3

W

OUT! SANTNER HOLES OUT! Finally, finally England have something to rejoice about. They have broken through the stand which went on for. He walks back to a standing ovation because he has just played an outstanding innings. However, all eyes turns towards the dressing room and there is no declaration. So New Zealand will continue to bat. Coming to the ball now. It is a length delivery around middle, Santner looks to clear the long on fence but does not time it right. He holes out to Pope there. End of a mammoth 261-run stand.

193.2

1

Shorter now and outside off, this is hit through covers for one.

193.1

1

Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

192.6

2

Fuller and outside off, this is guided through point for two.

192.5

.

Darts it on off, Watling pushes it to covers.

192.4

1

Steps out and also makes room, hits it through covers and takes two.

192.4

1wd

Way down the leg side and it has been wided again.

192.3

.

Fired on the leg pole. Watling looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

192.2

1

Outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

192.1

.

Outside off, Santner looks to sweep but misses.

191.6

1

Santner drives this length ball through mid on for a run.

191.5

1

The batsman drives this through the covers. They pick up a single.

191.4

4

FOUR! 250-run stand also up between Santner and Watling. Curran goes short and on middle, Watling pulls it through square leg. The ball races to the fence for a boundary.

191.3

.

Watling defends this length ball off his front foot.

191.2

.

Watling defends the ball off his back foot.

191.1

1lb

Full ball outside off, Santner lines up for a slog but fails to lay bat on ball. The ball goes off his pads. The batsmen take a leg bye.

190.6

1

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.

190.5

1

Slower through the air outside off, Santner looks to drag it on the leg side but misses.

190.4

1

Steps out but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He works it towards short fine leg for one.

190.3

.

Fires it on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

190.3

1wd

Looks to play the reverse sweep now but this is bowled down the leg side. The batter misses. Wided! Oxenford is not tolerating anything down the leg side. He knows England have opted for a negative approach which he is not in favor of.

190.2

2

In the air... just over! Watling comes down the track and tries to flick but does so uppishly. It goes over the square leg fielder Broad and two is taken.

190.1

.

Flatter and on off, Watling goes back and keeps it out.

189.6

4

FOUR! Santner looks to be in a mood here. Curran bowls one in a slot and Mitchell lofts it over mid on. Stuart Broad at long off runs across to wide long on. He looks to go for the catch with one hand but the ball is wide and out off his reach. The ball bounces just inside the ropes before going over. The umpire signals a boundary.

189.5

1

Watling cuts this back of a length ball outside off towards point for a run.

189.4

.

Fuller in length and on off, Watling drives it straight to mid off.

189.3

.

Play and a miss! Curran goes wide outside off, Watling goes for a wild swing. The ball goes past the outside edge.

189.2

.

Slower one outside off, it is left alone.

189.1

1

Extremely full and it is tailing back in from outside off, Santner swings but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.

Is Kane Williamson also bored? Because he seems to be going inside the dressing room, having watched from the balcony for so long. Jokes apart, hard to say what is flatter - the deck or the bowling.

188.6

.

On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket.

188.5

1

Shorter and outside off, Santner pushes it through covers for one.

188.4

1

550 up for the Kiwis! This is swept on the leg side for one.

188.4

3wd

Excellent fielding! Down the leg side, Watling looks to sweep but misses. Buttler fails to collect it as it turns away. Curran hares after it, dives and pushes it back in just before it crosses the ropes. Two taken and it has been signaled as a wide.

188.3

4

FOUR! Very, very good! Watling brings out the reverse sweep, he hits it from the leg pole through point and bags a boundary.

188.2

.

Watling comes down the track and also makes room. He looks to go over covers but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.

188.1

.

Fires it on the leg stump, Watling looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

Joe Root is back!

187.6

6

SIX! BRUTAL HIT! Santner is showing his batting prowess here. Short on middle, Santner pulls it high and over the deep mid-wicket fence for biggie. The umpire waits for the confirmation and then signals it as a six.

187.5

4

FOUR! Curran goes full and Santner drives it down the ground past mid on for a boundary.

187.4

2

Short and on middle,Santner pulls it through mid-wicket. Ollie pope in the deep runs across to his right and fields it with a dive. The batsmen take a couple.

187.3

.

Length and on off, Santner pushes it to covers.

187.2

1

Back of a length and wide outside off, Watling slaps it through covers for a single.

187.1

.

Length and outside off, Watling drives it to covers.

Sam Curran comes back on!

186.6

.

On the pads, it is worked on the leg side.

186.5

4

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Shorter in length and on the body, Santner looks to pull but it goes off the glove, fine on the leg side for another boundary.

186.4

2

MAIDEN CENTURY FOR SANTNER! A special, special moment for him and this is a very important knock. Looking at the scoreboard now, it won't seem like that but he came out when New Zealand were still behind England's score and his innings and partnership now has England's back to the walls. Stokes bangs it short and Santner helps it on its way to fine leg. The fielder from deep square leg runs across to his left and dives to keep the ball in play.

186.3

.

Yorker outside off, Santner does well to block it to the off side.

186.2

.

Santner blocks this length ball around off the the off side.

186.1

.

Short and down the leg side. Santner looks to pull it to the leg side. He misses to get bat on ball and the keeper does the rest.

185.6

.

The arm ball on middle, Watling looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg.

185.5

1

Flatter and outside off, this is guided through point for one.

185.4

6

SIX! Another biggie! Onto 97 now is Santner. He comes down the track and tonks it over the long off fence.

185.3

.

This is fired on the pads, Santner works it to mid-wicket.

185.2

.

Flatter and on off, Santner lunges and keeps it out.

185.1

1

Floats it up on off, this is eased down to long off for one. Up comes the 200-run stand. This partnership has diminished the chances of England winning this game now.

DRINKS BREAK!

184.6

.

Santner blocks this length delivery off the front foot to the off side.

184.5

.

Bouncer on middle. Santner does well to duck under it.

184.4

1

Watling drives this length ball through covers for a run.

184.3

1

Full and on the pads, Santner flicks it with a wristy shot through mid-wicket for a run.

184.2

1

Shorter and on the body, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

184.1

.

Down the leg side, it is left alone.

184.1

5wd

FIVE WIDES! Way too short again and down the leg side. Buttler dives and tries to take it with his left hand but it hits the glove and goes to the fine leg fence.

183.6

1

Tossed up ball around off, Watling drives it through covers for a single.

183.5

1

Santner flicks this full one off his pads through mid-wicket for a run.

183.4

6

SIX! New Zealand bring up their 500 runs in style. Santner too moves into the 90s. Leach tosses up on middle and Santner dances down the track and lofts it over the bowler's head and over the long on fence for a biggie.

183.3

.

Tossed up on off, Santner plays it wide of the bowler. Leach fields it by going to his left.

183.2

.

Another leg stumpish line, Santner is comfortable to hit that back to the bowler.

183.1

.

Full and on the leg stump, Santner defends it back to the bowler.

182.6

.

One more bumper, Watling ducks under it.

182.5

2

Shorter and around off, Watling pushes it through covers for two.

182.4

.

On the shorter side, Watling stands tall and keeps it out.

182.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

182.2

.

Fuller and on off, this is driven to mid off.

182.1

.

Shorter and around off, this is guided to point.

182.1

1wd

Very short and down the leg side. Wided.

181.6

.

On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket with the turn.

181.5

.

On middle, kept out.

181.4

6

SIX! That has been taken but in the crowd! A firm hit by Santner. He comes down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. Tonks it over the long off fence for a biggie.

181.3

.

On the stumps, Santner goes back and keeps it out.

181.2

.

Flatter and on middle, Santner works it to square leg.

181.1

.

Flighted ball on middle, Santner lunges and defends it out.

180.6

.

Bouncer! Stokes goes for the short stuff but Watling is not interested ted to play at it. He ducks comfortably.

180.5

.

Back of a length and outside off, Watling hops inside the crease and plays it to point.

180.4

4

FOUR! Beautifully played. Just little bit of room and Watling cashes it. Ben goes wide and outside off, Watling cuts him through cover-point for a boundary.

180.3

.

Third bumper in a row. Watling goes for the pull but the ball sails over him and into the mitts of the keeper.

180.2

1

Short once again, Santner pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

180.1

.

Short and wide outside off, Santner goes for the pull but misses it. The ball goes off the shoulder towards point.

179.6

1

A single to end! Santner eases it down to long on and gets to the other end.

179.5

.

Santner comes down the track again, this time also stays leg side of the delivery. He hits it hard but straight to covers. Clearly there is a change in Santner's approach.

179.4

.

Santner comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He keeps it out.

179.3

1

On the stumps, this is swept nicely through square leg for one.

179.2

.

Gives it nice amount of loop and lands it around off, Watling pushes it to covers.

179.1

1

Floats it up outside off, Santner guides it through point for one.

178.6

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

178.5

.

This one is a good short ball, more effort in it. Watling does well to evade it.

178.4

.

One more short ball, no problem for Watling as he defends it out easily.

178.3

1

Shorter in length and on off, Santner gets on top of the bounce and taps it towards cover for a quick run. He has gone past his highest Test score.

178.2

.

Another short one, not as short as the last one and also the line is down the leg side. Santner looks to pull but misses.

178.1

1

Pulled powerfully but only for one! Stokes from around the wicket bangs it short and on the body, this is pulled towards deep square leg for one.

Ben Stokes is back! Double change for England.

177.6

.

Once again Santner dances down the track but for no runs. Leach bowls one fuller and outside off, Santner connects well but hits it straight to the man at mid off, Archer to be precise.

177.5

4

FOUR! Santner is playing like a top order batsman. He is dancing down the track to Leach here. Leach bowls a tossed up ball outside off and Santner drives it on the up through covers for a boundary.

177.4

.

Full ball around off, Santner defends it off the front foot to the off side.

177.3

.

Santner defends this flatter one off the back foot.

177.2

.

Flighted one around off, Santner drives it to covers.

177.1

.

Tossed up around off, Santner blocks it off the back foot to the bowler.

Jack Leach comes back on!

176.6

.

Fuller and on off, BJ Watling pushes it wide of mid off and takes an easy single.

176.5

.

Slightly shorter in length and outside off, not enough room to play the cut shot. Watling still goes for it and ends up chopping it to the gully fielder.

176.4

.

A slower one on middle, Watling blocks it nicely.

176.3

.

Slightly shorter this time and on off, Watling stays back and keeps it out.

176.2

.

Back of a length and on off, it is pushed towards cover.

176.1

.

Good length and on off, blocked.

175.6

4

FOUR! Has New Zealand though of going for a result here? Santner has hit the third boundary of the over. Broad this time is guilty of over pitching it on the pads, Santner flicks it through mid-wicket. The ball runs to the fence in a flash. 12 runs came of this over. With the lead growing, England getting into submission mode here.

175.5

4

FOUR! Runs coming thick and fast. Broad has been hit for second boundary off the over. Stuart goes full and wide outside off, Santner just leans and creams the drive through covers. The ball races to the fence in no time.

175.4

.

Santner defends this length ball outside off towards point.

175.3

.

Santner blocks this length ball on middle to the leg side.

175.2

4

FOUR! Short and wide of off, Santner stands tall and pulls it all along the ground through mid-wicket. The fielder at deep square leg runs to his right, puts in a dive but fails to pull the ball back in before it reaches the boundary.

175.1

.

Length and on off, Santner pushes it to the off side.

174.6

.

Goes back to bowling it full, Watling strokes it to the mid off fielder.

174.5

6

SIX! You bet, it is another short one but Watling is up for the task! What a shot that is. He arches his back and upper cuts it and it flies over the third man fence.

174.4

.

And goes full again and on the pads, Watling works it to square leg. Another short one coming up now?

174.3

.

A sharp short one on middle, Watling evades it nicely. A yorker followed by a bumper.

174.2

.

A good yorker on middle, Watling gets his bat down in time and jams it out. That was bowled at around 137 KPH. Maybe a little more quicker and Watling was a goner.

174.1

.

Jofra starts his 40th over with a delivery on the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket.

173.6

.

A muted appeal from Broad but nothing! Extremely full and it is tailing back in from off. Santner looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

173.5

.

Fuller and on off, it is driven to the man at mid off.

173.4

.

Slashes and misses it! Shorter and outside off, not very short though. Santner throws his bat at it but the ball sneaks underneath the bat.

173.3

.

A short one on middle, Santner hops and keeps it out nicely.

173.2

1

Good length and around off, defended.

173.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

172.6

.

Shorter and on off, MS goes back and pushes it back to the bowler.

172.5

3

150 up for Watling! A warm applause for him from the crowd here. He raises the bat and acknowledges the applause. He gets there by working this full ball on the pads through mid-wicket for a comfortable three.

172.4

1

Close! This too is angled into the pads, Santner looks to defend but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.

172.3

.

This is angled into the batter, Santner looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

172.2

.

Fuller and on off, it is driven to mid off.

172.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

171.6

1

Santner drives this length ball on middle and leg to long on for a run. The lead is now of 100 runs.

171.5

.

Length and on middle, Santner plays it to mid on.

171.4

.

Full and outside off, Santner plays it to point.

171.3

.

Good length on middle and off, Santner defends it off the inner half of his bat towards mid on.

171.2

.

Length and on middle, Santner defends it to mid on.

171.1

.

Broad starts with a full ball around off, Santner blocks it to the off side.

Welcome back for the post lunch session. New Zealand batsmen BJ Watling and Mitchell Santner are out in the middle. England players are on the field. Stuart Broad to start the session with the ball. How many more runs will New Zealand add or when will the declaration come? Let's find out. Here we go....

... Day 4, session 2 ...

Just the 58 runs in this session! Not sure, just not sure with what approach did the Kiwis come out. One would have thought they would be looking to score some quick runs and probably be in a position where they can think of declaration early in the second session but that was not the case. They were happy to go along at a snail's pace, yes they did not lose a wicket but did not score a lot of runs too. Santner has managed to get to his fifty and Watling is nearing his 150. The question is how many more runs are they looking to add? What will their approach be after the break? Stay tuned in a bit to find out.

170.6

4

Waht a shot to go into lunch. Archer goes short and wide outside off, Watling cuts it powerfully through point for a boundary and the lead is now of 99 runs. LUNCH ON DAY 4.

170.5

.

Length and around off, Watling defends it off the back foot.

Physio is out. Watling has been hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer on the helmet. He seems to be fine out there and ready to resume his innings.

170.4

.

Another bouncer from Archer. Watling is late to get himself from the line of fire. The ball hits the top of his helmet and goes towards fine fine leg. He straightaway signals a thumbs up towards the dressing room. The physio comes out for a precautionary checks and all is fine as he is ready to resume his innings.

170.3

.

Good length and around off, Watling defends it to the off side.

170.2

.

Sharp bouncer! Watling goes on his knees as he ducks it.

170.1

.

Length and on middle, Watling plays it to mid-wicket.

169.6

.

Shorter and outside off, Santner slashes at it but only connects with thin air.

169.5

.

Fuller and on middle, Santner works it towards mid-wicket for no runs.

169.4

.

A bumper and on middle, Santner evades it out.

169.3

1

Good length and around off, Watling looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point for one.

169.2

2

A couple! Fuller and on off, Watling strokes it through covers for two.

169.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

168.6

.

Back of a length and on off, Santner keeps it out.

168.5

.

A bumper and it is ducked under.

168.4

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

168.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Santner defends it out.

168.2

.

Full delivery on off, Santner keeps it out.

168.1

.

On a good length on off, Santner defends it off the back foot.

Jofra Archer is back on. 36-13-88-0 are his figures so far.

167.6

.

Bouncer! Curran goes back to short stuff and bowls a bumper on middle and leg. Watling ducks under it.

167.5

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

167.4

1

Full in length and on the pads,Santner flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

167.3

4lb

LEG BYES AND FOUR! Santner is lucky here. Curran bowls one on a length and on middle, Santner looks to flick it to the leg side but the ball hits the thigh pad. The ball goes between the keeper and the slips. Joe root at slips dives to his right but is late to react as the ball goes past him and into the third man fence for a boundary.

167.2

.

Full and on the pads, Santner looks to flick it through the leg side but fails to lay bat on ball. The ball hits the pads.

167.1

.

Good length and on off, Santner defends it down the pitch off the back foot.

166.6

4

FOUR! Classy and full of timing. Full and around off, Watling drives it through covers. The ball races away to the extra cover fence for a boundary.

166.5

.

Full ball around off, Watling pushes it to covers off the outer half of his bat.

166.4

.

Length delivery on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot once again.

166.3

.

Length and around off, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

166.2

.

Outside off, Watling leaves it.

166.1

.

Short wide outside off, Watling goes for a wild slash. He fails to lay wood on the ball as it goes past the outside edge.

165.6

.

A low full toss outside off, Santner looks to drive but it goes off the bottom part and on the bounce to the first slip fielder.

165.5

.

On the fuller side, it moves away from off. Santner pushes it to mid off.

165.4

.

On the stumps, defended.

165.3

3

Fuller and on the pads, Watling works it wide of the fielder at deep square leg and takes three.

165.2

.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

165.1

.

On off, kept out.

164.6

2

Nicely played for two! Fuller and around off, Santner pushes it through covers and takes two.

164.5

.

Back of a length again, Santner keeps it out off the back foot.

164.4

.

BEATEN! Lovely nut! This is angled into the stumps from around the wicket. It pitches and then straightens. Santner tries to defend but is beaten.

164.3

1

Back of a length and on off, Watling drops it towards cover and takes one.

164.2

.

OHHH! This lands outside off and then comes back in a little. Watling does well to atke his gloves out of the way right at the end and leave it.

164.1

.

Good length and on off, Watling guides it to point.

Surprise! Surprise! No Broad, no Archer with the third new ball. Stokes to bowl with it from the other end.

163.6

.

Full and on middle, Santner pushes it back to the bowler.

163.5

.

Full and on the pads, Santner flicks it to mid-wicket.

163.4

.

Outside off, Santner shoulders arms to this one.

163.3

2

Full and outside off, Santner pushes the ball from within the crease through covers. The batsmen take a couple till the fielder cleans it up in the deep.

163.2

.

Another length ball outside off, Santner leaves it alone.

163.1

.

Length and swinging outside off, Santner leaves it.

The third new ball has now been taken!

162.6

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

162.5

.

On the stumps, blocked.

162.4

1

Fifty for Santner! A fighting, gritty and a gutsy knock. He was attacked by the short ones early on, seemed uncomfortable against them but still managed to survive and has got the reward for it. He gets to the milestone by pushing it through covers for a single.

162.3

.

On off, it is kept out.

162.2

1

On off, Watling plays it late and towards point for one.

162.1

1

good running! This is on off, Santner taps it towards point for one.

161.6

.

Quicker and shorter, defended.

161.5

.

Another defensive stroke to this ball on the stumps.

161.4

.

Flatter and shorter outside off, the batter goes back and pushes it to covers.

161.3

.

Watling comes down the track and pushes it to cover.

161.2

.

Floats it up on off, Watling lunges and keeps it out.

161.1

.

On the stumps, blocked.

160.6

.

A huge shout but not given! No reviews left for England. This is flatter and it drifts back in from outside off. Santner goes back and tries to keep it out but the ball is a touch fuller. He misses and is hit on the pads. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Excellent decision as Ball Tracker shows it to be going down leg.

160.5

.

Very full outside off, this is driven to covers.

160.4

4

FOUR! Too short and wide and Santner puts it away! Outside off, MS cuts it through point and it races away to the fence. Runs starting to come now.

160.3

.

Flatter and on off, MS lunges and defends.

160.2

1

Works it with the turn down to long on for one.

160.1

.

Tossed up on off, it is driven to mid off.

159.6

.

Full and outside off, Santner is beaten as he fails to lay bat on ball on this defensive push. The ball goes past the outside edge.

159.5

.

Leach tosses one up and Santner defends it off the front foot.

159.4

4

FOUR! Leach tosses one up and Santner gets to the pitch of the ball and drive it through covers. The ball races away to the extra cover fence for a boundary.

159.3

.

Flighted on off, Defended from within the crease.

159.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

159.1

1

Tossed up on off, Watling pushes it to mid on and takes a quick single. 100-run stand comes up between Watling and santner.

158.6

.

Floats it up on off, it drifts back in. Santner looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

158.5

.

BEATEN! Quicker and flatter outside off, Santner looks to push it through the off side but is beaten.

158.4

.

A full toss, Santner works it to mid-wicket.

158.3

.

On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

158.2

.

On middle, Santner keeps it out again.

158.1

.

Floats it up on off, it drifts back in. Santner pushes it to covers.

Joe Root is on!

157.6

1

Tossed up on off, Santner pushes it down the ground for a run.

157.5

1

Watling strokes this tossed up ball thorough covers for single.

157.4

.

Tossed up and off, Watling drives it to mid off.

157.3

.

Flighted on middle, Watling pushed to mid on.

157.2

.

Full on the pads, worked to leg gully.

157.1

.

Flighted on off, pushed to covers.

Jack Leach is on now!

DRINKS BREAK!

156.6

.

One more short one, Santner defends it onto the ground.

156.5

.

This is angled into the pads, Santner tries to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

156.4

.

A short one outside off, Santner drops his hands and lets it go to the keeper. Nicely played.

156.3

.

One more dot! On a length and around off, Santner pushes it to the man at covers.

156.2

.

Back of a length and on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

156.1

.

A short one on middle, Santner lets it go over him.

155.6

.

A short one to end, it is ducked under.

155.5

.

A little too straight, this is worked to mid-wicket.

155.4

.

OHHH! Curran gets this to angle away from the off pole after landing it on a length. Watling tries to defend but it goes past the outside edge.

155.3

.

Good length and on off, Watling keeps it out.

155.2

1

Shorter and on middle, Santner drags it wide of fine leg for one.

155.1

.

On middle, Santner looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

155.1

1wd

Curran bowls a bumper but it is a bit too high. Wided.

154.6

1

Shorter and on the body, Santner pulls it down towards fine leg for one.

154.5

.

Goes wide of the crease and angles the bumper into the body of the batter. Santner ducks under it.

154.4

1

Good fielding! Fuller and on off, it is pushed firmly towards cover where the fielder dives to his right and makes a half stop. It rolls towards mid off and a run is taken.

154.3

.

Down the leg side, Watling lets it be.

154.2

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

154.1

.

Outside off, it is not played at.

153.6

.

Back of a length and on off, Santner pushes it back to the bowler.

153.5

1

On the fuller side again, this is worked towards mid on where Archer misfields and a run is taken. Archer wasn't that great in the field yesterday too.

153.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Watling stays back and keeps it out.

153.3

.

Full and wide outside off, Watling looks to drive but it moves away and he gets beaten.

153.2

1

This is angled into the pads, Santner works it through mid-wicket and a single is taken.

153.1

.

Good length and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Sam Curran is back on!

152.6

.

BOUNCER! Watling ducks under it.

152.5

.

Full and on the pads, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

152.4

.

Length ball on the pads, Watling flicks it to the leg side.

152.3

4

FOUR! Slapped. Full of control. Stokes serves width to Watling and he does not miss out on it. Watling slaps it through cover-point. The fielder from cover and point give the chase but none succeed as the ball races to the fence.

152.2

.

Length ball on the pads, Watling hops inside the crease and flicks it to mid-wicket.

152.1

.

Length ball on off, Watling pushes it back to the bowler.

Ben Stokes comes into the attack for the first time on Day 4.

151.6

.

A slower full toss on middle, good change in pace there. Santner though is up for it and he pushes it back to the bowler. England giving nothing away, hardly any bad balls bowled and both Santner and Watling have played themselves into a shell.

151.5

.

A short one and on middle, Santner ducks under it at the very end.

151.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

151.3

.

Full again and on middle, it is driven back to the bowler.

151.2

.

On the middle pole, it is worked towards mid-wicket.

151.1

.

Fuller and on off, Santner pushes it towards mid off.

150.6

.

Good length and on off, Watling keeps it out.

150.5

1

On the pads, Santner works it through square leg for one.

150.4

.

On the shorter side, Santner looks to pull but the ball does not bounce as much as he expected it to. He is hit on the body.

150.3

.

A shorter one on the body, Santner ducks under it.

150.2

.

Outside off, Santner looks to push it through the off side but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

150.1

.

Good length and on off, Santner goes back and keeps it out.

149.6

.

Outside off, it is left alone. Another maiden by Archer.

149.5

.

Goes short and outside off, Watling looks to upper cut it but does not connect.

149.4

.

One more delivery on a length, defended.

149.3

.

On the stumps, kept out.

149.2

.

Fuller and on off, it is driven to the man at covers.

149.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Watling keeps it out.

148.6

4

EDGY FOUR! Up comes the 400 and finally a run has been scored and it is in form of a boundary. No luck for England as the edge goes between gully and widish first slip. Full and wide outside off, Santner throws his bat at it. It flies off the outside edge down to the third man fence.

148.5

.

This is on off, Santner blocks it easily.

148.4

.

A short one now and on middle, Santner spots it late but gets down quickly.

148.3

.

Edged but short! Slightly fuller and around off, Santner looks to defend it but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge but lands well short of Stokes at widish first slip.

148.2

.

Good length and on off, Santner pushes it to covers.

148.1

.

From around the wicket, this is angled into the batter. Santner keeps it out.

147.6

.

A sharp bumper on middle, Watling ducks under it. End of another maiden.

147.5

.

Runs just not coming right now! Fuller and on off, Watling strokes it back to the bowler.

147.4

.

Good length and on off, BJ keeps it out.

147.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

147.2

.

On the fuller side and on off, Santner strokes it back to the bowler.

147.1

.

A yorker on middle, Watling gets his bat down and jams it out.

146.6

.

Length and on off, Santner plays it to point. 3 maidens in a row for Broad.

146.5

.

Length ball defended back to the bowler.

146.4

.

Good length and around off, Santner defends it to the off side.

146.3

.

BEATEN! Broad angles one into Santner and then take the ball away. Santner plays for the original line and gets beaten all ends up.

146.2

.

Length and around off, Santner blocks it off the back foot to the off side.

146.1

.

Length ball around off, Santner defends it off the front foot.

145.6

.

On a length and it is angling into the batter, Watling blocks it. Another maiden.

145.5

.

On the stumps, it is kept out.

145.4

.

Confusion but safe! Slightly fuller and on off, Watling looks to drive but it goes off the outer half towards point. Watling wants a run but is sent back. The fielder misses his shy at the striker's end. Watling then thinks of taking an overthrow but is sent back again.

145.3

.

A lovely shot but for no runs! Fuller and around off, BJ strokes it right off the middle but to covers.

145.2

.

Outside off, Watling makes a leave.

145.1

.

Fuller and on middle, Watling pushes it back to the bowler.

144.6

.

Full and on the pads of Santner. He flicks it to mid-wicket. Back-to-back maidens for Broad to begin with.

144.5

.

Length and on off, Santner punches the ball to the off side.

144.4

.

Bumper! Broad tests Santner with a short one. Santner spots it early and lets it sail through.

144.3

.

Santner defends this length ball by coming right behind the line off the ball.

144.2

.

Santner shows the full face of the bat to defend it to the off side.

144.1

.

Full and around off, Santner defends it to the off side.

143.6

.

Good length ball around off, Watling leaves it alone.

143.5

.

Length ball on off, pushes back to the bowler.

143.4

.

Length ball blocks to the off side.

143.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

143.2

.

Watling comes on the front foot to defend this length delivery around off.

143.1

.

Length and around off, Watling blocks it to the off side with a back foot defense.

142.6

.

Length ball around off, safely kept out.

142.5

.

Santner defends this length ball to the off side.

142.4

.

Santner flicks this full ball off his pads to the leg side.

142.3

.

Santner once again pushes this length ball off the back foot.

142.2

.

Length and on off Santner defends it to the off side.

142.1

.

Good length ball around off, Santner defends it to mid-wicket.

Stuart broad will start from the other end.

141.6

.

Wide outside off, Watling lets it be.

141.5

.

Watling blocks this length ball off the back foot.

141.4

.

Length and on off, Watling blocks it to the off side with a back foot defense.

141.3

.

Length and around off, Watling shoulders arms to this one.

141.2

4

FOUR! First runs of day 4. Watling has played is with authority. Archer goes short and wide outside off, Watling cuts it uppishly past point and into the fence for a boundary.

141.1

.

Archer starts with a length ball outside off, Watling leaves it alone.

We are all set to begin. The centurion BJ Watling is accompanied by Mitchell Santner in the middle. The England Players have also taken their respective fielding positions. Jofra Archer to start the proceedings with the ball. We are set to go...

Hello and welcome to day 4 of this intriguing Test match. Till now we are not clear of where this Test match is heading, courtesy a solid fightback from the New Zealand middle order. To start with, let's applaud the unsung hero of New Zealand's innings. Yes, you guessed it right, it's none other than BJ Watling. He came to the crease at a time when New Zealand were reeling at conceding a huge lead but changed the course of the match with his hard fought innings. The hosts are now in a position where if they have one or probably a little more than one good session, then losing the game for them will probably become improbable. A lead of around 150 is what they will be looking for before declaring. England on the other hand, need to get the remaining wickets quickly or they will be batting under tremendous pressure in their second innings. An exciting day awaits.

... Day 4, Session 1 ...

Day 4 can probably define which way this game is heading towards! New Zealand will probably look to take their lead upto the 150-run mark or so and then try and bundle England out as quickly as possible. The tourists on the other hand, need to pick the remaining wickets quickly and then concentrate on their batting. An important day awaits, do join us at 1100 local (2200 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!

The England bowlers, just like the Kiwi bowlers had to toil hard. However, the English batters threw it away in their innings but New Zealand did not make the same mistakes. Also, England did not help themselves in the field too. Watling was dropped early on by Stokes which really cost them big. Also, the visitors were very sloppy and it seemed they weren't up for it on Day 3. Strange actually, seeing the position they were in at the end of Day 2, you would expect them to come out all guns blazing but that was not the case and now they find themselves behind the 8 ball game.

A huge round of applause for the hero of today, BJ Watling as he walks off. The English players walk upto him and shake his hand. He deserves every bit of ovation he is getting, that is how good his knock has been. He is the major reason why New Zealand are in the position they are. Credit though has to be given to Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme and Santner too. First it was Henry who hung out there with Watling, the two managed to steady the ship after New Zealand were struggling at 127 for 4. However, the two partnerships after that is what took the Kiwis on top. First, Colin de Grandhomme and Watling, the former scored an excellent half ton. The pair added 119 and the runs were also scored at a decent rate. That stand took the Kiwis to safer shores and then, the association between Santner and Watling which is still not done, has New Zealand in a commanding position at the end of Day 3.

140.6

.

Last ball negotiated nicely! Another short one to end by Stokes. This time Santner is ready and ducks under it. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3!

140.5

.

One more delivery awkwardly played! Shorter and on the body, once again zips through. Santner looks to fend it away but it hits the glove and then the helmet and falls safe ahead of the short leg fielders.

140.4

.

Nasty! One more short one and this is on the body, gets big on the batter. Santner plays it by taking one hand off the handle. It goes uppishly and drops on the off side.

140.3

.

Shorter and outside off, Santner lets it go to the keeper.

140.2

1

Shorter and outside off, Watling strokes it through cover-point. He takes one quickly and turns for the second but slips so settles for one.

140.1

.

On a length and outside off, it is left alone.

139.6

1

Length and on off, Watling drives it to covers for a quick single.

139.5

1

Good length and around off, Santner looks to push this one through the off side but gets it off the inside edge towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run.

139.4

.

Length and outside off, Santner plays inside the line and gets beaten as the ball goes past the outside edge.

139.3

1

Length ball on the pads, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.

139.2

.

Good length and on off, Watling pushes it to short cover.

139.1

.

Length ball around off, Watling punches it to covers.

138.6

.

In the air and wide! Shorter and on the body, Santner tries to fend at it but it goes off the splice but wide of the fielder at short leg. There were two fielders there but it did not go into hands of anyone. Sums up England's day to be honest.

138.5

.

Down the leg side, Santner looks to flick but misses.

138.4

.

Down the leg side, Santner lets it be.

138.3

.

One more short ball and on the body, Santner keeps it out.

138.2

.

A bumper and on middle, Santner ducks under it.

138.1

.

Shorter and on middle, Santner defends it onto the ground.

137.6

.

On the shorter side again, Watling pushes it to the man at covers.

137.5

.

Fuller and on off, Watling drives it crisply but to mid off.

137.4

.

Shorter and on off, it is kept out.

137.3

.

On off, it is kept out.

137.2

.

BEATEN! That is an excellent delivery. It is on a length and around off, it straightens and also bounces a touch extra. Watling looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

137.1

2

On the shorter side outside off, it is slapped towards cover, the fielder, Joe Denly misfields and a couple is taken.

Stuart Broad is back on!

136.6

.

One more short ball. Santner plays it towards cover.

136.5

.

Shorter again, MS stays back and drops it onto the ground.

136.4

.

And it is another short ball down the leg side, Santner need not play at those.

136.3

.

One more delivery down the leg side, Santner evades it.

136.2

.

Short! Another short delivery on the body, Santner looks to fend at it but it hits the glove and lands well short of the fielder at short leg.

136.1

.

Shorter and down the leg side, it is left alone.

135.6

.

On middle, blocked.

135.5

.

This is worked with the angle to mid-wicket.

135.4

.

Another defensive stroke to this ball on the stumps.

135.3

.

The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.

135.2

.

On middle, defended.

135.1

.

Tosses it up on off, it is kept out.

134.6

1

On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

134.5

.

NOT OUT! Watling continues to bat as there is an inside edge. Hot Spot confirms that. It is a full delivery, it tails back in from outside off. Watling looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad, a loud shout and up goes the finger. Watling reviews immediately and replays roll in and they show the on-field call has to be overturned.

Have England finally got Watling? He has been given out LBW but there seems to be an inside edge as Watling reviews.

134.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

134.3

1

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed towards mid on for one.

134.2

.

Shorter and on off, Santner gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

134.1

.

Shorter in length but down the leg side, Santner lets it be.

133.6

.

Another tossed up ball on the pads, Watling strides forward and keeps it out.

133.5

.

Loopy ball on middle, Watling lunges forward and defends it.

133.4

3

A little too short and on off, Santner goes back and pushes it through covers for three.

133.3

.

Another tossed up ball and on off, Santner keeps it out.

133.2

.

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

133.1

.

Floats it up on off, Santner lunges forward and keeps it out.

132.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

132.5

4

FOUR! Beautiful stroke. Watling is playing the best knock of his Test career. Archer goes wide of off and Watling punches it though point. The ball beats the man at point and goes onto meet the boundary cushions.

132.4

.

Length and on off, Watling defends it to the off side.

132.3

.

Length and on off, Watling defends it off the back foot.

132.2

1

Length and on off, Santner flicks it off his pads to mid-wicket for a run.

132.1

.

The batsman gets a leading edge on that one.

131.6

.

On middle again, Watling keeps it out.

131.5

.

On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

131.4

.

On middle, this is kept out.

131.3

4

FOUR! Just a mere push that! Leach fires in a full toss on off, Watling strokes it past mid off and the ball races away to the fence.

131.2

.

On middle, it is kept out.

131.1

3b

Over the stumps! Sharp turn once again! This lands outside off, Santner looks to push it on the off side but it turns back in. Goes between the body and the bat and over the off pole. The keeper once again fails to collect it. Stokes gives it a chase and saves a run for his side. Nothing going England's way at the moment.

130.6

.

Watling flicks this length ball off his pads towards the leg side.

130.5

.

Watling punches this length ball outside off to the off side.

130.4

1

Santner pushes this good length ball towards point and takes a single.

130.3

.

Lucky for Santner. Archer bowls one short and outside off, Santner looks to flick it but gets a soft leading edge towards point.

130.2

.

Santner defends a length ball off the full face of the bat.

130.1

.

Santner blocks this length ball off his back foot.

129.6

.

Another flighted one and Watling defneds it with ease off the front foot.

129.5

.

Watling defends this tossed up ball off the front foot.

129.4

.

Spin om it. Watling does well to defend this tosses up ball towards the leg side.

129.3

.

Tossed up on off and middle, Watling drives it to mid off.

129.2

.

Flighted middle and leg, Watling defends it to mid-wicket.

129.1

.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Watling blocks it to the leg side.

128.6

.

Goes back to bowling it down the leg side, Santner lets it be.

128.5

.

On the shorter side around off, Santner stands tall and defends it onto the ground. Better from Archer, this is the line he needs to bowl.

128.4

.

Changes the angle and comes from over the wicket but continues bowling it outside leg. Santner tries to flick but misses.

128.3

.

Bowls this on the body, Santner shuffles across, initially tries to tickle it but then lets it go.

128.2

.

A short one and down the leg side again, Santner once again does not fiddle with it.

128.1

.

Slips this one down the leg side, Santner lets it go.

127.6

.

Flatter and on middle, Watling stays back and keeps it out.

127.5

4

FOUR! Slightly shorter in length and outside off, Watling stands tall and pushes it through covers. He played it with the spin, found the gap and the boundary.

127.4

.

Takes a few steps down the track and then works it towards mid-wicket.

127.3

.

Gives it a lot of air and lands it on leg stump, blocked.

127.2

.

Comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it, he pushes it to mid on.

127.1

.

Floats it up on middle, Watling defends it out.

126.6

.

Back of a length and on off, MS goes back and keeps it out.

126.5

.

Om the shorter side but down the leg side again, Santner lets it be.

126.4

.

Another bumper and it is once again ducked under. Maybe, England are overdoing this, too many bumpers and it now looks ineffective.

126.3

.

One more short ball and on middle, Mitchell ducks under it.

126.2

.

Shorter and on off, this is kept out.

126.1

.

Down the leg side, it is left alone.

Jofra Archer is back on! 24-5-76-0 are his figures so far.

125.6

1

Short and around off, Santner punches the ball off the back foot. The batsmen take a run. 50-run stand comes up between Watling and Santner.

125.5

.

Full and on middle, Santner defends it off his back foot and into the pitch.

125.4

.

Flighted one on off, Santner blocks it off the front foot and into the ground.

125.3

.

Another full ball and MS blocks it.

125.2

.

Full and outside off, Santner blocks it right below his eyes.

125.1

1

Tossed up on the pads, Watling works it to mid-wicket for a single.

DRINKS BREAK!

124.6

.

Shorter and on off, Santner defends it onto the ground.

124.5

1

100 for BJ Watling! What a knock that is. The whole crowd and his teammates are up on their feet to applaud this innings full of concentration and determination. Also, he is the first man to score a ton in Test cricket on this ground. A special knock, one which will stay in his memories for a long, long time. Yes, the wicket is a good one to bat, yes, he was dropped on 31 by Stokes but take nothing away from the innings. He came in at a pressure situation, his side were in a spot of bother but he now has taken his side on top with a magnificent innings. Take a bow! Curran bowls this one full and on middle, he gets it to tail back in. Watling gets his bat down in time and works it wide of mid on for one. Takes his helmet off, raises the bat and soaks in the applause. Can he now make it a daddy ton?

124.4

3

Short and around off, Santner lofts it over mid-wicket. The ball fall in no mans land in the deep. Santner takes three and brings Watling on strike for the next ball.

124.3

1

Watling flicks this length ball off his pads to mid-wicket. He moves on to 99.

124.2

.

Short ball on middle, Watling ducks under it.

124.1

4

FOUR! Just 2 Short of a century. Curran bowls one on a length and outside off, Watling drives it superbly through covers for a boundary. He moves onto 98.

123.6

1

Watling flicks this tossed up ball on the pads to mid-wicket for a run.

123.5

.

Flatter one on middle, Watling comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler.

123.4

.

Watling defends this flighted one to the off side.

123.3

.

Flatter one n off, Watling punches it to the off side.

123.2

.

Watling blocks it off the front foot and into the leg side.

123.1

.

Tossed up driven to mid off.

Jack Leach comes back on!

122.6

.

Another length delivery on off, Santner gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

122.5

.

Good length and on off, Santner keeps it out.

122.4

1

On the pads again, this is flicked through square leg for one. NEW ZEALAND NOW HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD!

122.3

4

FOUR! Into the 90s now is Watling. Lovely shot that. This is on the pads, Watling tickles it nice and fine, past leg gully and into the fine leg fence. SCORES LEVEL NOW!

122.2

.

One more short ball and on middle, Watling ducks under it.

122.1

.

On the shorter side, Watling works it towards leg gully.

Sam Curran is back on! 21-6-60-2 are his figures so far.

121.6

.

On middle, blocked.

121.5

1

On off, Watling goes back and pushes it towards mid off for a quick run. Moves a run ahead of the number which is considered unlucky by the Aussies.

121.4

1

On the shorter side again, Santner stays back and pushes it through covers for one.

121.3

.

Loopy ball and on off, Mitchell lunges forward and keeps it out.

121.2

2

A couple now! Shorter in length again and outside off, Santner cuts it past point and he takes two.

121.1

1

Shorter and outside off, Watling pushes it through covers and a single is taken.

120.6

.

Length and on the pads, Santner flicks it to the leg side.

120.5

.

Santner blocks this one from within the crease.

120.4

.

Length and on middle, MS blocks it off the back foot.

120.3

.

Length and on off, Santner blocks it to the off side.

120.2

.

Bouncer! Santner is happy to duck it.

120.1

.

Length and angling into the batsman, Santner blocks it to short leg.

119.6

1

A single to end! Shorter and on off, it is pushed through covers for one.

119.5

6

SIX! That is some shot by Santner. It seemed like he had gotten into a tangle there but in the end it is a lovely shot. More like a helicopter shot. He steps out and gets to the pitch of the ball. Whips it over the long on fence for a biggie. 10 is the trail now.

119.4

.

On the stumps again and it is pushed back to Root again.

119.3

.

Fires it on the stumps, it is pushed back to the bowler.

119.2

.

Flatter again on off, Santner guides it to the man at point.

119.1

.

Flatter and on off, Santner keeps it out.

Joe Root once again brings himself on! Can he produce the magic like he did earlier in the innings?

Stokes is not happy with his landing area and it is now being hammered to even it out.

118.6

.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

118.5

4

FOUR! Good effort in the deep but it goes in vain. Shorter and outside off, Watling reaches out for it, it goes off the toe end through point. The fielder at third man runs to his right, dives and tries to push it back in but fails to do so.

118.4

.

Continues bowling a bumper, Watling ducks under it.

118.3

.

One more short delivery and on off, BJ drops it onto the ground.

118.2

.

Shorter and on off, Watling keeps it out with ease.

118.1

.

A little too straight, this is worked to mid-wicket.

117.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

117.5

.

Floats it up on off, MS is solid in defense.

117.4

4

FOUR! A little too short and that is put away! Outside off, Santner goes back and slaps it through covers for a boundary. New Zealand trail by 20 now.

117.3

1

On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.

117.2

1

Steps down the track and then works it with the turn down to long on for one.

117.1

2

Misfield! Flatter and on off, Santner pushes it towards mid off. Archer there lets it through and two is taken. Poor from the pacer.

116.6

.

Length ball outside off, Watling sees of a testing over from Stokes with a confident block.

116.5

.

Length and on middle, Watling is happy to defend that.

116.4

.

Good length and on off, Watling blocks it off his back foot.

116.3

.

Another bumper and Watling lets it pass through.

116.2

.

Length and on middle, Watling defends it with the full face of the bat.

116.1

.

Short ball barrage continues. Stokes bowls a bumper and Watling ducks it.

115.6

.

Close! This is tossed up on middle, Santner comes forward to block but the ball turns back in, takes the inside edge, hits the pad but luckily for Santner it lands safe.

115.5

.

Darts it on the stumps, it is slightly shorter. Santner stays back and defends it onto the ground.

115.4

.

Gives it a lot of air and lands it outside off, Santner comes forward and defends it.

115.3

.

Flatter and on off, Santner is solid in defense.

115.2

.

Another floated delivery on off, MS keeps it out.

115.1

.

Tosses it up on off, Santner blocks it.

114.6

1

Santner defends this length ball towards point and retains the strike.

114.5

.

Length and outside off, Santner punches the ball to covers.

114.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Santner is late to react and copes a blow on his hand as he goes for defending the ball.

114.4

1wd

Another bouncer and Santner once again sways away from the line. Wide called by the umpire.

114.3

.

Santner once again flicks this back of a length ball to short leg.

114.2

.

Nasty! Stokes is making the ball talk. He bangs one into the middle of the pitch and the ball soars up over the batsman. Santner does well to drop his wrists and get away from the line of fire.

114.1

.

Length and on middle, Santner looks to flick it to the leg side. The ball takes the bottom edge and lands just short of the short leg fielder.

113.6

.

Quicker and on the pads, Watling tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

113.5

.

From over the wicket, he lands it outside leg to the right-hander. Watling defends it out.

113.4

1

Flatter and on off, Santner pushes it through covers for one.

113.3

.

Tosses it up outside off, this goes on with the arm. Santner looks to defend and does so inside the line. He gets beaten.

113.2

1

Very full and on off, Watling guides it through covers for one.

113.1

.

Floats it up on off, Watling strokes it back to the bowler.

112.6

.

Nasty delivery! Shorter and it is with a lot of fizz. Santner looks to evade it but it is too late to move out of the way. He cops a blow on the shoulder.

112.5

.

Shorter again and on the body, Santner keeps it out.

112.4

.

Leading edge but safe! On the pads, Santner looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early. A soft leading edge to point.

112.3

.

Shorter in length and on the body, Santner nudges it on the leg side.

112.2

1

Back of a length and on off, this is guided through point for one.

112.1

.

A short one on middle, it is ducked under.

111.6

.

Santner uses his feet again and strokes it to covers.

111.5

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

111.4

.

Santner comes down the track and looks to go big but due to the turn into him, it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.

111.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

111.2

.

Flatter and on middle, Santner goes back to flick but the ball turns in and hits the pads.

111.1

2b

That has missed everything! What a delivery! Santner actually won't mind seeing that being a left-arm spinner himself. This is tossed up and it lands in the rough outside off. Santner comes forward to defend but the ball turns back in sharply. Goes between bat and pad, over the off pole past the keeper towards fine leg. Stokes from first slip gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.

Jack Leach to continue after tea from the other end.

110.6

1

A single to end a successful over for England. This is fuller and on off, Santner strokes it towards mid off for one. He is off the mark.

110.5

.

Shorter and on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

110.4

.

Back of a length and on off, defended.

110.4

1wd

A good bumper on middle, Santner ducks under it. It has been wided.

110.3

.

Slightly shorter and around off, Santner evades it nicely.

110.2

.

A short ball down the leg side, Santner lets it be.

Mitchell Santner walks out in the middle replacing Colin de Grandhomme at the crease.

110.1

W

OUT! TAKEN! That is an absolute stunner! Wow, wow, wow! It is the deubtant, Sibley. England could not have wished for a better start after the break. They needed a wicket as this partnership was taking the game away from them, their shoulders started to drop and they just looked out of sorts when the two were batting but such an effort should lift them now. Stokes gets his second. He bangs it short and outside off, it is a nothing delivery. Colin de Grandhomme cuts it hard but does not keep it down. It goes uppishly but low towards gully who takes it one-handed diving to his right. De Grandhomme can't believe it, he trudges off after an excellent innings. New Zealand trail by another 37 runs.

Welcome back for the final session of the day. New Zealand are on track to take a lead here. The two batters who have kept New Zealand in the hunt, BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme walk in to the middle. England players take their positions. Ben Stokes to start the proceedings with the ball. The visitors are running out of ideas to stay alive in this game. That is only possible by taking wickets which are hard to come. Will we see a change in the fortunes for the visitors or will the home side keep rolling over? For answers, here we go...

... Day 3, Session 3 ...

What a session for the Kiwis! This stand between Watling and Grandhomme has completely turned the tide in the hosts' favour. Before entering this session, 353 seemed farfetched for the home side but now, they are in a good position to take a handy lead. Also, they have managed to score at a good rate, 97 runs is what the have amassed in 27 overs and the most important thing, they haven't lost a wicket. The two batters have looked untroubled and both will be eyeing a ton and that is exactly what New Zealand want. England on the other hand, need to break this stand and that too quickly or the game might just slip out of their hands. An important last session awaits.

109.6

.

Last ball before tea. Leach tosses one outside off, Watling leaves it alone. TEA ON DAY 3.

109.5

.

Full on off, Watling punches it to the off side off the back foot.

109.4

1

Colin block it off the front foot and gets an inside edge towards square leg. The batsmen take a run.

109.3

.

short and wide outside off, Colin cuts it to point.

109.2

.

Tossed up outside off, Colin defends it to point.

109.1

.

Tossed up on off, CdG block it off the inner half of his bat to the leg side.

Jack Leach is back on!

108.6

.

Another delivery wide outside off, not played at. So just the boundary from the over.

108.5

.

On the fuller side, Watling strokes it to mid off.

108.4

.

One more delivery outside off, Watling does not play at it.

108.3

.

Wide outside off, left alone.

108.2

4

FOUR! Easy pickings this! Very straight, Watling works it fine on the leg side. Fine leg is very square as Curran mostly bowls outside off. No chance for him to stop that.

108.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

107.6

.

Colin de Grandhomme takes a few steps down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He keeps it out. Colin maybe getting frustrated with the lines Broad is bowling here.

107.5

.

Play and a miss! The ploy to keep bowling outside off almost paid off. Lapse in concentration there for Colin. This is full and outside off, de Grandhomme goes after it but is beaten.

107.4

.

On a length and around off, this is pushed to the player at covers.

107.3

.

Closer to the off pole than the last ball but not close enough to make the batter play.

107.2

.

Broad continues bowling it outside off, Colin is in no mood to play at those.

107.1

.

Way too wide outside off, left alone.

106.6

.

On the fuller side and angling across the batter, it is left alone.

106.5

2

On the pads, this is flicked wide of the fielder at deep mid-wicket for two.

106.4

.

Another length ball outside off, Watling does not fiddle with it.

106.3

.

Outside off, Watling makes another leave.

106.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

106.1

.

Shorter and outside off, Watling guides it to backward point.

105.6

.

Outside off, de Grandhomme is happy to let that go.

105.5

1

Good length and outside off, Watling punches it off the back foot through covers for a single.

105.4

1

Short and wide outside off, Colin cuts it through point for a single.

105.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

105.2

.

Length and outside off, slower one from broad too. De Grandhomme looks to drive it through the off side but gets beaten on pace. The ball goes past the outside edge to the keeper.

105.1

.

Length and outside off, Colin does not fiddle with it.

104.6

.

On the fuller side around off, Watling strokes it to mid off.

104.5

.

Very full and wide outside off, it is jammed out towards covers.

104.4

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

104.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Watling defends it onto the ground.

104.2

2

A couple now! Fuller and outside off, this is hit through covers for two.

104.1

1

DROPPED! Difficult to call that one a drop though as it was a brilliant attempt. It needed to stick. Shorter and outside off, Colin cuts, it flies towards Burns at gully who dives to his right and sticks one hand out. The ball though does not stay in and goes behind for a run. Had that been taken, it would have been a tremendous effort.

Sam Curran is back on now!

103.6

.

Length ball outside off, Watling lets it be.

103.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

103.4

.

Length and around off, Watling plays another drive to find mid off this time.

103.3

4

FOUR! Exquisitely timed! Broad goes full and outside off, Watling drives it off the front foot past mid on. The ball races to the long on fence for a boundary.

103.2

.

Watling punches this length ball to covers.

103.1

.

Good fielding that. Broad goes wide and short outside off, Watling slaps it straight to short cover where Sibley fields it.

102.6

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

102.5

1

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 300 up for New Zealand.

102.4

4

FOUR! Swept and done so nicely! It is on middle, it is hit fine on the leg side and a boundary. 100-run stand up between the two, they have not brought New Zealand back into the game but now have a chance to take them on top.

102.3

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

102.2

1

Floats it up on off, this is driven square on the off side for one.

102.1

.

On middle, it is kept out.

101.6

.

Another length delivery and Watling drives it straight to mid off.

101.5

.

Length and around off, Watling plays it to mid off.

101.4

.

Wide outside off, Watling slaps it to covers.

101.3

.

Fuller one outside off, Watling plays a free flowing drive but finds short cover to perfection.

101.2

.

Full and outside off, Watling blocks it.

101.1

.

Length and on off, Watling defends it to point.

Stuart Broad comes back on! 19-8-34-0 are his figures so far.

100.6

.

This is angled into the batter, Colin goes back and keeps it out.

100.5

1

Brings the sweep shot out and it is hit through square leg for one.

100.4

1

Slightly shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

100.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

100.2

1

Edge but short! This lands on off and then turns away. Watling looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge. Lands short and to the right of Stokes who dives and makes a half stop. A single is taken.

100.1

1

Gives it a lot of air and lands it on off, Colin eases it down to long off and gets to the other end.

99.6

.

Back of a length and on off, defended.

99.5

.

On a length and outside off, it takes off after pitching. Watling does well to leave it by pulling his hands out of the way.

99.4

.

A brilliant yorker on middle, Watling jams it out nicely.

99.3

.

On the shorter side around off, Watling guides it ot the man at point.

99.2

.

Archer goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter, it is defended.

99.1

4

FOUR! Width on offer and it is put away! Not perfectly timed but the outfield is pretty quick here. Short and outside off, Watling hops and cuts it through cover-point and the ball races away to the fence.

98.6

1

Well played! brings out the sweep shot and hits it behind square on the leg side. A single.

98.5

.

Flatter and on off, Watling stands tall and pushes it to covers.

98.4

.

Good turn for Leach but the line is way too far outside off, left alone.

98.3

.

Outside off, Watling lets it be.

98.2

1

Flatter and quicker outside off, de Grandhomme plays it nice and late towards backward point for one.

98.1

.

Floats it up on off, Colin strokes it to covers.

97.6

.

Solidly blocked. Archer bowls one on a length and around off, Watling defends it.

97.5

1

Short one once again and Colin pulls him through mid-wicket for a run.

97.4

1

Short one and on middle, Watling flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

97.3

1

Risky shot. Firstly a widish first slip and then a third man also is there. Archer bowls back of a length and Colin upper cuts it. The ball goes past the full stretched hands of the widish first slip and on the bounce to third man. A single taken.

97.2

.

Another back of a length ball, de Grandhomme blocks it to the leg side.

97.1

.

Back of a length around off, Colin hops inside the crease to defend it to covers.

DRINKS BREAK!

96.6

.

Another one on middle and leg, Watling once again fails to lay bat on ball to get rapped on the pads.

96.5

.

Full and on the pads, Watling looks to flick but fails to lay bat on ball. The ball hits the pads.

96.4

.

Flighted one on off, Watling blocks it.

96.3

1

Colin drives this tossed up ball through mid off and takes a single.

96.2

.

Tossed up on off, Colin keeps it out.

96.1

4

FOUR! Leach goes short and wide. Colin de Grandhomme cuts it powerfully through point. The fielder in the deep runs to his left but fails to keep the ball in play with his full length dive as the ball crosses the fence.

95.6

.

A sharp delivery to end outside off, it is left alone.

95.5

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

95.4

.

NOT OUT! It is going over! Height is the issue and it is not a good review by England as it is going way over. They have lost both their reviews now. Once again this was taken out of hope. A desperate one as they somehow want to break this stand. A good delivery though by Archer but it needed to be a little fuller. It is behind a length and around off, it comes back in very late. Watling fails to adjust to the movement and is hit on the pads. An appeal but the umpire turns it down. Root asks the fielder at point and then reviews. Replays roll in and they show the ball to be going over.

England review! An appeal for an LBW has been turned down. It looks a little high. However, it could turn out to be a good review as Watling is rooted to his crease here.

95.3

1lb

A little too straight, Colin looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side and a single is taken. Leg bye signaled.

95.2

.

A sharp bumper this, de Grandhomme evades it at the very end.

95.1

2

Pulled hard and Colin de Grandhomme gets to a very, very good fifty. That is the thing about this guy, he stays out there for a while, runs will come thick and fast and that is the case. Just the 74 balls is what he took to bring his fifty up. He though can't relax as of now. Still some time to go for him. He gets there by pulling this through mid-wicket for two.

95.1

5wd

FIVE WIDES! Way too short and on middle, Colin de Grandhomme ducks under it, it goes over Buttler and into the fence.

94.6

.

Watling comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball, he pushes it to mid on.

94.5

.

Very full and on middle, it is hit to mid on.

94.4

2

Well played! Plays the paddle and towards fine leg. Two taken.

94.3

.

Shorter and just outside off, Watling looks to cut but not enough room to play that shot, he ends up chopping it on the off side.

94.2

1

Loopy ball on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

94.1

.

Flatter and on off, Colin lunges and keeps it out.

93.6

.

On middle and off, Watling blocks it off his front foot.

93.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

93.4

.

Length and on off, Watling defends it to the off side.

93.3

.

Back of a length and wide of off, Watling pushes it to point.

93.2

1

Short ball on off, Colin pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.

93.1

.

Length and outside off, de Grandhomme defends it off the back foot.

92.6

1

This is slightly more shorter and on off, de Grandhomme pushes it through covers and gets to the other end. The stand between the two is now 67.

92.5

.

Flatter and it is the arm ball. Colin de Grandhomme goes back and pushes it back to the bowler.

92.4

1

A low full toss on the pads, this is worked behind square on the leg side for a single.

92.3

.

On off, Watling pushes it to mid off.

92.2

.

Loopy ball on off, Watling keeps it out nicely.

92.1

.

Floats it up on off, Watling defends it out.

Jack Leach is back on!

91.6

4

FOUR! Now a square drive! Colin is dealing in boundaries here. A biggie and a boundary to end the over. Archer goes full and wide outside off, de Grandhomme just guides it past point and it races away to the fence.

91.5

6

SIX! Take that, Archer says Colin de Grandhomme. First biggie of the game. Archer bangs this one short, Colin takes the challenge of pulling this and he nails it as it flies over the square leg fence. Trail now below 100.

91.4

.

Another delivery on a back of a length, Colin keeps it out nicely.

91.3

.

Good length and on off, de Grandhomme stays back and keeps it out.

91.2

.

Good length again around off, Colin pushes it to covers.

91.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

Jofra Archer comes on to bowl.

90.6

1lb

A little too straight, Colin de Grandhomme looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls on the leg side. A run taken, leg bye.

90.5

.

A short one on the body, de Grandhomme spots it early and ducks under it.

90.4

.

One more length ball around off, Colin looks to drive but it goes off the outer half and along the ground to gully.

90.3

.

Shorter in length and on off, Colin de Grandhomme keeps it out.

90.2

4

FOUR! Glorious! Just puts bat to ball, he found the gap and bags a boundary. Full and around off, de Grandhomme creams it wide of mid off and it races away to the fence.

90.1

2

A couple! This is fuller and around off, Colin de Grandhomme strokes it wide of the fielder in the deep at the cover region and takes two. Fifty partnership up between the two. Another important stand. This one needs to be converted into a big one though.

89.6

1

A single to end! Curran goes very full again, de Grandhomme squeezes it out through point for one.

89.5

.

Extremely full and outside off, Colin jams it out towards covers.

89.4

.

On the fuller side and it comes back in from outside off, Colin de Grandhomme looks to drive but it goes off the inside half towards mid on.

89.3

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

89.2

.

This is angled into the batter from around the wicket, Colin pushes it back to the bowler.

89.1

1

Fifty for Watling. A fighting innings from him and a very, very important one. A very hard working knock, runs scoring has not been easy but he has grinded it out there and is taking his side to safer shores. He gets to the milestone by working this delivery through square leg for one.

88.6

.

Another full ball, no swing on offer for Broad. Colin de Grandhomme strokes it to the right of mid off.

88.5

1

Slightly fuller around off, BJ looks to put bat on ball but it goes off the outer half through backward point for one.

88.4

.

On the off pole, Watling stays back and keeps it out.

88.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

88.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Watling defends it out.

88.1

1

In the air... but safe! Broad bangs it short, Colin looks to pull, does not get on top of the bounce. It goes off the splice but lands well short of the fielder at fine leg. One taken.

87.6

.

On the fuller side again and on off, Watling strokes it to mid off.

87.5

1

Almost! Extremely full, this starts on off and then tails back in. Colin looks to work it with the movement but it hits the inside edge and then onto the pads. It rolls on the off side for one. There is an appeal from the fielders behind the wicket but nothing from the umpire.

87.4

.

On off and it is slightly fuller, Colin looks to defend but it goes off the inner half to the right of the bowler.

87.3

.

Slightly shorter and on off, Colin stands tall and pushes it to covers.

87.2

.

On a length and around off, de Grandhomme guides it to point.

87.1

.

A little too straight, Colin works it to mid-wicket.

86.6

.

Good length and on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

86.5

.

Length and on off, kept out by Watling.

86.4

3

Good running between the wickets. A commendable effort in the field too. Broad bowls one outside off and de Grandhomme drives it through covers. The fielder from point and cover both give the chase. The fielder from cover dives and saves a run. The point fielder backing up throws the ball towards the keeper's end. The batsmen cross for three with ease.

86.3

1

Watling flicks this length delivery off his pads to mid-wicket for a run.

86.2

.

Watling blocks this length ball on his pads to the leg side.

86.1

.

BEATEN! Broad finally gets one to move away from the batsman. He bowls one in the channel outside off, Watling goes for a nervy push away from his body. Luckily for him the ball beats the outside edge off his bat to settle into the mitts of the keeper.

85.6

4

FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for de Grandhomme. Another one which is very full around off, Curran looks to bring it back in but that does not happen. Easy pickings then for Colin as he guides it through cover-point and it races away.

85.5

4

FOUR! Creamed! That also made a cracking sound off the bat. Full and on off, it is a half volley. Colin de Grandhomme strokes it through extra cover and it races away to the fence.

85.4

.

Extremely full this time and just outside off, it is jammed out to mid off.

85.3

.

On a length and this is outside off, looking to get it back in but it goes on with the angle. Left alone.

85.2

1

A little too straight, this is worked through square leg and a single is taken.

85.1

.

On a length and this one is angled away from the off pole, Watling makes a leave.

84.6

.

Broad bowls on off and de Grandhomme blocks it from within the crease.

84.5

.

Length ball, outside off, de Grandhomme lets it be.

84.4

.

Length and outside off, de Grandhomme once again chooses to leave it.

84.3

.

Good length and outside off, CdG does not fiddle with it.

84.2

1

Good length and around off, Watling drives it through cover-point for a single.

84.1

.

Length and outside off, Watling defends it off the back foot.

Stuart Broad to start from the other end.

83.6

.

Calculated leave there. Length and outside off, de Grandhomme lifts his bat and lets it pass. The ball was not far away from the off pole.

83.5

.

Another fuller one and once again Colin edges on onto his pads.

83.4

2

Good length and on off, CdG drives it away from the body through covers for a couple.

83.3

.

Length and outside off, CdG leaves it alone.

83.2

.

Length and on middle, Colin looks to flick it off his pads to the leg side but the ball goes off the thigh pad to the leg side.

83.1

.

Fuller one and Swinging into the right hander. CdG looks to drive only top get an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls to the leg side.

Welcome back for the second session. The England players are on the field. New Zealand batsmen BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme also come out. England take the second new ball and it will be Sam Curran who will use it first up. To know what is in store in this session, here we go....

... Day 3, Session 2 ...

Early wickets is what England were looking for entering Day 3 but Watling and Henry showed great grit and determination and built a solid stand.Scoring was not easy but the two did well to grind it out. However, a master stroke from Root to get himself on broke the 70-run stand. He could have had both the set-batters had Stokes not dropped Watling. That missed opportunity could prove costly as BJ is nearing a half ton now and will be eyeing to make it big. He is well-supported by Colin so far and New Zealand will hope the two continue. England know, they need one wicket and they are into the bowling all-rounders. Will the hosts continue their fightback or will the visitors continue to dominate. Join us in a while to find out.

End of a very slow-paced session! However it is one which the hosts will be pleased with. They just lost the one wicket and have cut down around 70 runs from the deficit. England though are still the side on top heading into the break.

82.6

.

Flighted one on off, Watling blocks it into the ground. LUNCH ON DAY 3.

82.5

.

Watling is happy to block this tossed up ball on off and middle.

82.4

2

Full and down the leg side, Watling sweeps it fine towards fine leg for a run.

82.3

.

Full on the pads, Watling defends it to the leg side.

82.2

.

Flighted one on middle, Watling defends it to the leg side.

82.1

.

Tossed up and on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot.

81.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

81.5

.

CdG defends this tossed up ball on off.

81.4

1

Tossed up on the pads, Watling works it to square leg for a run.

81.3

.

Flighted one and on middle, Watling comes down the track and blocks it back to the bowler.

81.2

.

Tossed up on leg, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

81.1

.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Watling blocks it to the leg side.

80.6

1

On off, Watling stays back and pushes it to covers.

80.5

.

Floats it up on off, Watling keeps it out nicely.

80.4

.

On off, Watling stays back and pushes it to covers.

80.3

.

On middle again, Watling lunges and keeps it out.

80.2

.

On middle, blocked.

80.1

1

Well, what was that? A bumper from Root. Colin is taken by surprise, he looks to fend but it goes off the glove on the off side for one.

New ball is available now. But it has not been taken as of now.

79.6

.

Another leave as this one is also bowled outside off.

79.5

.

Shorter and outside off, Watling goes back and pushes it to covers.

79.4

.

Wide outside off, it is left alone.

79.3

.

The short of length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side.

79.2

.

On off, Watling lunges and keeps it out.

79.1

.

Just outside off, Watling watches it nicely and lets it be.

78.6

4

FOUR! Tossed up and outside off, de Grandhomme cuts it past the slips . The ball races to the third man fence for a boundary.

78.5

.

On the stumps, kept out nicely.

78.4

1

Short and wide, Watling cuts it through point for a run.

78.3

.

Flighted on middle, defended to mid on.

78.2

.

Tossed up on off, kept out.

78.1

1

Tossed up on middle, CdG flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.

77.6

.

On middle, defended.

77.5

1

Gives it a lot more air on off, Colin pushes it through covers and gets to the other end.

77.4

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Slightly shorter and outside off, Colin de Grandhomme waits for it and then cuts it fine on the off side and bags a boundary.

77.3

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

77.2

.

On middle, Colin pushes it back to the bowler.

77.1

.

Tosses it up on off, it is blocked.

76.6

.

Flatter and on off, Colin goes back and defends it.

76.5

.

On the pads, Watling flicks it to the man at short leg.

76.4

.

On off, Watling works it with the turn on the leg side.

76.3

.

On the stumps, Watling prods forward and defends it.

76.2

.

Another tossed up ball on off, kept out.

76.1

.

Flatter and on off, Watling keeps it out.

75.6

1

Watling drives this floated one through covers for a run.

75.5

.

On the stumps, Watling keeps it out.

75.4

1

CdG drives this flatter one through mid off for a run.

75.3

1

Flighted once again on off, Watling drives it through covers for a single.

75.2

.

Flighted on off, Watling defends it to the off side.

75.1

1

Tossed up on middle, CdG drives it to mid on and takes a quick single.

74.6

.

On the stumps again, Watling keeps it out nicely.

74.5

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

74.4

1

Off the mark is de Grandhomme as he works it with the turn through square leg.

74.3

.

Quicker and on off, Colin plays back to a ball he should be forward too. He manages to keep it out.

74.2

1

On the pads, it is worked down towards deep backward square leg for one.

74.1

.

Flatter and on off, Watling pushes it back to the bowler.

73.6

.

On the pads, de Grandhomme looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early. It goes off the leading edge but well short of the bowler.

73.5

.

Flatter and on off, there is some extra bounce. Colin does well to get on top of the bounce and guide it to point.

73.4

.

Outside off, this is left alone.

73.3

.

Floated up on off, Colin keeps it out nicely.

73.2

1

Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

73.1

.

Flatter and on off, Watling goes back and keeps it out.

72.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

72.5

.

On middle, it is worked with the turn towards mid-wicket.

72.4

.

Slower through the air this time on off, Colin de Grandhomme defends it out.

72.3

.

Quicker and on off, Colin keeps it out nicely.

72.2

.

Floats it up outside off, this is driven to covers.

72.1

.

Flatter and on middle, Colin works it towards short leg where the fielder makes a good stop.

71.6

.

On the stumps, it is kept out.

71.5

.

Watling comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler.

71.4

.

On off, it is blocked.

71.3

4

FOUR! 200 up for New Zealand! This is fired down the leg side, Watling uses the pace and sweeps it fine to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

71.2

.

On middle, Watling is solid in defense again.

71.1

.

Tosses it up on middle, Watling keeps it out.

70.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

70.5

.

Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman.

Colin de Grandhomme is the new man in.

70.4

W

OUT! LBW! So Root has one to his name. Where all the bowlers failed to break this stubborn stand, the skipper takes it upon himself and delivers. He tossed one up on off, Nicholls once again comes on the front foot and looks to defend but misses the line of the delivery to get rapped on the pads. Root and his teammates go up in appeal and the umpire gives the marching orders to Henry. Replays later on rolls in and confirms the ball to be hitting middle and leg with impact also in line with the stumps. Nicholls does not even bother to review it this time.

70.3

1

Watling flicks this tossed up ball off his pads to fine leg for a run.

70.2

.

DROPPED! A chance goes abegging. Ben Stokes is the culprit here. Root tossed one up and in Watling prods forward in defense. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to the right of stokes in the slips. A life for Watling here.

70.1

4

FOUR! What a welcome for the skipper. Root goes wide and short. Watling cuts power fully through point and gets a boundary.

Skipper brings himself on to bowl.

69.6

2

Misfield and two! England are not happy here. poor from Jofra. This is swept towards him at deep square leg. They take one, Jofra gets to the ball but takes his eyes off as he tries to pick it up. He fails to do so and another run is taken.

69.5

.

NOT OUT! And impact does save him! It is outside off. A huge roar from the crowd when they saw that as they know how crucial it is for this stand to continue. Leach bowls it flatter and on off, it turns back in and also stays a touch low. Nicholls goes back and tries to push at it but misses to get hit on the front pad. An appeal and up goes the finger. Nicholls reviews after a chat with his partner. Replays roll in and it shows the on-field call has to be overturned. Henry fights to survive to fight another day.

Review Time! Henry Nicholls adjudged LBW.He consults his partner and signals the 'T'. Impact is something that could save Nicholls here.

69.4

2

Another sweep shot, this time it is played nice and on the leg side and two is taken.

69.3

1

Good running! Watling comes down the track but Leach shortens his length. He then guides it towards backward point. There is hesitation but then they eventually go for the single. Complete it in the end.

69.2

1

Again Nicholls plays the sweep shot through square leg for one.

69.1

.

Plays the sweep shot but hits the man at short leg.

Spin Time! Jack Leach comes into the attack.

68.6

.

Fuller and on middle, it is driven back to the bowler.

68.5

.

One more bumper on middle, Watling ducks under it.

68.4

4

FOUR! Slapped! Width on offer and it is put away. Way too wide outside off, Watling hits it hard through covers for a boundary.

68.3

.

Shorter and on off, Watling keeps it out nicely.

68.2

1lb

On the pads, Nicholls tries to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards fine leg for one. Leg byes signaled.

68.1

.

Good length and on off, Nicholls stays back and keeps it out.

67.6

.

This time Archer makes the batter play. He bowls one on a length and around off, Watling pushes it to mid off.

67.5

.

Watling once again, leaves this length ball for the keeper.

67.5

1nb

NO BALL! Length ball pushes across the right hander. Watling drops his wrists and lets it go. Archer has overstepped here.

67.4

4b

FOUR BYES! Wayward and poor from Archer. he once again goes short and down the leg side, Watling is not interested as he leaves it. Buttler goes to his right to grab the ball but the ball hits his fingertips and goes towards the third man fence for a boundary. 50-run stand also comes up between Nicholls and Watling.

67.3

.

Back of a length on middle and leg, Watling hops inside the crease and defends it to short mid-wicket.

67.2

.

Another bumper but the line is down the leg side. Watling once again ducks it.

67.1

.

Archer continues to pepper the Kiwi batsmen with his short stuff. Watling just ducks it with ease.

66.6

.

Shorter and on off, Nicholls keeps it out.

66.5

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Deft! Shorter and around off, Nicholls waits for it, plays it late through backward point and it races away to the fence.

66.4

.

Fuller and on middle, this is driven to mid on.

66.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

66.2

1

On the pads, this is worked around the corner for one.

66.1

.

This is angled into the body, Watling works it to square leg.

66.1

1nb

NO BALL! Stokes oversteps! Outside off, it is left alone.

DRINKS BREAK!

65.6

.

A bumper to end, it is ducked under easily.

65.5

.

A back of a length and on off, Nicholls keeps it out.

65.4

.

This is banged halfway down the wicket, Nicholls ducks under it.

65.3

.

Shorter and on off, Henry stands tall and defends it towards the off side.

65.2

.

On the pads, Nicholls looks to work it on the leg side but gets hit on the thigh pad.

65.1

.

This is angled into the batter. Nicholls defends it nicely.

64.6

.

Very full and outside off, Nicholls drives it to the man at covers.

64.5

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

64.4

.

On the fuller side on off, it is driven to the man at mid off.

64.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Watling stands back and keeps it out.

64.2

1

On the pads, it is worked down to fine leg for one.

64.1

.

Slapped! Shorter and outside off, Nicholls slaps it to covers.

63.6

2

A couple to end! Fuller and outside off, Nicholls jams it through to point for two.

63.5

4b

FOUR BYES! A seam up delivery, it starts on middle and then tails back in a long way. Bounces in front of Buttler who dives to his left to stop it. He fails to do so and it goes to the fine leg fence.

63.4

.

This is angled into the body, it is worked towards mid-wicket. Another dot, runs scoring has been tough today.

63.3

.

Good length and on middle, Watling stays back and keeps it out nicely.

63.2

1

Very full and on the pads, Nicholls works it through square leg and takes one.

63.1

.

Good length and on off, Nicholls guides it to point.

62.6

.

Length delivery angling into middle and leg, Watling flicks it to mid-wicket.

62.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

62.4

.

Length delivery on the pads, Watling drives it to mid on.

62.3

.

Good length delivery around off, Watling brings out a solid front foot defense.

62.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Watling leaves it alone.

62.1

.

Length delivery on the 5th stump line. Watling lets it go. The ball rears up a bit on its way to the keeper.

Ben Stokes comes on to bowl now.

61.6

.

A bumper to end! Nicholls ducks under it.

61.5

.

NOT OUT! There indeed is an inside edge! Not sure why the review was taken as England did not seem confident in the appeal too! This is fuller around leg, Nicholls looks to drive, it seems to have taken an inside edge onto the pads. An appeal from the English players but not a confident one. The umpire shakes his head. Root decides to review. Hot Spot shows a mark on the inside edge and Ultra Edge also shows a spike as the ball passes the bat. The on-field call remains and England lose a review.

Review time! An appeal for an LBW has been turned down and England straightaway take it upstairs. This seems one in hope. The pitching seems to be outside leg and also an inside edge.

61.4

1

The batsman defends it from within the crease. The batsmen have run through for a single.

61.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

61.2

4

FOUR! EDGY! Shorter and around off, Watling goes back and tries to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge, past gully and it goes down to the third man fence. New Zealand won't mind how the boundaries come as long as they do.

61.1

.

A short one on middle, Watling evades it.

60.6

.

Outside off, Left alone.

60.5

.

Nicholls pushes this length ball outside off to covers.

60.4

.

Good length and angling across the left hander. Nicholls defends it to the off side.

60.3

.

Bumper on the leg stump line. Nicholls ducks under it.

60.2

.

Length delivery down the leg side, Henry looks to flick but fails to to do so. Buttler dives to his right and takes a good grab.

60.1

.

Length and angling on off, Nicholls defends it off the front foot.

59.6

.

On off, kept out.

59.5

2

Misfield and two! Shorter and on off, Watling stands tall and punches it towards cover who fails to stop it and the batters take two runs.

59.4

.

Slightly shorter and on off, Watling stays back and defends it onto the ground.

59.3

.

A good bouncer this time but Watling evades it nicely.

59.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Watling goes back and keeps it out.

59.1

.

A bumper to begin with! Watling ducks under it with ease. There was more like tennis ball bounce on that delivery. It looped to the keeper.

As mentioned earlier. Jofra Archer comes into the attack replacing Sam Curran.

58.6

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

58.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Nicholls stays put and defends it onto the ground.

Jofra Archer is seen warming up. He may replace Sam Curran from the other end.

58.4

.

A short one and Nicholls spots it early, it is ducked under.

58.3

.

Fuller and on off, Henry strokes it to mid off.

58.2

.

Another delivery on a good length, HN is solid in defense.

58.1

.

On the stumps, Nicholls keeps it out.

57.6

.

Bowls it on the pads this time, Watling works it to mid-wicket.

57.5

.

Good delivery! This lands on off and then angles away. Watling plays for the movement into him which means inside the line and gets beaten.

57.4

1

Fuller and outside off, Nicholls strokes it through cover-point and a single is taken.

57.3

2

Took the last one away now angles this into the batter, Nicholls looks to defend but it goes off the inner half through square leg for two. New Zealand's trail now below 200.

57.2

.

Length delivery and outside off, Nicholls does not play at it.

57.1

1

Curran is still getting the ball to do a bit here! He gets this one to tail back in from middle, Watling works it through square leg for one.

56.6

.

Length ball angling on the pads, Nicholls looks to flick it through mid-wicket but fails to time his shot. The ball hits his pads. A stifled appeal from the bowler but nothing from his teammates.

56.5

.

Nicholls plays a forward defensive shot to this length ball outside off.

56.4

1

Watling cuts this short one outside off through point. A single taken.

56.3

.

Length and around off, Watling plays it to backward point.

56.2

.

Good length around off, Watling pushes it to covers.

56.1

.

A gentle length ball around off, Watling defends it to the off side.

Have England missed a trick here by not starting with Jofra Archer? He is the one who hit Nicholls on the head and they could have thrown the ball to him and asked him to bowl a few more short ones to the left-hander just to see if he is up for it today. It probably won't be the same once he faces a few balls and gets his eye in.

55.6

.

A good looking drive but for no runs! Fuller and on off, it is hit to mid off. Another maiden, England keeping it nice and tight.

55.5

.

Fuller and on off, Nicholls strokes it to the man at mid off.

55.4

.

A nice bumper, Nicholls ducks under it.

55.3

.

Angles this one into the batter, Nicholls pushes it towards mid on.

55.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

55.1

.

One more ball on a good length and around off, Nicholls is solid in defense.

54.6

.

A leave to end as this is also bowled outside off. A maiden but not a threatening one.

54.5

.

Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter, BJ keeps it out.

54.4

.

In the 5th stump channel, it is left alone nicely.

54.3

.

On a length and around off, Watling lunges and keeps it out.

54.2

.

Another delivery outside off, it is left alone. It goes on the bounce to the keeper. Signs of the wicket slowing up even more?

54.1

.

On a good length and outside off, Watling makes a leave.

53.6

.

Henry brings out a solid front foot defense to this length ball on off.

53.5

.

Nicholls blocks this length ball around off towards the off side.

53.4

.

Nicholls drives this length ball on off to mid on.

53.3

.

Length ball and keeping low outside off, Nicholls shoulders arms to it.

53.2

.

Nicholls drives this length ball outside off to covers.

53.1

.

Fuller one and on off, Nicholls looks to flick it through the leg side but gets hit on the pads. The England players appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Probably it was swinging too much down the leg side.

52.6

.

Length ball outside off, Watling lets it be.

52.5

.

Length and outside off, Watling is happy leave it.

52.4

.

Good length and outside off, Watling leaves it for the keeper.

52.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

52.2

1lb

Length and on the pads, Nicholls flicks it off his pads towards fine leg and scampers for a single. 150 up for New Zealand.

52.1

.

Fuller in length from Broad, Nicholls defends it to the off side.

Stuart Broad to start from the other end.

51.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

51.5

.

Good length and outside off, Watling lets it be.

51.4

4

FOUR! Swinging in on the pads, Watling flicks this off his pads. The ball goes through mid-wicket for a boundary.

51.3

.

Length ball outside off, Left alone.

51.2

1

Good length and around off, Nicholls pushes it off the back foot towards mid-wicket for the first runs off the day.

51.1

.

Length and around off, Nicholls pushes it to covers. Nicholls shows that he is alright after being hit by Archer bouncer the other day.

We are all set to begin Day 3. BJ Watling and Henry Nicholls are out in the middle and will resume their innings. England players also get on the field as they take their fielding positions. Sam Curran will start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

Welcome to Day 3, often referred to as the happening day in a Test match. Happening means that we will get a clear picture of where the Test match will be heading. New Zealand are still 209 runs behind the English total of 353. With 6 wickets in hand New Zealand will want a couple of good partnerships to get them closer to the English total if not surpass it. Whereas, England would want to gain a substantial lead and put the hosts on the back foot. They would also look to get a couple of quick wickets to keep themselves ahead in this contest. All in all an action-packed day awaits us. Do join to know whether New Zealand stage a fightback or will England continue their good work in this Test?

... Day 3, Session 1 ...

Majority of the day though was dominated by the hosts but still it is the visitors who will sleep better today. Earlier, a collapse saw England being 8 down even before they crossed the 300-run mark. However, Buttler's knock took them over the 350-run mark which people still believed to be short. In reply, the Kiwi batters did get off to starts but no one could make it count. Sam Curran was the star with the ball for the visitors as he got two important wickets. New Zealand now trail by 209 runs, they do still do have batting to come but everybody will have to contribute. England on the other hand, will want to repeat what they did in the last session and hope they can get a good lead. Join us for all the action on Day 3 at 1100 local (2200 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!

Advantage England without a doubt! A tremendous session for them, three wickets is what they got which included two of New Zealand's best batters, Taylor and Williamson. However, it all started after Raval's dismissal. The opener played a rash shot which saw his downfall. Before that, he along with Williamson after the loss of Latham were going along really well but once he fell, New Zealand kept losing wickets at regular intervals which sees them behind the 8 ball game. Watling and Nicholls are fighting it out and are playing well but there is still a long way to go for them.

50.6

.

Quicker and on off, Watling goes back and keeps it out. The last ball is negotiated and THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2!

50.5

1

On the pads, Nicholls works it around the corner for one.

50.4

.

Flatter and on off, this is pushed towards cover.

50.3

.

On the pads, Nicholls looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

50.2

.

Flatter and on middle, Nicholls pushes it to mid on.

50.1

1

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Joe Root comes on. His main aim to get himself on is to bowl one quickly and somehow slip in another one from Archer.

49.6

.

Another short one to end! It is ducked under. End of a nasty over by Archer.

49.5

.

That has been played well again! One more short ball on middle, Nicholls does well to play it down with soft hands.

49.4

.

Another top bumper! It takes off after pitching. Nicholls just about evades it.

49.3

.

One more short one but this is down the leg side, it is left alone. Three short ones now, the full ball is coming.

49.2

.

Well played! Archer goes short again, Nicholls watches it closely and then works it straight to short leg.

Out comes the physio to have a look! Nicholls is taking his time and rightly so. Luckily though he is up on his feet and seems fine. Also, change of helmets for Henry. He is all fine to continue now.

49.1

.

BOOM! How many times have we seen Archer do this? He has hit Nicholls flush on the helmet. Shorter and on middle, it is quick. Nicholls has no time to get out of the way and it hits the side part of the helmet.

48.6

.

Watling defends this flighted ball off the front foot.

48.5

1

Full on middle, Nicholls sweeps it through square leg for a run.

48.4

.

Tossed up outside off, Nicholls is happy to let that go.

48.3

.

Henry cuts this short ball outside off to point.

48.2

.

Nicholls defends this length ball off his back foot.

48.1

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot.

47.6

1

A rib-tickler this time, it is worked down to fine leg for one.

47.5

.

One more short ball, Nicholls again ducks under it.

47.4

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

47.3

.

A bumper and it is ducked under.

47.2

.

Well played! Shorter and on middle, it keeps on rising. Nicholls does well to play it onto the ground with soft hands.

47.1

.

Shorter one on the body, it is ducked under.

Jofra Archer is back on! He has bowled short spells till now and this is probably another one. Can he pick a wicket.

46.6

.

A flatter delivery to end on off, Watling goes back and keeps it out.

46.5

.

Full and on off, Watling pushes it to covers.

46.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

46.3

.

On the stumps, Watling lunges and keeps it out.

46.2

.

Flatter and on off, Watling pushes it to covers.

46.1

.

Loopy ball on middle, this is defended.

45.6

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

45.5

.

A huge shout but not given! An inside edge saved Nicholls there. Curran bowls this full and straight on middle, Nicholls looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

45.4

.

Close! Curran goes fuller this time around off, Nicholls pushes at it with hard hands. He gets an inside edge onto the pads.

45.3

.

Back of a length again and on off, Nicholls pushes it towards cover where the fielder dives and stops it well.

45.2

.

Back of a length and on off, Nicholls guides it to point.

45.1

.

Back of a length and on middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket.

44.6

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

44.5

1

A single as this is worked through the leg side.

44.4

.

Quicker and shorter outside off, Nicholls looks to cut but misses again.

44.3

1

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

44.2

.

Floats it up on middle, it is kept out.

44.1

.

Flatter and on middle, Watling pushes it to mid-wicket.

43.6

.

On off, this is kept out nicely. Another good over by Curran.

43.5

.

That is a beauty! Curran bowls this fuller and around off, draws Nicholls into a drive but then gets the ball to leave the batter and that too late. It whizzes past the outside edge.

43.4

.

Outside off, it is left alone again.

43.3

.

Back of a length and on off, HN stands tall and keeps it out.

43.2

.

On the stumps, Nicholls defends it out nicely.

43.1

.

Outside off, the batter does not fiddle with it.

42.6

.

On off, this is guided to point.

42.5

2

Good running! This is floated outside off, Watling strokes it through covers and takes two.

42.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery

42.3

.

Flatter and on off, Watling pushes it to covers.

42.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

42.1

.

On off, it is defended.

41.6

.

Bumper to end the over. Nicholls ducks under it.

41.5

4

FOUR! Very full and on the middle stump line. Nicholls just pushes the ball from with in the crease and gets it past the mid on fielder. The ball hares to the long on fence in a flash.

41.4

2

Fuller one on the pads, Henry flicks it towards square leg and takes a couple.

41.3

.

Length and on off, Henry drives it to mid off.

41.2

.

Length ball on off, Nicholls defends it off the back foot.

41.1

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

40.6

.

On middle, it is kept out.

40.5

1

The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. The batsmen have run through for a single.

40.4

.

Flatter and on off, it is kept out.

40.3

1

Full and on middle, pushed towards cover by Watling for a single.

40.2

.

Loopy ball outside off, Watling looks to drive but gets an inside edge on the pads.

40.1

.

Flighted around off, pushed towards cover.

39.6

.

Full and on off, Nicholls pushes it back to the bowler.

39.5

1

Fullish length ball on middle, Watling tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single to get off the mark.

BJ Watling is the new batsman in.

39.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Williamson gets out after his fifty. New Zealand are is a spot of bother as their batting mainstay is out of here. Curran bowls one on a length and generates some extra bounce on that one. Williamson looks to leave the ball but is late to react as the ball takes the glove and lobs towards Ben Stokes in the slips. Stokes dives in front and takes easiest of the catches.

39.3

4

FOUR! 31st Test fifty for Kane Williamson. Not the most convincing of the shots to get to the landmark. Curran bowls one outside off, Williamson just opens the face of the bat at the last moment and runs it down though the slips and into the third man fence. The fielder from gully gives the chase but he fails to keep the ball in play.

39.2

.

Outside off, KW lets it be.

39.1

.

Good length and outside off, KW defends it to point.

38.6

.

Tossed up on off, Nicholls blocks it off the front foot.

38.5

.

Flatter one on off, Nicholls defends it off his back foot.

38.4

.

Henry blocks this tossed up ball off the front foot.

38.3

.

Tossed up on off, Henry blocks it out.

38.2

4

FOUR! Tossed up on a length, Henry is quick to rock back and nail the pull through mid-wicket. Henry fetches a boundary.

38.1

.

Floated up on off, Henry keeps it out.

37.6

1

Good length and on off, Nicholls drives it to mid on and retains the strike.

37.5

.

Length and on off, Henry blocks it out.

37.4

4

FOUR! Short, wide and width on offer. Asking to be hit. Nicholls obliges as he cuts it powerfully through point for a boundary.

37.3

.

Full and around off, Henry keeps it out with a solid front foot defense.

37.2

.

Fuller one on off, Henry drives it back to the bowler.

37.1

.

Length and on middle, Nicholls drives it to mid on.

Sam Curran is back to bowl. 5-2-12-1 are his figures so far.

36.6

.

Flighted ball on off, this is driven to the man at covers.

36.5

.

This is worked with the angle to the man at short leg.

36.4

.

Flatter and on middle, Williamson keeps it out nicely.

36.3

.

Another tossed up ball on off, defended.

36.2

.

Floats it up on off, Williamson lunges and keeps it out.

36.1

1

Nicely played! Brings out the paddle and hits it towards fine leg for one.

35.6

.

Short one on the body, Kane ducks under it.

35.5

.

Archer sprays one down the leg side, Williamson lets it be.

35.4

1

Length ball on middle and leg, Henry flicks it to fine leg for a single.

35.3

.

Beauty of a delivery by Archer. He bowls one on middle and takes the ball away from the left hander. Henry looks to defend it but gets an outside edge. The ball falls jus t short of the third slip fielder. Lucky escape for Nicholls and New Zealand.

35.2

.

Full and on off, Henry defends it back to the bowler.

35.1

1

Length and outside off, Kane taps it towards point and takes a single.

34.6

.

Length and on off, Henry blocks it off the back foot and into the ground.

34.5

4

FOUR! What a shot to get off the mark. Stokes goes full and on the pads, Nicholls flicks it off his pads through the mid-wicket region. The ball races away to the fence for a bounday.

34.4

1

Length ball on the pads, Kane flicks it through square leg for a single.

34.3

.

Bumper going down leg, Williamson ducks under it.

34.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

34.1

.

Length and on off, KW defends it to covers off his back foot.

33.6

.

A good bumper to end! Nicholls evades it at the very end. A good follow-up over to the one wicket taking one.

33.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

33.4

.

That was quick! Short and on the body, HN looks to pull but is beaten for pace. He gets hit on the thigh pad.

33.3

.

On the shorter side and on off, Nicholls stands tall and defends it onto the ground.

33.2

.

Good length and on off, Nicholls guides it to the man at point.

33.1

.

A yorker outside off, Nicholls jams it out towards point.

Henry Nicholls walks out in the middle. He needs to stay with his skipper in the middle if New Zealand are to get closer to the English score.

DRINKS BREAK!

32.6

W

OUT! In the air... taken! Big, big wicket this. Ben Stokes, is the man to provide the breakthrough. He did it with the bat earlier and now with the ball. The ploy to bowl short to Taylor has worked. This is shortish and outside off, Taylor looks to drag the ball but does not get on top of the bounce. A top edge is induced and it goes toward deep mid-wicket where Pope takes a dolly. Once again, England get a timely wicket. These wickets at regular intervals continues to keep them on top. New Zealand trail by another 247 runs.

32.5

1

Fuller and on off, Williamson hits it wide of the fielder at mid off and takes one.

32.4

1

Shorter and on the body, Taylor works it behind square on the leg side for one.

32.3

.

Shorter and outside off, it skids through, Taylor pulls it back to the bowler.

32.2

2

Another couple! Fuller and on the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket and two is taken.

32.1

1

Back of a length and on off, Williamson pushes it to mid on for one.

31.6

2

Another bumper from Archer. Taylor pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple. 100 COMES UP FOR NEW ZEALAND.

31.5

.

Short ball angling into Taylor. Ross looks to evade it but is late to react. The ball hits his shoulder and lobs towards the slips.

31.4

.

Taylor blocks this length ball outside off towards the off side.

31.3

.

Fuller one on off, Taylor defends it to mid-wicket.

31.2

.

That soared high up. Archer bowls a bouncer and Taylor looks to go for the hook shot. But the ball keeps climbing on him. Buttler takes a fine grab.

31.1

2

On a good length and outside off, Taylor punches the ball off the back foot through covers. The batsmen take a couple till the ball gets fielded in the deep.

30.6

.

A bumper to end, it is ducked under.

30.5

1

Defended off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.

30.4

1

This is on middle, Williamson nudges it around the corner and takes one.

30.3

1

Fuller and on the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

30.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

30.1

.

Outside off, the batter does not fiddle with it.

29.6

.

Williamson defends this length ball to the off side with the full face of the bat.

29.5

1

NOT OUT! Taylor survives! Taylor clips this length ball off his pads towards mid-wicket and takes off for a run. The fielder there pounces on the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end. The ball hits the stumps as Taylor stretches himself inside the crease. The umpire takes it upstairs just to be sure. Replays roll in and it says Taylor was well in when the bails were dis lodged. A quick run in the end is what results.

A direct hit and an appeal for a run out has been taken upstairs! England do not seem excited.

29.4

2

Back of a length and on off, Taylor pulls it all along the ground through mid-wicket for a couple.

29.3

.

Taylor flicks this full ball off his pads to mid-wicket.

29.2

1

Williamson punches this length ball through covers for a run.

29.1

3

Fuller one and on middle, Taylor flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs across and puts in a dive to save a run. The batsmen take three.

28.6

1

Bangs this one short, Taylor rides on top of the bounce and pulls it through square leg for one.

28.5

.

Outside off, this one is not played at.

28.4

.

Good length delivery and on off, Taylor defends it onto the ground.

28.3

1

Fuller and on middle, Williamson strokes it towards mid off and takes one.

28.2

1

A little too straight, Taylor works it down to fine leg for one. Once again he played that really late. That is what England want, they want his front leg to fall over.

28.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Taylor defends it onto the ground.

Ben Stokes is on now!

27.6

.

Good length and on off, defended.

27.5

.

Shorter and on off, Williamson looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. A soft leading edge is induced towards cover.

27.4

1

Almost! England are looking to hit the pads of Taylor and they almost do it there. It is full and it tails back in from outside off. Taylor gets his front leg out of the way and manages to flick it in the end through square leg for one.

27.3

.

Wide outside off, Taylor does not play at it.

27.2

.

Good length and on off, Taylor lunges and keeps it out.

27.1

1

Shorter and on middle, this is worked towards square leg for one.

26.6

.

A good bumper to end! Taylor evades it nicely.

26.5

1

Good length, Williamson looks to play it late. It ends up going off the inner half on the leg side for one.

26.4

.

Slightly shorter and outside off, Williamson looks to pull but the ball does not bounce as much as he anticipated it to. Misses.

26.3

1

Good running and good batting! Follows the boundary up with a single as this delivery is tapped towards cover.

26.2

4

FOUR! Slashes and slashes hard! Slightly shorter and outside off, Taylor goes after it. He gets it past point and the ball races away to the fence. Much-needed as the runs really started to dry up.

26.1

.

One more ball on a good length and around off, Taylor is solid in defense.

25.6

.

Good length again and on off, Kane defends it out.

25.5

.

A bumper now on middle, Williamson ducks under it.

25.4

.

Fuller and on middle, Williamson shuffles across and keeps it out.

25.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Williamson defends it onto the ground.

25.2

1

Targets the pads of Taylor, he gets his bat down and works it through mid-wicket for one.

25.1

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Taylor guides it to the man at point.

24.6

1

Taylor is off the mark! A little too straight by Archer, this is worked wide of the fielder at mid on for one.

24.5

1

Shorter and outside off, Williamson cuts it through point and gets to the other end.

24.4

.

Back of a length this time and just outside off, Williamson watches it go through to the keeper.

24.3

.

That took off from nowhere! Shorter and outside off, Williamson looks to cut but that takes off and also zips through. It hits the glove and falls onto the ground on the off side.

24.2

.

Another one outside the off pole, Williamson need not play at those.

24.1

.

Length delivery outside off, Williamson does not play at it.

Jofra Archer is on now!

23.6

.

Length and on off, Taylor cuts it to point.

23.5

.

Fuller one outside off, Taylor blocks it off the toe-end of the bat and back to the bowler.

23.4

.

Length delivery around off, Taylor blocks it off the back foot.

23.3

.

Good length and outside off, Taylor defends it to the leg side.

23.2

.

BEAUTY! Broad bowls on a length and outside off, Taylor prods forward to defend it. The ball seams away at the last minute to go past the outside edge and into the mitts of Buttler.

23.1

1

Length ball around off, KW flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.

22.6

.

Another flighted ball on middle, Taylor keeps it out again.

22.5

.

Floats it up on off, Taylor keeps it out.

22.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! That is why Leach would not have minded it. In fact, he would keep tossing it up so that Raval plays that shot again and that is exactly what has happened. Leach has the last laugh. Raval always looked uncomfortable against the left-arm spinner and then falls to him. A poor, poor shot, he got away with it a few times before, just not sure why he kept trying it. Leach floats it up again and lands it on off. Raval once again goes for the hoick but this time he hits it flat and towards the mid-wicket fielder Denly who takes a good take. A much-needed wicket for the visitors. They needed to break this stand and they have done so. Can they now pick another quickly?

22.3

4

FOUR! Another ugly hoick but Raval gets a boundary! Leach tosses it up on off, Raval looks to go over mid-wicket but it goes off the inner half over mid-wicket and a boundary results. Leach won't mind this to be honest because every time Raval is playing that stroke, he seems to be losing his shape.

22.2

.

Played through mid-wicket by the batsman.

22.1

1

Floats it up on off, Williamson strokes it through covers for one. 50-run stand also comes up between Williamson and Raval. New Zealand would want them to continue and bat through.

21.6

.

Raval defends this length ball towards square leg.

21.5

.

Good length and on off, Raval blocks it off the back foot.

21.4

.

Length and around off, raval blocks it to the off side.

21.3

.

Good length and on off, Raval defends it.

21.2

3

Length and around off, Williamson pushes it through covers. The fielder from the covers and gives it a chase and saves a run for his team. The batsmen in the meantime take three.

21.1

4

FOUR! Lucky , very lucky. Broad bowls a fuller length ball and Williamson goes chasing it. The ball goes off the outside edge between the slips and gully. The ball races to the third man fence for a bounday.

20.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

20.5

.

Shorter and quicker on middle, Raval goes back and clips it to mid-wicket.

20.4

4

FOUR! Just over the fielder! Once again Raval loses his shape while playing the slog sweep. It is tossed up outside off, Raval does not hit it off the middle but hits it well enough to clear mid on and bag a boundary.

20.3

.

Quicker and on off, Raval goes back and pushes it back to the bowler.

20.2

.

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed to mid-wicket.

20.1

.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

19.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

19.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Kane taps it to point.

19.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Kane taps it to point.

19.3

.

Length ball and around off, Williamson goes for a drive but gets it off the inside half towards mid-wicket.

19.2

.

Length and outside off, Williamson leaves it alone.

19.1

.

Length and outside off, Williamson watches the ball closely as he lets it through.

18.6

1

Another single as this very full ball is hit down to long on. Another good over by Leach.

18.5

1

On middle, this is worked wide of mid-wicket for one.

18.4

.

NOT OUT! Impact is umpire's call! Not a bad review in the end by England. They do not lose it. However, what was Raval trying to do there. A lapse in concentration? Maybe. Leach floats it up on off, Jeet seeing the flight brings out the slog sweep. He misses and gets hit on the pad. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. England after a discussion, take the review. Replays roll in and they show that the on-field call stays.

A huge shout for an LBW has been turned down and England review. The impact seems to be outside off.

18.3

.

Flatter and on off, Raval stays back and works it to mid-wicket.

18.2

.

For the second time in a row Raval plays it to the fielder at mid on.

18.1

.

Floats it up on off, Raval plays it to mid on.

Jack Leach to bowl from the other end.

17.6

.

Outside off, KW does not fiddle with it.

17.5

.

That came back in a long way! Excellent delivery. This starts on off and comes back in late. Williamson looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

17.4

.

Goes back to bowling length and on off, Williamson prods forward and defends it.

17.3

4

FOUR! Nicely controlled cut shot! Slightly shorter in length and outside off, Williamson plays it nice and late past the point fielder and into the fence. First runs in this session. Trail below 300 now.

17.2

.

On a length this time and on off, Williamson defends it nicely.

17.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Williamson guides it to point.

Welcome back for the final session of Day 2. Joe Root leads his team out and has a few words of advice before they disperse on the field. Kane Williamson and Jeet Raval both walk out to the middle to resume their innings. Stuart Broad to start proceedings for the visitors. Here we go...

... Day 2, Session 3 ...

For England, Sam Curran has been impressive, he got the ball to move and also has a wicket to his name. Archer and Broad did not get a lot of assistance from the surface and Leach has begun decently. The one-odd ball is staying low or turning but nothing threatening at the moment. The visitors will hope for a wicket or two quickly after the break. Will they get it? Stay tuned to find out.

A very good session this for the Kiwis! After quickly taking the two wickets early on in this session, they have managed to deduct 50 runs from the deficit. Yes, they have lost Tom Latham but Williamson and Raval have looked comfortable out there and are amidst a decent stand. The Kiwis will hope the same can continue.

16.6

.

Raval blocks this tossed up ball solidly off the back foot to see of the session for the hosts. THAT IS TEA ON DAY 2.

16.5

1

Flighted on off, Williamson drives it to long off for a single.

16.4

.

Full and on middle, Kane blocks it solidly by coming on the front foot.

16.3

.

Tossed up on middle, Williamson defends it back to the bowler.

16.2

.

Flighted one on off, KW defends it to the off side.

16.1

4

FOUR! Williamson will not miss out these freebies. Leach bowls a low full toss on middle, Kane just drives it down the ground past the bowler for a boundary at long off.

15.6

.

Raval misses out there! Full and on the pads, Jeet looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

15.5

.

Good shape away from the batter! This is outside off and it moves away nicely. Raval lets it be.

15.4

1

Full and on the pads, Williamson flicks it through mid-wicket. This time there is protection in the deep so just a single.

15.3

.

Shorter and around off, Williamson pushes it to covers.

15.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

15.1

4

FOUR! Easy pickings! On the pads, Williamson feeds on such deliveries. He flicks it through square leg and the ball races away to the fence.

14.6

.

How close was that? That just about kissed the leg pole. Leach bowls this flatter and outside off, it turns back in sharply. Jeet goes back and tries to flick but misses. It hits the left pad, then the right pad and rolls just past the leg pole. Not sure if it hit the stump but it did seem so.

14.5

.

Another tossed up ball on off, JR is solid in defense.

14.4

.

Loopy ball on off, Raval prods forward and blocks it.

14.3

.

Flatter and on off, Raval goes back and keeps it out.

14.2

1

A full toss, Williamson gently pushes it towards mid on and gets to the other end.

14.1

.

Floats it up on middle, Williamson keeps it out.

Spin Time! Jack Leach comes onto bowl. New Zealand waited for long before tossing the ball to Mitchell Santner. England on the other hand, have done the opposite as they bring Leach in the 15 over of the New Zealand innings.

13.6

.

Full and outside off, it is left alone.

13.5

.

Almost drags it on! Shorter and just outside off, not enough room to cut it. Raval still tries it but ends up chopping it on the off side.

13.4

.

Nice! This is fuller and around off, it shapes away. Raval initially thinks of playing at it but then seeing the movement, bails out.

13.3

.

Outside off, this is left alone.

13.2

.

Another one on a length and around middle, Raval is solid in defense.

13.1

.

Good length and on off, this is kept out.

12.6

4

FOUR! Length and wide of off, Williamson stands tall and punches the ball off the back foot. The ball races through covers for a boundary.

12.5

.

Bouncer from Archer. Williamson ducks to evade it but gets hit on the arm. The ball lobs to the off side..

12.4

.

Outside off, Kane lets it be.

12.3

.

Length and on off, KW blocks it to mid on.

12.2

1

Good length and on the pads, Raval flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

12.1

.

On a length and around off, Raval blocks it back to the bowler.

11.6

.

Good delivery! This starts on off and then comes back in. Williamson keeps it out nicely.

11.5

.

Down the leg side, Williamson looks to flick but misses.

11.4

1

Very full and on the pads, this is worked down towards fine leg for one.

11.3

.

Fuller and outside off, Raval lets it be.

11.2

.

Good length and on off, Raval goes back to defend but it hits the splice of the bat and rolls on the off side.

11.1

.

On the pads, Raval looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

10.6

4b

FOUR BYES! Way too short this time and it bounces way above the batsman's head. Buttler leaps and tries to collect it but it goes over his hand and into the fence.

10.5

1b

Extra bounce! Shorter and outside off, Raval hops and looks to cut but misses. Buttler fails to collect it cleanly and it rolls behind for a bye.

10.4

.

Back of a length and on off, this is kept out.

10.3

.

Poor shot! This is just behind a driving length. Raval goes for an expansive drive to a delivery which is not there to drive. Luckily for him, he gets beaten.

10.2

.

Edged but well short! Back of a length and on off, Raval tries to defend it with soft hands but it goes off the outside edge and lands well short of the gully fielder.

10.1

.

A little too wide outside off, it is left alone.

9.6

.

That is a beauty! This lands on a length and around off, it moves away. Williamson looks to defend but gets beaten.

9.5

.

Outside off, Williamson need not play at those.

9.4

.

Slightly fuller and on middle, it comes back in a touch. Williamson pushes it with a straight bat to mid off.

9.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

9.2

2

Now a couple! Shorter and around off, Williamson plays it late down towards third man and takes two.

9.1

4

FOUR! First boundary for the New Zealand skipper! Shorter in length and outside off, Williamson stands tall and punches it through covers for a boundary. Trademark Williamson this, he is very strong through that region.

8.6

1

Williamson retains the strike with a push through covers.

8.5

1

Fuller one and on the pads, Raval works it to fine leg and takes a single.

8.4

1

Fuller one on the pads, Williamson gets off the mark with a flicks towards mid-wicket.

8.3

.

Coming from round the wicket, Archer bowls one on a length and KW defends it back to the bowler.

8.2

.

Fuller one on middle, Williamson defends it to the leg side.

8.1

1

Back of a length and on off, Raval plays it to the mid-wicket region for a single.

Jofra Archer has change of ends.

7.6

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

7.5

.

On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket.

7.4

.

A bumper to welcome the Kiwi skipper, Williamson ducks under it.

Kane Williamson, the skipper walks out.

7.3

W

OUT! LBW! England draw first blood and that too early. The bowling change has worked wonders for the visitors. A big wicket as Latham can play long innings. Yes, there were two noises there but it was of the bat hitting the pad. It is a full delivery around off, it tails back in late. Latham tries to defend but does so outside the line, the ball hits the front pad. A huge shout and up goes the finger. Hot Spot though does show a mark on the inside edge and then replays later on show, Latham might just have hit his pad and the ball together. Not sure though as the replays seem very confusing. Latham too might not have understood as he would have felt he hit the pad and not the ball. Latham could consider himself unlucky.

7.2

.

Outside off, Latham does not fiddle with it.

7.1

.

Very little movement first up! It lands on middle and straightens a touch. Latham gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

Sam Curran is on! First change for England! It will be interesting to see if he gets some movement.

6.6

4

FOUR! Beautiful drive from the left hander. Broad overpitches and Raval just leans on and times his drive to perfection as he gets it past the mid off fielder. The ball races to the long on fence for a boundary. First boundary off the bat.

6.5

.

Ripper from Broad! He bowls one on a length and around off and brings the ball back in. Latham looks to defend but the ball goes past it inside edge and over the stumps. Jos Buttler safely collects the ball into his mitts.

6.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Latham taps it towards covers and takes off for a quick single.

6.3

1

1 run.

6.2

.

Outside off, Latham lets it be.

6.1

.

Length ball around off, Latham blocks it into the ground.

5.6

.

Back of a length and around off, Raval looks to defend but gets hit high on the thigh pads. The ball goes to the off side.

5.5

.

On a length and outside off, Raval blocks it to the off side.

5.4

.

Good length and around off, Jeet defends it to the leg side.

5.3

.

Bouncer down the leg side, Jeet looks uninterested as he ducks under it.

5.2

.

Length and on off, Raval defends it with a solid back foot defense.

5.1

.

Length and outside off, it is left alone.

4.6

.

Attacks the stumps this time, Latham gets right behind the line and keeps it out. Another maiden by Broad.

4.5

.

One more delivery outside off, Latham need not play at those.

4.4

.

Bowls this one outside off, Latham lets it be. Not getting the movement the Kiwi bowlers were getting. However, both the English bowlers are more of a hit the deck bowlers. Sam Curran maybe.

4.3

.

Down the leg side this time, Latham misses the flick shot.

4.2

.

This is on the pads, Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

4.1

.

OHHH! That wasn't far from the off pole. This lands outside off, Latham lets it be. The ball not only stays low but comes in as well, misses the off pole but by not a lot.

3.6

3

A little too straight, Latham works it through square leg. It does not have the legs to get to the fence but the batters take three.

3.5

.

Just outside off, Latham does not fiddle with it.

3.4

.

Shorter and on off, Tom stays back and keeps it out.

3.3

1

Another length delivery on off, Raval drops it towards cover and takes one.

3.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

3.1

1

This is on the pads, Latham works it towards deep backward square leg for one.

2.6

.

Good length and going down the leg side. Raval gets inside the line and lets the ball through.

2.5

.

Back of a length and on the pads, Jeet flicks it to mid-wicket.

2.4

.

Good length and around middle and off, Raval defends it to the leg side.

2.3

.

Length and around off, Raval drives it to covers.

2.2

.

Length and outside off, Raval shoulders arms to it.

2.1

.

Good length and on off, it comes back in a touch. Raval looks to defend but it goes off the inner half towards square leg.

1.6

.

A good nut to end! This lands on off and then moves away. Latham thinks of playing at it but then bails out. An expensive first by Archer.

1.5

1

Raval is off the mark now! Archer continues to bowl short and on off, Raval opens the face of the bat and gets it past gully for one.

1.4

3

Latham is off the mark now! Archer bowls this slightly shorter around off, Latham goes back and guides it past backward point for three.

1.3

4b

FOUR BYES! That kept going, going and going! A shorter in length delivery around off, it kept moving away even after passing the batter. Buttler moves across and tries to catch it but it hits the finger tips and rolls to the third man fence. New Zealand are underway courtesy four byes.

1.2

.

Another short one and on middle, Latham ducks under it.

1.1

.

Shorter and on middle, Latham stands tall and keeps it out.

Jofra Archer to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Another leave as the last ball too is outside off. A maiden to begin with by Broad but not a threatening one.

0.5

.

That came back in a long way! This starts from way outside off. Seeing that, Raval lets it be. It comes in a long way and goes close past the off pole.

0.4

.

This is bowled outside off, Raval does not fiddle with it.

0.3

.

On the fuller side this time but not a lot of movement on this one, Raval prods forward and keeps it out.

0.2

.

Shorter again and on off, Raval stands tall and defends it onto the ground.

0.1

.

Broad starts off with a length delivery around off, some movement into the batter. Raval gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

Now then, the total is a competitive one but the wicket seems quite flat. New Zealand will have to bat well, they will be looking to get a lead as it is them who will be batting last so a lead will be very important. England on the other hand, will be also be eager to get any sort of a lead as it could prove to be very handy. Stay tuned to find out how the Kiwis go along with the bat.

The New Zealand bowling wasn't great to begin with on both the days. However, they kept getting better as the day progressed. Boult though was disappointing, he finished with just the one wicket and was also quite wayward. Had he bowled better, England might have not even scored 300. Southee was the pick as he finished with a four-fer. Could have and should have had a fifer but Raval dropped Buttler off his bowling. Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme also impressed with 3 and 2 each respectively.

England though will be mighty disappointed! They just threw away all the hard work done by them on Day 1. After electing to bat, they showed grit and determination to battle it out against a disciplined bowling attack yesterday. Fifties from Denly, Burns and Stokes saw England end the day at 241 for 4. They entered Day 2 with a positive approach with Pope and Stokes adding some quick runs before the left-hander was dismissed in the nervous 90s. That started the procession. The visitors then slipped to 295 for 8 and 350 also looked farfetched. Buttler though manage to play a crucial innings, he was well-supported by Leach who once again showed he is capable enough to hang in there. The two added 52 and took England close to 350. The last pair could not make an impact but ensured the away side did cross the 350-run mark.

So England just about manage to cross the 350-run mark before being bundled up! The Kiwi openers rush off the field to pad up and Broad too is seen running towards the pavilion as he needs to get ready to do his job with the ball. Warm applause now as the Kiwi players make their way out, they have to be pleased with their comeback today. At one stage it seemed England are all set for a big first innings score but the Kiwis have managed to pull it back brilliantly and the game is evenly poised at the moment.

123.6

W

OUT! CASTLED! Finally England have been bowled out. Broad is the last man dismissed. Wagner sets up this wicket to perfection. He keeps on peppering Broad with short stuff and surprises him with a full ball. Broad is stuck on the back foot as he looks to push this full ball through the off side. The ball takes the inside edge and goes onto disturb the furniture behind. ENGLAND END ON 353!

123.5

.

Good length and on middle, Broad plays it to mid-wicket.

123.4

.

Length and on off, Broad defends it to the off side.

123.3

.

Three in a row and Broad is been tested with some short stuff. Wagner once again goes short and Stuart plays it towards fine leg.

123.2

.

Another short one and on the body, Broad defends it awkwardly towards fine leg for no run.

123.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Broad hops as he defends, the ball goes uppishly towards mid on but falls just in front of the fielder.

122.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

122.5

.

Another delivery on a good length, Leach stays back and keeps it out.

122.4

.

Good length and on off, Leach guides it to the man at point.

122.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

122.2

1

Shorter and outside off, this is guided through point for one.

122.1

.

Beaten all ends up! This is on off and it is on a length. Goes away with the angle. Southee defends inside the line and gets beaten.

121.6

.

Fuller one on pads, Leach flicks it to mid-wicket.

121.5

.

On a length and down the leg side, Leach looks to flick it off his pads but fails to lay bat on ball.

121.4

4

FOUR! Deliberately done by Broad. Wagner bowls a length ball outside off and Stuart plays it with an open face and gets it to the third man fence for a boundary.

121.3

1b

Short one and on middle, Broad ducks and the ball goes over him to the keeper. Watling there fails to grab it cleanly. The ball goes towards fine leg and the batsmen steal a bye.

121.2

.

Fuller one on the pads, Broad drives it to mid on.

Stuart Broad, the last man walks out to bat.

121.1

W

OUT! Straight to the man! Raval will be a relieved man! The dropped catch in the last over does not cost a lot. End of a frustrating stand for everyone except for England. Also, a handy innings from Buttler comes to an end. With him not taking the singles, boundaries are what he was looking for. He tried to hit one here too. A short ball outside off, Buttler cuts it hard but does so uppishly. It does not have the distance in it and it goes straight to Santner at deep point who takes it easily. Actually, Buttler might not have spotted a deep point as Santner was signing autographs before Wagner ran in and then rushed onto the field when he saw Wagner getting close to deliver the ball. Jos might not have played that shot had he seen Santner there.

121.1

1wd

Slower one and way wide outside off. It goes further away and wide signalled by the umpire.

120.6

1

Buttler keeps strike now as he guides it through point for one.

120.5

4

FOUR! Frustrating this for the Kiwis! A dropped catch earlier in the over and now a boundary. Shorter and outside off, Buttler slaps it through covers and it races away. England nearing in on the 350-run mark.

120.4

2

Another couple! Shorter and outside off, Buttler cuts it behind point and two is taken.

120.3

.

Fuller and on off, Buttler pushes it to covers.

120.2

2

In the air... this should be the end of Buttler, this should be Southee's fifer but Raval spills it. Southee is frustrated and rightly so. He bowls a off cutter outside off, Buttler looks to go big but ends up slicing it towards cover. Raval runs in from the deep, Nicholls also thinks of going after it from covers but then stops. Raval then looks to take it with a dive forward but puts it down. Maybe that moment of confusion whether it is he who is going to catch or Nicholls, cost him. Two taken by the batters. This could prove very costly.

120.1

.

Shorter and on off, Buttler pulls it through square leg but no runs taken again.

119.6

1

Buttler gets the single on the last ball! It is very full and outside off, Buttler squirts it wide of deep point for one.

119.5

.

A slower one on off, Buttler smashes it to long off for no runs.

119.4

.

One more short ball on off, Buttler pulls it through mid-wicket but once again, no runs taken. The fielder now comes in.

119.3

.

Buttler clears his front leg and Wagner bowls it way too wide outside off. Buttler looks to go after it but misses.

119.2

.

Another short one outside off, Buttler pulls it again through square leg but does not run.

119.1

.

Pulled hard but for no runs! Shorter and outside off, Buttler hammers it but on the bounce to the fielder at deep square leg. Does not run.

118.6

.

Length and around off, Leach Shoulders arms to it.

118.5

1

Good length and outside off, Buttler cuts it through point for a run.

118.4

.

Short and Wide outside off, Buttler rides the bounce and pulls it to mid-wicket.

118.3

1

Fuller one on the pads, Leach flicks it towards fine leg and gets off strike.

118.2

.

Short ball down the leg side, Leach ducks under it with ease.

118.1

.

Length and on off, Leach defends it to covers.

117.6

.

Length delivery on off, Buttler mistimes it to cover. A dot to end which means once again Leach will face the start of next over.

117.5

2

A couple now! Good fielding! A full toss outside off, Buttler puts bat to ball and gets it through covers. Santner in the deep runs to his right, dives and keeps it down to two.

117.4

.

Fuller and on off, this is hit to the man at covers.

117.3

.

Outside off, this is not played at.

117.2

.

A slower one outside off, Buttler does not fiddle with it.

117.1

1lb

A single on the first ball which means Buttler is back on strike! Shorter and on the body, Leach looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls towards fine leg. A leg bye taken.

Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end.

116.6

1

Length and outside off, Leach drives it to covers and retains the strike. Good start to the session.

116.5

.

Length and outside off, Leach blocks it to the off side.

116.4

1

Full and outside off, Buttler drives it to long on and gets Leach on strike for the next ball.

116.3

.

Good length but down the leg side, Buttler looks to flick but fails to lay bat on ball.

116.2

.

Length and on off, Buttler drives it to mid off.

116.1

.

Length and outside off, Buttler is happy let that go.

Welcome back for the post lunch session. The Kiwi players are out in the middle taking their respective fielding positions. Out walk the two England batsmen, Jos Buttler and Jack Leach. New Zealand would want to end the England innings quickly by taking the remaining two wickets. Whereas, England would hope that this pair of Buttler and Leach bats longer and grind out some useful runs. Tim Southee to start the session with the ball. Here we go...

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

An excellent session for the hosts! 4 wickets in this session means they are right back into the game. However, it did not start all that well for them. They were leaking runs at the start with Stokes and Pope scoring at will. It seemed that England are all set for something around 400 or even more but then came the collapse. A stunning catch by Taylor to dismiss Stokes opened the floodgates. They lost 4 wickets for 18 runs with Southee picking up three and Boult taking one. Buttler and Leach though are doing really well here. They are amidst a 34-run stand and England would want the two to continue. New Zealand on the other hand, will hope to get the remaining two as quickly as possible. Join us for the second session in a while.

115.6

.

Tossed up and around off, Leach keeps it out. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2.

115.5

.

Short and wide outside off, Leach cuts it to point.

115.4

.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Leach drives it back to the bowler.

115.3

.

Fuller one on the pads, Leach works it to square leg.

115.2

.

Fuller one outside off, Leach blocks it to the off side.

115.1

.

Tossed up outside off, Leach defends it off the front foot and into the ground.

Mitchell Santner comes on to bowl just before lunch.

114.6

.

A dot to end! Shorter and on off, this is pushed to the man at mid off.

114.5

.

On the shorter side around off, Buttler stands tall and guides it to point.

114.5

1wd

WIDE! Way too short and down the leg side. It has been wided for height.

114.4

6

SIX! Dispatched! That is some hit by Buttler. This is a length delivery on off, Buttler lofts it with ease over the long off fence for a biggie.

114.3

.

On the shorter side, Buttler does well to pull it along the ground through square leg but once again does not take the run.

114.2

.

Back of a length on off, Buttler pushes it towards cover where the fielder makes a good stop.

114.1

.

Good length and on off, Buttler pushes it to mid off.

113.6

.

Once again the single is refused on the last ball! Shorter and on the body, this is worked down towards fine leg.

113.5

.

A short one but slides it down the leg side, Leach lets it be.

113.4

1

Outside edge but for one! Full and wide outside off, Buttler goes after it. It goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.

113.3

.

One more short ball outside off, Buttler looks to drag it through the leg side but it goes off the underedge and on the bounce to the keeper.

113.2

.

A short one on middle, Buttler ducks under it.

113.1

.

Full and outside off, Buttler is once again guilty of going too hard at the ball, it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

112.6

.

Well bowled! An inswinging yorker from Boult on off. Leach does well to jam it out.

112.5

.

Shorter in length and outside off, Leach cuts it but finds point.

112.4

1

Back of a length and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

112.3

.

A sharp short one. Buttler initially looks to pull but then realizes it is too quick and bails out.

112.2

.

Fuller and on off, Buttler strokes it to mid off who is right at the edge of the circle.

112.1

.

From around the wicket, this is angled into the off pole. Defended.

Trent Boult is back on. 29-6-89-1 are his figures so far. Can he break the Leach resistance and finish things off for New Zealand with the ball?

111.6

.

Nicely played but no runs taken! Shorter and on the body, Leach works it towards fine leg but Buttler does not take the single.

111.5

1

Fuller and on off, Buttler creams it through covers but just for one.

111.4

.

Outside off, not played at.

111.3

.

The knuckle ball but it is outside off, Buttler lets it be.

111.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

111.1

.

Length delivery and around off, Buttler guides it towards gully where the fielder makes a good stop diving to his right.

110.6

2

Two to end the over! Length delivery and outside off, Leach opens the face of the bat and plays it down towards third man for two.

110.5

.

Back of a length and on off, Leach pushes it to mid off.

110.4

1

Back of a length and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

110.3

.

In the air... safe! Shorter and on middle, Buttler is early in the pull shot. It goes off the arm and lobs on the off side.

110.2

.

On the stumps, this is kept out.

110.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

110.1

1wd

WIDE! Bangs this one way too short and on middle, goes above the head of Buttler. Wided.

Colin de Grandhomme is back! 22-5-37-2 are his figures so far.

109.6

.

Another short one and Leach negotiates it well by evading it. A over full of short balls which was played out with ease by Leach.

109.5

.

Once again it is a bumper, Leach defends it onto the ground with utmost ease.

109.4

.

Bangs this one in again, Leach defends it out confidently.

109.3

.

Shortish and on middle, Leach stands tall and works it to mid-wicket.

109.2

.

Shorter again and on middle, Leach works it to mid-wicket.

109.1

.

That is a sharp bumper and well directed too. Leach does well to evade it.

108.6

1

Good stop! Fuller and outside off, Leach drives it towards cover. The fielder there dives and stops it partially. Saves three for his side. Also, that stop means, Leach will continue to be on strike.

108.5

.

Well bowled and well played! A yorker right on middle, Leach gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

108.4

.

One more ball on a good length and around off, Leach keeps it out nicely.

108.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

108.2

.

Good length and on off from over the wicket. It is defended onto the ground.

108.1

.

This is angled into the pads, Leach works it to mid-wicket.

107.6

.

Wagner bowls one down the leg and Buttler looks to paddle it fine but fails to get wood on the ball. Watling behind the wickets dives to his left and takes it.

107.5

.

BEATEN! Wide and outside off, Buttler looks to go downtown but is nowhere near the ball as the ball goes past the outside edge.

107.4

.

Length and outside off, A bit off extra bounce too. Buttler slaps it to covers.

107.3

3

Fuller and on the pads, Leach flicks it through square leg. Till the ball gets fielded in the deep, the batsmen take a comfortable three.

107.2

.

Short ball on middle, Leach does well to drop his wrists and evade it.

107.1

.

Length and outside off, Leach defends it to point.

106.6

4

FOUR! Width on offer and Buttler makes Southee pay. This is wide outside off, Buttler just guides it past point and bags a boundary. An expensive over this.

106.5

1lb

From around the wicket Southee bowls a big inswinger but it ends up on the pads. Leach looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls towards fine leg. A leg bye taken.

106.4

1

On the shorter side, this is pulled through square leg for one.

106.3

.

Slightly shorter and on off, this is defended.

106.2

4

FOUR! Up and over! Buttler can be very dangerous if gets going. He is looking for the boundaries right now and that shot makes that evident. This is fuller and on middle, Jos lofts it over the mid on fielder for a boundary.

106.1

.

Good length and closer to the off pole, Buttler goes hard at it but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

105.6

.

Wat too wide outside off, it is left alone.

105.5

.

Shorter and outside off, Leach goes after it but misses.

105.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Leach is solid in defense.

105.3

.

Way too wide outside off to make the batter play.

105.2

.

Down the leg side, Leach looks to flick but misses.

105.1

.

Outside off, Leach lets it be.

Neil Wagner is on now!

104.6

.

Back of a length on off, this is defended onto the ground.

104.5

1

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

104.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

104.3

.

A short one on the body, Leach ducks under it.

104.2

.

Drags his length back and bowls it outside off, Leach lets it be.

104.1

4

FOUR! 300 up for England! Fuller and outside off, Leach leans into it and strokes it through covers. Williamson from extra cover gives it a chase and tries to stop it but the ball touches the ropes first.

103.6

.

Good length and around off, Buttler defends it off the back foot.

103.5

.

Length and around off, Buttler defends it to the off side.

103.4

1

RUN OUT CHANCE MISSED! A dirict hit and Buttler was a gonner. Boult bowls a wide yorker and Leach just squeezes it to point and calls for a run. Henry Nicholls there grabs the ball but fails to hit the stumps at the striker's end. In the end the Batsmen take an easy single.

Jack Leach is the new man in. He needs to stay out there with Buttler. He does have the pedigree to do so.

103.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! New Zealand are on fire. Boult gets his revenge. He bowls one on a length gets it across the right hander. Archer pokes at it as he is rooted to his crease. The ball takes the outside edge and goes low towards second slip. Tim Southee there dives low and takes a brillant catch. You just cannot keep Southee out off the game. First with the ball and now in the field. England losing the ploy here.

103.2

4

FOUR! A committed effort in the field from Santner. Boult bowls a fuller one and wide outside off, Archer just opens the face off the bat at the last moment and steers it through point. Mitchell Santner runs behind the ball from covers and puts in a dive but fails to keep the ball in play. A boundary to get off the mark for Archer.

103.1

1

Fuller in length and on the pads, Buttler flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

102.6

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! No hat-trick! Not the best of balls too. This is on the pads, Archer looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes past the diving keeper and into the fine leg fence. End of a tremendous over by Southee.

Jofra Archer walks out to bat. He will face the Hat-Trick ball from Southee. Four slips, a gully and a leg gully in place.

102.5

W

OUT! Curran is a dead duck! Three reds and he has to take the long walk back, he takes a review along with him. Also, it is a first-baller which means Southee will be on a hat-trick. A good first delivery by Southee. It starts on off and it is slightly fuller. It tails back in late. Curran fails to get his front pad out of the way as he tries to flick and the ball hits that pad. An appeal and up goes the finger. Curran reviews but it is more in hope. Replays roll in and it shows the on-field call stays. From 277 for 4, England are now 286 for 7. New Zealand right back in this now. Can they keep England under 300?

DRINKS BREAK!

Curran is a goner! He has been given LBW but he reviews. Looks plumb.

Sam Curran walks out to bat. Two new batsmen at the crease for England and an opening for New Zealand. Can the Kiwis capitalize on it?

102.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust! The two set batters are out of here now. Poor, poor shot this by Pope. This is a sucker ball by Southee, it is full and wide outside off. Pope could have easily left that but is tempted, he tries to reach it but the ball takes a thick outside edge and goes to the right of Watling who makes no mistake. New Zealand fighting back here today morning with two early wickets. Pope walks back after getting off to a start. He shakes his head while walking back and rightly so. That is not a shot he should be proud about. Southee gets his third.

102.3

.

Fuller and outside off, it is left alone.

102.2

.

Another one on a good length, Pope keeps it out.

102.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Pope keeps it out.

101.6

4

FOUR MORE! This time edgy! This is just ahead of a length around off. Buttler is rooted to his crease as he tries to defend. Due to the angle, it goes off the outside edge, through the gap between gully and second slip and into the third man fence.

101.5

.

Outside off again, it is left alone.

101.4

.

Angles this one away from outside off, Buttler leaves it. Boult does not seem at his best in this innings so far.

101.3

4

FOUR! That has raced away to the fence! Boult goes fuller and gets it to tail back in from middle. Buttler gets his front leg out of the way and clips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

101.2

.

Outside off again, Buttler does not fiddle with it.

101.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

100.6

1

Buttler is underway! A little too straight, it is clipped through mid-wicket for one. End of a successful over from Tim Southee.

100.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

100.4

.

Back of a length and on off, Jos stands tall and keeps it out.

100.3

.

Back of a length and on off, Buttler is solid in defense.

100.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

Jos Buttler walks out to replace Ben Stokes in the middle.

100.1

W

OUT! EDGED AND THAT IS A STUNNER BY TAYLOR! WOW! He dropped a dolly yesterday but has taken an absolute blinder! Heartbreak for Ben Stokes as he falls nine short of a ton. Also, a much-needed wicket for the hosts as this partnership had started to flourish. Southee is the one who gets Big Ben. It is full and outside off, Stokes takes a few steps out and then throws his bat at it away from his body. It flies off the outside edge to the right of Taylor at widish first slip who dives with his right hand stretched out and the ball sticks. Something special was needed to get rid of Stokes and Taylor provides it. New Zealand will hope this opens the floodgates now.

99.6

.

On a length again, Pope plays it late and to point.

99.5

.

Shorter and on off, Pope stands tall and pushes it to covers.

99.4

.

One more ball on a good length, it is kept out.

99.3

.

Back of a length and on off, this is kept out.

99.2

1

Stokes takes a few steps down the track and guides it through covers for one.

99.1

.

On off, it is nicely defended.

98.6

.

Outside off, it is left alone. Another good over for the visitors.

98.5

2

On the pads, this is clipped nicely wide of fine leg and two is taken.

98.4

1

Fuller and on off, it comes back in late. Stokes mistimes it towards wide mid on for one. He is into the 90s now.

98.3

.

The batsman dances down the track and does well to block the ball.

98.2

4

FOUR! Deft again! A boundary is being scored every over now. Shorter and outside off, Stokes plays it late and down towards third man for a boundary.

98.1

.

Southee comes from around the wicket, he bowls it fuller and on middle, Stokes strokes it to mid on.

97.6

.

Outside off, this is left alone.

97.5

.

Good length and on off, Pope guides it to point.

97.4

.

One more delivery on a length and on off, this is defended.

97.3

.

Goes back to bowling length and on off, OP keeps it out.

97.2

4

FOUR! Pope is looking really good out there! Boult bowls this shorter and Pope picks it early, he rocks back and pulls it through square leg for another boundary. Runs flowing today.

97.1

1

Shorter and on the body, this is pulled through square leg and a single is taken.

96.6

1

Width on offer outside off, this is slapped through covers but there is protection in the deep so just the single.

96.5

.

Fuller and closer to the off pole, Stokes pushes it firmly but straight to mid off.

96.4

4

FOUR! Deft! Stokes moves into the 80s. This is a length delivery outside off, Stokes waits for it and then plays it pretty late through backward point for a boundary.

96.3

.

Drags his length back a little and lands it on off, Stokes keeps it out.

96.2

.

Fuller again and on off, no movement again. Stokes moves right across and strokes it to mid off.

96.1

.

Well no movement first up! It is outside off, left alone.

Tim Southee is on now! He should enjoy these conditions, it is nice and windy and he should get the ball to move.

95.6

.

BEATEN! That is Trent Boult for you. He bowls one on a length and in that channel of uncertainty. Pope looks to fiddle with it but is lucky as the ball goes past the outside edge and into the mitts of the keeper.

95.5

.

Good length and around off, Pope chooses to leave that alone.

95.4

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot from the bat of Pope. Boult is guilty of going short and Ollie is smart to read it as he pulls it off his back foot all along the ground. The ball races to the deep square leg fence in a flash.

95.3

.

Short of good length and on off, Pope defends it back to the bowler off his back foot.

95.2

.

Back of a length delivery on middle, Pope blocks it off his back foot to short mid-wicket.

95.1

.

Length delivery around off, Pope defends it off his front foot to the off side.

94.6

1

A single to end the over as Pope clips this through square leg for one.

94.5

.

Slips this one down the leg side, Pope looks to flick but misses.

94.4

.

Slightly fuller this time and outside off, Pope strokes it to the man at covers.

94.3

.

Good length and on off, Pope keeps it out nicely.

94.2

.

Outside off, Pope does not play at it.

94.1

1

On the fuller side and it tails back in from outside off, Stokes takes a few steps down the track and works it towards mid-wicket. The fielder there dives to his right and makes a half stop. Saves three for his side.

93.6

.

Boult bowls one on a length and around off, Pope blocks it off his back foot to the off side.

93.5

.

Length and outside off, Pope leaves it for Watling to grab it.

93.4

.

Fuller one on middle and off, Pope flicks it but finds mid on.

93.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Stokes pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

93.2

2

On a good length and on middle and off, Stokes shuffles across and flicks it off his pad through mid-wicket for a couple.

93.1

.

Length and on off, Stokes blocks it solidly.

92.6

.

Outside off. This time Pope does not shuffle way too across and lets it be.

92.5

.

NOT OUT! It is going over! Well, did not see that coming, it seemed a good decision when we saw it first. Colin lands this on off and gets it to come back in. Pope takes a few steps down the track and also shuffles across to flick but misses. It hits the pad. An appeal and after a long thought, the umpire raises his finger. Stokes asks Pope to review and he does so. Replays roll in and they show that the on-field call has to be overturned. An excellent use of the review. Pope should be thanking Stokes here as he is the one who gave him the nod to do so.

Review time! Pope has been given out LBW but he reviews. He seems to have walked a long way across but also had taken a few steps ahead. Seems out though.

92.4

.

Attacks the stumps, Pope works it to mid-wicket.

92.3

1

Goes fuller again and on off, it tails back in. Stokes looks to drive but due to the movement it goes off the inner half through square leg for one. 250 up for England.

92.2

2

A couple! Very full and outside off, Stokes does not time it nicely but gets it past cover. The sweeper in the deep fields it and two is taken.

92.1

.

Colin starts this around off and then gets it to tail back in. Stokes pushes it to mid on.

91.6

1

On the shorter side and on off, Stokes stands tall and punches it wide of mid off and gets to the other end. A single to end the over. It just went for two but not a good one by Boult.

91.5

.

Finally makes the batter play, it is on off, Stokes prods forward and defends it solidly.

91.4

.

One more delivery which swings away but it is once again outside off, left alone.

91.3

.

Better! This starts around off and then moves away. Stokes makes another leave.

91.2

.

That has swung a long, long way but the line is outside off. Stokes leaves it alone. Watling collects it with a dive to his left in front of the first slip fielder.

91.1

1lb

Starts off with one on the pads, Pope looks to flick but the ball hits the pad and rolls down towards fine leg and a single is taken. It is signaled as a leg bye.

Trent Boult to bowl from the other end.

90.6

.

Another length and outside off, Stokes is happy to leave that one to see off the first over on Day 2.

90.5

.

Length and outside off, Colin brings the ball back in but not enough to make Stokes play. Ben shoulders arms to it.

90.4

.

Length and around off, Ben leaves it for the keeper.

90.3

4

FOUR! First runs off the day. Ben starts from where he left the other day. De Grandhomme bowls one on a length and on off. Stokes just pushes it from within the crease back past the bowler. The fielder at mid on dives to his right but fails to field it. The ball races to the long on fence for a boundary.

90.2

.

Length and outside off, Stokes lets it be.

90.1

.

Length and outside off, Stokes defends it off the back foot. A good start with the ball from Colin de Grandhomme.

We are all set for the start of the first session of Day 2. Overnight batting pair of Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope are out in the middle. The New Zealand players are also taking their position in the field. Colin de Grandhomme to start the proceedings for the hosts. Here we go...

After all of that, it is the visitors who find their noses ahead at the moment. One more decent partnership will take them in a strong position. They have their best player in the past year or so Ben Stokes out there who is well-set and they will hope he along with the batters to come can take them close to 400. New Zealand on the other hand, will look to take early wickets with the second new ball which is relatively new. Another attritional day of cricket awaits.

Hello and welcome to Day 2 of the first Test between New Zealand and England. The visitors managed to amass 241 runs at a run rate of less than 3. Now when I write that, you would probably feel it was a boring day of Test cricket. That though was not the case, it wasn't an exciting day but it was an excellent battle between bat and ball where the bowlers had to work hard to create chances and the batters too weren't given away easy opportunities to score.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Now then, one more good partnership and England will have a good first innings score. However, if New Zealand manage to take a few wickets early on Day 2, they would be right back into this. An action-packed day awaits. Do join us at 1100 local (2200 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!

The New Zealand bowling was very disciplined, they did not begin that well but once they got into their rhythm, they did not let runs leak quickly. They did manage to take timely wickets with Colin de Grandhomme being the pick for them. Boult however was a touch disappointing as he did not look at his best. Also, had they hung onto Stokes' catch right at the end, they would have slept a lot better.

Right from the start things went as the visitors wanted it to. To begin with, they won the toss and elected to bat and then they managed to put up decent stands. The openers set the tone with Burns scoring a half ton. However, Rory and Root fell in quick succession but Stokes and Denly put up an 83-run stand which meant England remained on top. Both scored half tons but the latter failed to make most of the start he got. Stokes however, is still battling it out, he is joined by Pope who would be eager to prove his mettle.

End of a hard-fought day of Test cricket! Both the sides had to toil hard. The English, for every run they had to score and the Kiwis as picking wickets was just not easy. In the end however, one can say, it is the English side who is just ahead at the moment.

89.6

.

Last ball of the day and it is wide outside off, left alone by Pope. England end Day 1 on 241/4.

89.5

4

FOUR! Short delivery on middle and leg, Pope rocks back and pulls this one superbly to the mid-wicket fence. No nerves for Ollie before the end of the day's play.

89.4

.

Another one way outside off, Pope does not have to fiddle with it.

89.3

.

Way wide outside off, Pope does not bother to play at that.

89.2

.

Great movement for Boult here. He bowls it on a length around off, it pitches and moves away. Ollie confidently shoulders arms.

89.1

.

Length ball wide outside off, left alone by Ollie.

88.6

.

On the pads of Stokes, he looks to flick but misses. He is hit on the pads.

88.5

.

Third time in a row, delivered outside off and Stokes shoulders arms to it.

88.4

.

Another one outside off, left alone by Stokes.

88.3

.

Outside off, left alone by Ben.

88.2

1

Back of a length on middle, pulled away towards square leg for a single.

88.1

.

Good length ball on off, defended well by Pope.

87.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

87.5

.

Wide ball outside off, left alone by Stokes.

87.4

.

Full ball on off, driven towards mid off.

87.3

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

87.2

.

Length ball on off again, Stokes looks to play at it but is completely squared up.

87.1

.

Length ball on off, pushed towards extra cover.

86.6

4

FOUR! Full ball on off, Pope drives this one through the cover region for a beautiful boundary.

86.5

.

Another bouncer, Pope sways away from it.

86.4

1b

Bouncer down the leg side, Stokes looks to pull but misses it. Watling does well to dive to his right and get a hand to it. The ball goes towards the fine leg region and the batters take a bye.

86.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

86.2

.

Length ball around off, pushed towards the mid off region.

86.1

.

Length ball on middle, Stokes pushes it back to the bowler.

85.6

.

Fuller outside off, Pope shoulders arms to it.

85.5

.

Solidly blocked by Ollie.

85.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.

85.3

.

Southee goes wide of off stump, Ollie shoulders arms to it.

85.2

4

FOUR! Good, confidence boosting shot this from Pope. On the pads, Ollie is quick to glance it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

85.1

.

Outside off on a length, Pope leaves it alone.

84.6

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

84.5

4

DROPPED AND FOUR! Second chance that has been missed in this match and Taylor the culprit in both of them. Another back of a length ball on off, Stokes again looks to go for the same shot. However, this time, Stokes thick edges it which goes straight to Ross Taylor at first slip. He was late to react and thus, the ball goes through his hands and into the third man fence. Again it looked like Taylor was expecting Latham to come for the catch from second slip but the ball was going straight to him. Could prove very costly for the Kiwis this.

84.4

4

FOUR! Three in three! Stokes looking elegant as ever! Back of a length ball on off, Stokes gets on his toes and drives this one through the cover region for a boundary!

84.3

4

FOUR! Consecutive boundaries! This time on the pads, Stokes flicks this one behind square where he beats the fielder in the deep as the ball races to the fence.

84.2

4

FOUR! Superb timing! Full on off, Stokes prods forward and just punches it through mid off for a boundary.

84.1

.

Boult bowls a yorker wide outside off, Stokes looks to dig it out but misses.

83.6

1

Stokes pushes this one towards covers and takes a single.

83.5

.

Down the leg side, Stokes looks to flick this one but misses.

83.4

.

Outside off, Ben leaves it alone.

83.3

2

50 for Ben Stokes! He has looked calm and composed out in the middle and has attacked the bowlers when required as well. This one is on the pads of Stokes, he flicks this one towards the mid-wicket region and gets a couple.

83.2

.

Another ball which is wide outside off, Stokes does not bother to play at it.

83.1

.

Outside off, Stokes leaves it alone.

82.6

.

Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot.

82.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

82.4

.

Caught in two minds but Pope survives. Length ball on off, Pope first looks to defend but eventually opts to leave the ball. However, he is too late in taking his bat away from the line of the ball. The ball takes the toe end of the bat and goes towards the point region.

82.3

4

FOUR! Free runs for the batsman. Drifting down leg, Pope just glances this one fine down the leg side and gets a boundary.

82.2

.

This time Ollie defends this one off the back foot.

82.1

.

Length ball outside off, left alone by Pope.

81.6

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

81.5

1

Fuller on off, pushed towards cover for a single. Pope is off the mark.

Ollie Pope is the new man.

81.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The stand which was worrying the Kiwis has been cut short. Denly, like numerous times in his career, fails to make most of the start he got. A good delivery this by Southee. He bowls a good length ball just outside off, the ball angles in and straightens after pitching. Denly again gets an outside edge on this one as he tries to defend but this time it carries to the right of Watling. He dives and takes it with one hand in front of the first slip fielder. The second new ball does the trick for the Kiwis. Still time to go before Stumps, can they take one more?

81.3

4

FOUR! 200 up for England and in grand fashion! Full ball outside off, Denly creams this one through the cover region.

81.2

.

Length ball on off, Denly shoulders arms to let that one through.

81.1

.

EDGED BUT JUST SHORT! Southee bowls a jaffa right after coming into the attack. He bowls it fullish on the off pole and gets it to move away. Denly looks to defend with soft hands. The ball goes off the outside edge towards the man at second slip but falls just short.

Tim Southee comes back from the other end. 16-5-30-0, his figures so far.

80.6

1

Full ball on off, Denly pushes this towards cover and takes a single. Retains strike.

80.5

.

Fuller ball on off, Denly looks to push this one towards the off side but the ball goes off the inside half towards mid-wicket.

80.4

.

Length ball on off, Denly shoulders arms.

80.3

.

Full ball on middle this time, Denly pushes it straight back to the bowler.

80.2

.

Full ball on off, pushed towards the mid off region.

80.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Denly looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge towards square leg.

Trent Boult comes back to operate with the second new ball.

Second new ball available now and Kane Williamson has taken it straightaway.

79.6

.

On the pads, worked towards mid-wicket.

79.5

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

79.4

2

Stokes works it fine down the leg side and takes a couple.

79.3

1

Floated on middle again, Denly pushes it with soft hands towards mid on for one.

79.2

.

Down the leg side, Denly goes after it but misses.

79.1

.

Floated on middle and off, pushed back towards the bowler.

78.6

.

The batsman opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man.

78.5

1

Everything happening out in the middle! Wagner bowls a good length ball around leg, Stokes is late in getting his bat down. The ball hits the pad and the New Zealand players appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Replays roll in and show that it goes off the inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls towards the off side and Denly sets off for the single. The fielder, Williamson, rushes in, picks up the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. The ball goes towards square leg and the batters take a single.

78.4

.

On off, Denly pushes this one towards the man at mid off.

78.3

1

Back of a length ball on middle, pulled away by Stokes towards mid-wicket for one.

78.2

1

Another full ball on off, Denly works this one towards point for one.

78.1

.

Fullish on off, pushed towards the man at mid off.

77.6

2

Full and outside off, Stokes goes for the reverse sweep and gets it towards third man. The batsmen take a couple.

77.5

1

Denly cuts this short one through point for a single.

77.4

1

Tossed up ball on off, Stokes drives it through mid off for a run.

77.3

1

Flighted ball on off, Denly drives it to long off for a run.

77.2

.

Denly looks to defend this full ball but gets it off the inside edge. The ball just falls short of the short leg fielder.

77.1

.

Tossed up ball on off, Denly defends it off the front foot to the off side.

76.6

.

Length and outside off, Stokes drives it to covers.

76.5

.

Wagner bowls a knuckle ball and bowls it extremely full Stokes squeezes it to the off side.

76.4

4

FOUR! Consecutive boundaries off the bat of Stokes. Wagner once again goes short and on middle, Stokes pulls it just wide off mid on and into the mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

76.3

4

UPPISH AND FOUR! Wagner bowls short and wide outside off, Stokes cuts it over the point fielder and gets a boundary.

76.2

.

Length and around off, Stokes drives it handsomely to covers.

76.1

.

Length and outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to it.

75.6

.

Denly blocks this tossed up ball off the back foot solidly.

75.5

.

Three in a row. Denly once again defends this flighted one to the off side.

75.4

.

Fuller one outside off, Denly once again finds short cover to perfection.

75.3

.

Flatter one outside off, Denly drives it to short cover.

75.2

1

Tossed up on middle, Stokes works it to mid-wicket for a single.

75.1

2

Short and wide outside off, Stokes cuts it off the back foot through covers for a couple.

74.6

1

Good length ball on off, Stokes strokes it towards cover and takes a single to retain strike.

74.5

.

Outside off, cut towards point.

74.4

4

FOUR! Beauty! Pure class! Full ball on off, Stokes just takes a step ahead and punches this ball down the ground through mid on for a boundary.

74.3

.

On off, pushed towards the man extra cover.

74.2

.

Fuller one this time, again pushed towards mid off.

74.1

.

Length ball on off, pushed towards mid off.

73.6

6

SIX! What a magnificent hit! Santner bowls another full ball and Denly lofts it straight over the bowler's head and into the sightscreen for a maximum. First one off this Test from Joe's bat. Another 50-run stand also comes up between Joe Denly and Ben Stokes. Will this pair take England off unaffected at the close of play?

73.5

.

Santner defends this flatter one off the full face off the bat.

73.4

4

FOUR! Beautifully lofted. Santner bowls one full on middle, Denly makes room and lofts it over the covers. The ball races to the extra cover fence for a boundary.

73.3

.

Denly blocks this tossed up ball to the off side.

73.2

.

Tossed up on around middle, Denly works it to mid-wicket.

73.1

1

Flighted on off, Stokes drives it to long on for a run.

Drinks Break! A mixed session so far. England have lost their skipper for a low score yet again but Stokes and Denly have stood strong. The Kiwis have been patient with their bowling and with the day coming to its latter stages, they would now be looking to at least increase the over rate.

72.6

.

Another length ball outside off, Denly defends it solidly.

72.5

.

Length and around off, Denly defends it to the off side.

72.4

.

Good length and outside off, Denly drives it to mid off.

72.3

.

Good length and outside off, Denly is happy to let that go.

72.2

2

Length and on middle, Swinging in towards the pads. Denly flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.

72.1

1

Back of a length around off, Stokes pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

71.6

.

Floated on middle and off, Denly pushes this one towards the extra cover fielder.

71.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

71.4

.

On the pads, Denly flicks this one towards mid-wicket.

71.3

.

Floated on middle and off, Denly blocks it out.

71.2

2

Outside off, Denly guides this one down to third man for a couple.

71.1

.

Denly survives! Chance of a run out as soon as Santner comes into the attack. Floated on middle, Denly looks to work this one towards the leg side. He does so but straight to Latham at short leg who grabs the ball at the first attempt. Denly is couple of yards out of his crease but Latham hesitates to throw it at the striker's end. The most that it would have cost his team would have been a couple of overthrow runs. The Kiwis should be taking these kind of chances.

The wait is finally over, on comes Mitchell Santner after 71 overs. It will be interesting to see if he gets some sort of purchase.

70.6

.

Good Length and on off, Stokes blocks it solidy.

70.5

4

FOUR! Full and outside off, Stokes this time doesn't miss out as Wagner gives him lots of width. Ben just drives it superbly through covers and fetches himself a boundary.

70.4

.

Length and on off, Stokes gets it off the inside edge to mid-wicket.

70.3

.

Length and outside off, Big Ben leaves it for the keeper.

70.2

.

Fuller length and outside off, Stokes drives it straight to the man at mid off.

70.1

.

Length and outside off, Stokes just leaves it alone.

69.6

.

Fullish on middle and off, pushed back towards the bowler.

69.5

1

On the pads, Stokes works this one towards mid-wicket for one.

69.4

.

Length ball outside off, left alone by Stokes.

69.3

.

Fuller this time, Ben pushes this one towards the off side.

69.2

.

Another good length ball, angling into the batter. Stokes blocks it out.

69.1

.

Good length ball on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket.

68.6

.

Denly attempts to put bat on ball but fails.

68.5

.

Good length delivery around off, Denly drives it to mid off.

68.4

.

Length and outside off, In that channel of certainty as Denly watches the ball closely as it goes past the off pole.

68.3

4

FOUR! What a way to get to your 5th Test fifty! It's England's reliable batsman, Joe Denly. A very patient knock by him. He has literally dug it out there and now he would not want to throw it away. He has got in and he should be eyeing a big one. He gets a gift to get to that milestone, full and wide outside off, it is hit through covers for a boundary.

68.2

.

Full and outside off, Denly drives it straight to mid off.

68.1

1

Fuller length and on pads, stokes flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

Neil Wagner is back on! His figures so far read 17-4-49-1.

67.6

1

Good length and outside off, Stokes drives it through covers for a single. New Zealand are giving nothing away here.

67.5

.

Fuller length and well outside off, Stokes lets it be.

67.4

.

Good length and around off, Stokes defends it solidly.

67.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

67.2

.

On a length and outside off, Stokes defends it to the off side.

67.1

.

Length and outside off, Stokes lets it be.

66.6

.

Denly taps this length ball towards point.

66.5

.

Length and outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

66.4

.

Bumper on middle and leg, Denly ducks it safely.

66.3

.

Full and wide outside off, Denly drives it crisply but straight to covers.

66.2

.

Fuller length and on off, Denly blocks it solidly off the front foot.

66.1

.

Length and around off, Denly defends it to covers.

65.6

.

Colin serves one more outside off, tempting Stokes to go for a drive but Ben shows his calmness and leaves it alone.

65.5

.

Full around off, Stokes looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge which goes to gully on the bounce.

65.4

.

Outside off, Ben has no interest playing that.

65.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

65.3

1nb

NO BALL! Colin has overstepped here. Length ball outside off, Stokes dabs it to the off side.

65.2

.

Fuller on off, Stokes defends it calmly.

65.1

2

Fuller around off, Stokes strokes it towards deep point and gets a couple.

64.6

.

Back of a length on off, Denly gets on his back foot and blocks it.

64.5

1

On the pads, Stokes flicks it to square leg and gets a single.

64.4

.

Full and swinging away. It is on the 5th stump line, Stokes does not bother to defend it.

64.3

.

Full around off, Stokes lunges forward and drives it to mid off.

64.2

.

Fuller on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.

64.1

.

Outside off, Stokes leaves it alone.

63.6

.

Fullish ball on off, pushed to the man at mid off.

63.5

1

Another one full and outside off, this time Stokes pushes it towards sweeper cover for one.

63.4

.

Nice fielding by Santner, Backing up his fellow bowler! Full ball wide outside off, Stokes creams his drive towards the cover region. However, Santner there dives to his right and makes a very good stop. No runs taken.

63.3

2

On the pads, Stokes flicks this one towards square leg for a couple.

63.2

.

Length ball outside off, Stokes shoulders arms.

63.1

.

Fuller ball on off, pushed towards extra cover.

62.6

2

A little too straight, this is worked behind square on the leg side for two.

62.5

.

Shorter and on off, Denly stands tall and keeps it out.

62.4

.

This one is angled across the batter, Denly lets it be.

62.3

.

Another back of a length delivery on off, JD stays back and defends it onto the ground.

62.2

.

On the stumps this time, Denly gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

62.1

.

Starts with a top nut! This is on middle, it pitches and goes away with the angle. Denly is all squared up as he tries to defend, he gets beaten and the ball almost kisses the off pole.

61.6

.

Outside off, Stokes leaves it alone.

61.5

2

Fuller around off, Stokes drives it to sweeper cover for a couple.

61.4

.

Good length ball on off, Stokes pushes it to mid off.

61.3

1

Full on middle, Denly glances it to the on side for one.

61.2

1

On the pads, Stokes flicks it to square leg for one.

61.1

1

On the pads, Denly flicks it to leg side for one.

60.6

2

Length ball on middle and off, Stokes tries to have a poke at it but the ball goes off the bottom edge towards the slip cordon. Taylor there misses it and the ball goes between his legs towards the third man fence. Watling gives it the chase, dives and pulls it in just before the ball reaches the ropes. The batters are able to take two.

60.5

.

Length ball just outside off, defended off the back foot by Stokes.

60.4

.

Length ball outside off, left alone by Stokes.

60.3

.

Shortish on middle, Stokes leaves it alone.

60.2

4

FOUR! Shortish on middle, Stokes rocks back and powerfully pulls this one in front of square for a boundary. First boundary after 91 balls for the English. Some tight bowling by the Kiwis this.

60.1

.

Full ball on off, Stokes pushes this one towards the man at mid off.

59.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

59.5

.

Gets this one to come back in but the line is a little too straight. Denly fails to get bat on ball and is hit high on the pads.

59.4

1

Shorter and outside off, Stokes plays it late through backward point for one.

59.3

.

The batsman drives this through the covers.

59.2

.

Very full and outside off, Stokes reaches out for it and hits it to the man at covers.

59.1

.

Fuller and on off, Stokes pushes it to the man at mid off.

58.6

.

Fuller on off, pushes this one wide of mid off.

58.5

.

Length ball on off, pushed to point.

58.4

.

Good length ball on off, pushed towards the cover region.

58.3

1

On the pads, Stokes flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.

58.2

.

Another one outside off, Stokes again leaves it alone.

58.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

57.6

.

A full ball to end the over! It is stroked to mid off. A maiden.

57.5

.

A short one and on the body, Denly ducks under it right at the end. That took him by surprise.

57.4

.

Well bowled! Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the batter, gets it to straighten. Denly does really well to not close the face of the bat and play it with a straight face.

57.3

.

Outside off, the batter does not fiddle with it.

57.2

.

On off, this one does not move. Denly is solid in defense.

57.1

.

BEAUTY! This is angled into the batter, it pitches and then shapes away. Denly pokes at it and gets beaten.

Tim Southee comes on to bowl from the other end.

56.6

.

Once again, not very full but on a length and around off, it is kept out.

56.5

.

Once again a full ball but it is outside off, left alone. Wagner has come out with a different approach here, all the 4 balls he has bowled after the break have been full.

56.4

1

Excellent fielding! Williamson is the man, the skipper leading from the front here. Fuller and on off, Denly strokes it towards extra cover. Williamson at mid off dives and stops it. A single only.

56.3

.

Fuller again and around off, Wagner is getting it to come back in. Denly strokes it nicely but straight to mid off.

56.2

.

This one is wide outside off, Denly shoulders arms to this one.

56.1

.

Starts off with a very full delivery, it starts on middle and then tails back in. Denly works it to mid-wicket.

Welcome back for the last session of the day. Kane Williamson leads his troops out followed by the English pair of Joe Denly and Ben Stokes. Will New Zealand chip in with wickets or will England edge ahead? Action unfolds for one last time on Day 1 as Neil Wagner starts the session with the ball.

... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...

New Zealand were better with the ball in this session. They toiled hard and managed to break the Burns/Denly partnership. Colin de Grandhomme picked up another wicket with Neil Wagner rightfully getting the wicket as he looked the most lethal in this session. The hosts would look to continue this in the final session. The question is will they be able to? Join us after the break to find out.

A good session for the Kiwis. They struggled at the start with Burns and Denly fighting it out but the wicket of Burns after his fifty got the hosts going. Root then joined Denly and though the English skipper took his time to get off the mark he did not wait long after that. In fact his 30 odd minute stay yielded just 2 runs. The visitors would look to re-gather themselves and refocus again.

55.6

.

A touch slower one on middle, Stokes punches it towards the man at mid on. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1.

55.5

.

Outside off, left alone by Stokes.

55.4

.

Good length delivery on middle, again pushed back towards the bowler.

55.3

.

Good length ball on off, Stokes blocks it out.

55.2

1

On the pads of Denly, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.

55.1

.

Full length delivery outside off, the batter drives it straight to cover.

54.6

.

Good length ball just outside off, swinging in. Stokes looks to play at it but does so outside the line and is beaten.

54.5

.

Yorker on the leg pole line, Stokes jams this out wide of mid on.

54.4

.

Good length ball outside off again, left alone by Stokes.

54.3

.

Bouncer down the leg side, Stokes ducks under it.

54.2

.

Length ball just outside off, Stokes shoulders arms.

54.1

.

Good length ball outside off, left alone.

53.6

.

Full on middle, Denly pushes it to mid on.

53.5

.

On off, Denly pushes it to Joe pushes it to cover.

53.4

.

Outside off, JD leaves it alone.

53.3

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

53.2

.

Fuller on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.

53.1

.

An appeal for a run out has been taken upstairs! NOT OUT! Stokes is well in and there is no trouble. Full on off, Denly pushes it straight to the right of the bowler. De Grandhomme gets his right hand to it and deflects the ball onto the stumps at the bowler's end. The umpire goes upstairs. Replay rolls in and shows Stokes is good in his back up as he was back in his crease.

52.6

W

OUT! Caught! Simple catching practice for Tim Southee at second slip. Root took his time to set in but cannot make it count as he departs the very next ball after getting off the mark. Good length ball outside off, Root goes poking after it. It takes a thick outside edge and goes to the right of Tim Southee at second slip. He shows good reflexes and takes a sharp catch. Not a heroic welcome for the English skipper back at no.4. All-rounder Ben Stokes replaces his skipper out in the middle.

52.5

2

A huge cheer from the crowd. Root is finally off the mark on the 21st ball. Full on middle and leg, Root flicks it through square leg. Jeet Raval there misfields allowing Root to get a couple.

52.4

.

Outside off, Root calmly leaves it alone.

52.3

1

On the pads, Denly glances it to square leg and gets to the other end.

52.2

.

Wagner goes full and outside off. Denly has no business with it.

52.1

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Denly shoulders arms to it.

51.6

.

Length ball around off, Root punches it to point.

51.5

.

Way outside off, JR does not disturb that.

51.4

.

On off, Root gets on his front foot and defends it to the on side off the inner half of his bat.

51.3

1

Fuller on off, Denly looks to defend but gets an inside edge which goes to the on side off his back pad for a single.

51.2

.

Very full around off. Almost a yorker, Denly manages to jam it out.

51.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

50.6

1

Last ball of the over, Denly pushes it with soft hands wide of mid off for a single. He retains strike for the next over.

50.5

.

Length delivery on off, Denly defends it out.

50.4

.

Boult comes round the wicket now and the change of angle almost immediately works for him. Denly looks to defend this one off the back foot but it goes off the inside edge onto the pads.

50.3

.

Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.

50.2

.

Shortish on off, Denly defends this one off the back foot towards the off side.

50.1

.

Fullish ball, swinging in, pushed towards mid off by Denly.

49.6

.

Length ball way wide outside off, left alone.

49.5

1

Denly pushes this one towards cover-point for a single.

49.4

.

On off, driven towards the off side.

49.3

.

Length ball on the fourth stump line, blocked out.

49.2

.

On off, pushed towards the cover region.

49.1

.

Full ball outside off, swinging away. Denly drives it towards the cover region where Santner dives and saves runs.

48.6

.

Another full delivery outside off, Root guides it to point and he wants the single but it is not there.

48.5

.

Full delivery on off, Root drives it to mid off for nothing.

48.4

.

On off, defended off the front foot by Root.

48.3

.

Good length ball on off, Root defends it to cover.

48.2

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Root pushes it to mid off.

48.1

.

Full delivery on off, Root pushes it to cover.

47.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Denly flicks it but straight to mid-wicket.

47.5

.

On off, defends it out.

47.4

.

Good length ball on middle, Denly defends it out.

47.3

.

Fullish delivery on off, Joe drives it to mid off.

47.2

.

On a length on off, Denly defends it to cover for nothing.

47.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Denly lets the ball go to the keeper.

46.6

.

Another one outside off, this time pushed towards point.

46.5

.

Length ball on middle and off, pushed towards the mid off region.

46.4

.

Outside off, Root shoulders arms.

46.3

.

Good length ball on middle, defended out by Root.

46.2

1

Fullish on middle, Denly works this one wide of mid on for a quick single.

46.1

.

Boult starts the over with a yorker on the leg pole. Denly jams it out.

45.6

.

Outside off, Root leaves it alone.

45.5

.

Full outside off, Root pushes it to point.

45.4

.

Full on off, Root pushes it to mid off.

45.3

.

Back of a length on off, Root keeps it out.

45.2

.

Fuller on off, Root defends it off the front foot.

England skipper, Joe Root walks out at number 4.

45.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Burns does not hang around after getting to his fifty. Once again it is Colin de Grandhomme who has given his skipper the much-needed breakthrough. Colin de Grandhomme bowls it slightly fuller outside off, Burns has a poke at it and gets an outside edge which goes straight into the the mitts of Watling. He makes no mistake and New Zealand finally find a way to get rid of this stand.

44.6

1

Again on the pads, Burns flicks this one towards square leg and takes a single. Retains strike for the next over.

44.5

.

Way outside off, left alone by Burns.

44.4

4

FOUR! 50 for Burns! Lovely shot by Rory! Too straight by Boult, Burns shuffles and flicks this one nonchalantly towards mid-wicket for a boundary. What a way to get to your 5th Test half ton and he will be looking to convert this start into a ton now.

44.3

2

On the pads of Burns, he flicks this one behind square leg and takes a quick couple.

44.2

.

Fullish on off, pushed towards the man at mid on.

44.1

1

On the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket.

43.6

.

BEATEN! Excellent bowling from de Grandhomme! Bowls it on a length outside off, Rory looks to defend it but it whizzes past the bat and into the mitts of the keeper.

43.5

.

Very full delivery outside off swinging in a little, Burns attempts to drive but misses the ball completely.

43.4

1

Another slower one outisde off, Joe looks to drive it but it goes off the inside half of bat towards square leg. The batters take a single.

43.3

.

Slower delivery on off, Denly pushes it back to the bowler.

43.2

.

Full delivery outside off, Denly creams the drive but finds the cover fielder.

43.1

.

Good length ball on off, Denly defends it to point.

42.6

1

Outside off, pushed towards the point region and a single is taken. Denly retains strike.

42.5

1

On the pads of Burns, he works this one towards square leg and takes a single.

Colin de Grandhomme comes back into the attack. 9-2-19-1 are his figures so far.

42.4

.

On the pads, worked towards the man at mid-wicket.

42.3

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

42.2

.

NOT OUT! Height is an issue but only by just. Umpire's call it is! Close call that and the Kiwis can count themselves a touch unfortunate but they don't lose a review so that can be counted as a consolation. Boult bowls a good length ball just outside off, gets it to swing back into the batter. Burns looks to defend but plays outside the line of the delivery. He misses to get hit on the thigh pad of his back leg. A huge appeal from the New Zealand players follows but the umpire is unmoved. Williamson has a chat with his teammates and goes for the review. The replays roll in, Ultra Edge shows no bat involved. Hawk Eye comes in, and shows to be clipping the off pole. A jaffa but no reward for Boult!

42.1

.

Boult bowls a good length ball just outside off, defended out by Burns.

Review time! New Zealand have taken the review for an LBW against Rory Burns. Height seems to be an issue. Let's see what the replays have to say.

Drinks Break! England are looking really good here. The duo of Burns and Denly has looked really good and has managed to bat out the hour post lunch. Wagner has bowled really well but does not have a wicket to show for it. Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson needs his bowlers to find a way to get rid of this partnership.

41.6

1

Full and wide outside off, Burns drives it to deep point and gets a single. That brings up the 50-run stand between the two. It has been a solid stand but they need to carry on and convert this start into a big one.

41.5

.

On the fifth stump line, Rory shoulders arms to it.

41.4

.

Length ball on off, Burns defends it off the back foot.

41.3

1

Good push. Full on off, Denly just checks his push through mid off. The fielder from mid on puts a dive and looks to save runs but he cannot stop it cleanly. He deflects it wide but that does not cost any extra run.

41.2

.

Continues to ask Denly to drive but Joe is not interested.

41.1

.

Hits the deck hard outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

40.6

.

Back of a length, Burns looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

40.5

.

On the pads, Rory flicks it to mid-wicket.

40.4

.

Good length ball on off, Burns looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his boots.

40.3

.

Around the pads, Burns flicks it to the on side.

40.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Burns leaves it alone.

40.1

.

On the pads, Burns looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. It was going down leg hence no excitement. Height also seemed to be an issue and it indeed is as Hawk Eye later on confirms it was going over the stumps.

Trent Boult is back.

39.6

.

On the stumps, Denly defends it off the front foot.

39.5

.

A good looking drive but straight to the fielder. Full outside off, Joe drives it to mid off.

39.4

2

Full on middle and leg, Denly flicks it wide of deep mid-wicket and gets a couple. 100 comes up for England with that brace. Good start for the visitors this.

39.3

.

Full and on the fourth stump line, Denly leaves it alone.

39.2

.

Fuller and closer to the off stump, Denly lunges forward and defends it right off the meat of his bat.

39.1

.

Length ball outside off, Joe leaves it alone.

38.6

1

Around the pads, Denly turns it to the on side and keeps the strike.

38.5

.

Ohh! Wagner is bowling some gems here. Hits the deck hard around off, Denly looks to defend but gets beaten and the ball just about misses the outside edge of Joe's bat.

38.4

.

Edged but falls short. Good length ball on off, Denly looks to defend it with soft hands. He misreads the swing and ends up getting a thick edge towards first slip. Luckily he does not go hard at it and hence the ball does not carry to Ross Taylor at first slip.

38.3

.

Way outside off, Denly leaves it alone.

38.2

1

On the pads, Rory flicks it behind square on the leg side and gets a single.

38.1

.

Back of a length around the body, Burns hops and defends it.

37.6

.

Outside off, Denly lets it carry to the keeper.

37.5

1

Fuller around off, Burns strokes it to point for one.

37.4

.

Another play and miss for Burns. Seems like last over's blow has taken a bit of toll on Burns. He tries to go chasing after this wide ball outside off. Rory rides his luck again and is lucky enough not to edge it.

37.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

37.2

.

Burns gets his concentration back and leaves this full ball outside off alone.

37.1

4

EDGED AND FOUR! How has Burns survived that? Poor from New Zealand. Good length ball on off, the ball swings away at the last moment. Burns looks to defend but the ball takes a thick outside edge and goes right between first and second slip. Taylor at first and Latham at second think the other one is going to go after it. Both don't and the ball goes right between them and into the fence. Southee should have had a wicket here and Wagner's aggression had played its part but lack of communication at slips has made it unsuccessful.

36.6

1

Back of a length ball on the pads, Burns flicks it to fine leg and keeps the strike.

36.5

.

Bouncer again from Wagner. Rory ducks under it.

36.4

.

Fuller outside off, asking Burns to drive. Rory does go after it but misses.

36.3

.

Wagner continues to steam in. Back of a length ball on off, Burns keeps his eyes on the ball and tucks it to square leg.

The physio is out now. Burns is going through the mandatory concussion test and getting his helmet changed. He looks fine but nothing can be taken lightly when it comes to a head injury as we have seen federations taking it more seriously, not just in cricket but in all sports.

36.2

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Nasty! Brilliant short ball from Wagner! Burns looks to get down but he is a bit late. The ball glances his helmet and lobs over the slips to the fence. That will wind Burns a bit.

36.1

1

Good length ball on the pads, Denly tucks it to the on side and gets to the other end.

35.6

.

On middle and off, Burns pushes this one back towards Southee. Tim tries to gather the ball and throw it back but the ball goes through his legs towards mid on.

35.5

.

Another full ball, this time on off, pushed towards cover by Burns.

35.4

.

Full ball on middle, pushed towards the man at mid on.

35.3

.

Length ball on off, pushed to the man at point.

35.2

.

Length ball wide outside off, Burns looks to have a powerful slash at it but misses.

35.1

.

Starts with a good length ball on off, pushed towards the man at cover.

34.6

4

FOUR! Nailed! Wagner goes short again, Denly is ready for it. He rocks back and pulls it to the right of the fielder at deep square leg for another boundary. Excellent response after getting beaten all ends up on the last delivery.

34.5

.

OHHH! That has missed the off pole by a whisker. Not sure what Joe Denly was beaten by! Was it the late movement or was he just expecting a short ball and maybe got his bat down late? Both actually. Wagner goes fuller and this one starts outside off. It comes back in late. Denly initially looks to leave but then tries to get his bat down in time. However, he fails to do so. It almost kisses the off pole.

34.4

.

Wagner goes back to bowling fuller, it is on off, Denly plays it late, it goes towards gully where de Grandhomme dives and stops it.

34.3

4

FOUR! Hammered! This time the pull shot is nailed! Denly has decided to take on the short balls here. He goes back and pulls it hard through mid-wicket. No chance for the fielder in the deep.

34.2

.

Underedge! Maybe that wasn't a very good shot. It is shorter and around off, angling away. Denly looks to drag it but gets an underedge towards mid-wicket.

34.1

.

Angles this one away after landing it on a length around off, Denly lets it be.

33.6

1

Denly flicks this one off his pads towards mid-wicket for a single.

33.5

.

On middle and off, punched back towards the bowler. Southee picks the ball up and fakes a throw at the striker's end. Signs of aggression!

33.4

.

EDGED BUT SAFE! Good length ball on off, it moves away a bit. Denly looks to have a poke at it but the ball goes off the edge towards gully but on the bounce.

33.3

1

Length ball on off, Burns steers this one towards point for one.

33.2

.

This time way wide outside off, Burns looks to have a slash at it but misses.

33.1

.

Length ball on middle and off, defended out by Burns.

32.6

.

Another bouncer, Denly again ducks under it. An interesting battle going on between Wagner and Denly. It is the Englishman who has won it in this over.

32.5

.

Bouncer on middle and leg, ducked under by Denly now.

32.4

4

FOUR! Pulled away again! Brilliant reply from Denly after almost getting caught on the previous ball. Wagner goes short around the body, Joe expected it. He transfers his weight onto his back foot and pulls it with sheer power through mid-wicket for a boundary.

32.3

.

Edged but just short! Good length ball on off, it swings away at the end. Denly looks to defend but ends up edging it towards point. Luckily for Denly the ball falls short of the man there.

32.2

.

Short of a length ball on middle, Denly looks to have a poke at it but is beaten.

32.1

4

FOUR! Right above the man at short leg! Back of a length delivery on middle, Denly rocks back and pulls this one towards square leg for a boundary.

31.6

.

Too wide outside off, Burns initially thought about playing at it but then shoulders arms.

31.5

1

Shortish on middle, Denly pulls this one towards backward square leg for one.

31.4

.

Another fuller ball on off, Denly looks to push it towards the off side but the ball goes off the inside half towards the man at mid on.

31.3

.

Fuller ball on off, pushed to the man at extra cover.

31.2

.

Another one on off, left alone by Denly this time.

31.1

.

Length ball on off, pushed towards the man at mid off.

30.6

.

Similar ball down the leg side again, this time Burns goes after it but misses.

30.5

.

Back of a length down the leg side, Burns leaves it alone.

30.4

.

Another length ball on off, pushed back towards the bowler by Burns.

30.3

.

Length ball on middle and off, defended by the batter.

30.2

3

Good fielding in the deep by Santner. On off by Wagner, Denly drives this one towards the point region. Santner gives this one the chase, dives and just about keeps it in play. 3 runs taken.

30.1

2

On the pads of Denly, he flicks this one towards square leg for a couple.

Neil Wagner to bowl from the other end to start the session.

29.6

.

Length ball just outside off, left alone. Good over to start off post Lunch for Southee.

29.5

.

Beauty! Jaffa to beat Burns! Fullish ball outside off, Burns looks to drive at this one but the ball just moves away ands beats the outside edge of Burns' blade.

29.4

.

3rd time in a row, full delivery outside off, it is pushed towards the cover fielder who has been a busy man as he fields the ball again.

29.3

.

Full outside off, pushed towards the man at cover again.

29.2

.

Full length ball again outside off, Burns pushes this powerfully towards cover but the fielder there dives to his right and holds onto the ball.

29.1

.

Southee starts with a full length ball wide outside off, Burns pushes it to the man at mid off.

Welcome back for the second session. The Kiwi players are out on the field, the English batting pair of Rory Burns and Joe Denly walks out to resume their innings. Tim Southee to start the afternoon session with the ball.

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

New Zealand have bowled to a plan and one has to say they have patiently stuck to it. Colin de Grandhomme was the only bowler to pick up a wicket but the rest were good with the cherry in hand. Will they continue to stick to their plan or will England's patience see them change their plans? Join us for the second session to find out.

A proper fighting session of Test cricket. England openers, Sibley and Burns fought out the hard times and got the visitors off to a good start but the debutant was unable to convert that start and was dismissed by Colin de Grandhomme. Denly then joined Rory Burns out in the middle and the duo ensured that England went into Lunch with just the loss of one wicket.

28.6

.

A good ball to end the session! Good length and on off, this one takes off after pitching. Denly plays it well by taking one hand off the handle. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!

28.5

.

A little too straight this time, it is worked towards mid-wicket.

28.4

.

Good length and on middle, Denly stays back and keeps it out nicely.

28.3

.

Well bowled and well played! Goes full and gets it to tail back in from middle. Denly gets his bat down and pushes it to mid off.

28.2

1

Another short one on the body, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

28.1

.

A short one from around the wicket, angling away from the batter. Burns drops his hands and lets it go to the keeper.

27.6

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

27.5

.

Good length ball on off, pushed towards mid on.

27.4

4

FOUR! Beautifully driven! Full and wide outside off, Denly prods forwards and just caresses this through the cover region for a boundary.

27.3

.

On the pads, worked towards the leg side.

27.2

.

Length ball on off, pushed towards mid on off the back foot.

27.1

.

Way outside off, left alone by Denly.

26.6

.

A stifled appeal for a catch has been turned down by the umpire. Wagner bowls a wonderful bouncer, angling away from the batter. Burns looks to sway away from it and drop his arms. He does so just in time as replays show that the ball has hit Burns' shoulder on its way to the fielder at second slip. However, the replay of Wagner's bowling run-up later comes in and shows that he had overstepped while bowling the delivery. The bowler is lucky to get away with that.

26.5

.

Wagner comes around the wicket this time, pitches it outside leg and makes it to angle away from the batter. Burns works it towards the square leg region.

26.4

.

Down the leg side, Burns looks to flick but misses.

26.3

.

Full ball on off, pushed towards point.

26.2

.

Bouncer down the leg side, Burns ducks under it.

26.1

.

Length ball on off, defended out by Burns.

25.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

25.5

.

Fuller on middle, pushed towards mid on.

25.4

.

This time Colin bowls it closer to the off pole, but Denly knows exactly where it is and shoulders arms.

25.3

.

Fullish on off, pushed towards cover again.

25.2

.

On the fifth stump line, Denly shoulders arms.

25.1

.

Good length ball on off, pushed towards cover.

24.6

.

Another dot! On the shorter side and on the body, this is worked to the man at mid-wicket.

24.5

.

Another back of a length and on off, Burns keeps it out again.

24.4

.

Well played! Another shorter one on middle, Rory gets on top of the bounce and keeps it out.

24.3

.

Goes back to bowling it short and on the body, Rory evades it.

24.2

.

Well bowled! Very well bowled actually. Wagner kept bowling short, he throws this one full and outside off, Burns goes after it but his feet are rooted to the crease, Burns' bat is beaten.

24.1

.

A sharp bumper on middle, it is ducked under.

23.6

.

Another one on the stumps, this is defended.

23.5

.

On middle, it is kept out.

23.4

.

Uppish but short! Fuller and on off, Denly looks to hit it through mid on but is a touch early in the shot. It goes on the bounce to mid on.

23.3

.

That is a brave, brave leave! This lands around off and then moves away a touch. Denly sees the movement and lets it be. It goes really close past the off pole.

23.2

3

Width on offer outside off, Burns slaps it through point for three.

23.1

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

22.6

.

Outside off, on a good length, left alone.

22.5

.

Another one short of a length, Denly this time tucks it towards the leg side.

22.4

.

Short of a length ball on the body, Denly defends it onto the pitch.

22.3

.

Good length ball, close to the off pole but Denly knows exactly where it is and confidently shoulders arms.

22.2

.

Bouncer on middle and off, Denly ducks under it.

22.1

1

Length ball on middle and leg, pushed towards square leg for one.

21.6

.

One more ball outside off, Denly does not fiddle with it.

21.5

.

Another outswinger but outside off, it is left alone.

Joe Denly is the next man in.

21.4

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! There is the breakthrough New Zealand so desperately needed. They looked off color till now but they will hope this wicket gets their tails up. Colin de Grandhomme is the one to break the solid-looking opening stand. Sibley, the debutant falls after getting off to a start. The ploy to keep it outside off has worked. He was constantly playing those deliveries away from his body or ahead of his body. Here too, Colin bowls it fuller and around off, it shapes away late. Sibley pushes at it with hard hands and ahead of his body. It goes off the outside edge, low and to Taylor's right at first slip. He dives and takes a good catch.

21.3

.

A loud, loud shout for both, caught behind and LBW but nothing. This is around off and then moves away. Sibley looks to defend but the ball hits the top of the pad and goes towards the keeper who takes it and appeals but not given. The impact was outside off.

21.2

.

One more ball on a length and on middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket.

21.1

.

A length delivery and on off, Sibley keeps it out.

20.6

.

Bouncer down the leg side, Burns does not bother to play at it. The Kiwi bowlers need to bowl better and make the batters play.

20.5

.

This time down the leg side, Burns looks to flick but misses.

20.4

.

Bouncer on middle again, Burns shuffles across but eventually ducks under it.

20.3

.

Fullish outside off, Burns leaves it alone.

20.2

.

Another bouncer on middle, Burns again ducks under it.

20.1

.

Good ball to start off the over. Bouncer on middle and off, Burns ducks under it.

19.6

.

Full ball on off, pushed back towards Colin by Sibley.

19.5

.

Full ball on off, Sibley gets low and awkwardly jams this one out towards the mid-wicket region.

19.4

.

Sibley prods forward and flicks this one towards the mid-wicket fielder.

19.3

1

Another ball on middle and off, again worked towards mid-wicket. The batsmen get a single.

19.2

.

Good length ball on off, worked towards mid-wicket.

19.1

1

Length ball on off, tucked towards square leg for a single.

18.6

.

A yorker but outside off, Burns jams it out to point.

18.5

.

Good length and on off, this is defended onto the ground.

18.4

3

Three taken! Also, fifty is up for England. Excellent opening stand for them after electing to bat. This is on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket. Latham from mid-wicket runs after it and just before it crosses the ropes, pushes it back in.

18.3

.

Shorter and just outside off, Sibley thinks of playing at it but then bails out.

18.2

.

On the fuller side again, this is driven to the man at mid off.

18.1

.

Fuller and on off, Sibley pushes it back to the bowler.

17.6

.

Gets this one to come back in from outside off, Burns keeps it out nicely.

17.5

.

Looks to bring it back in from way outside off but it goes straight on. Burns shoulders arms to this one.

17.4

.

Outside off, it is not played at.

17.3

.

Starts this outside off and then gets it to tail back in. It is kept out.

17.2

4

FOUR! Nice and fine! Runs coming quickly! This is down the leg side, Burns tickles it fine and the ball races to the fine leg fence. The Kiwis haven't got it right till now.

17.1

.

Fuller and on middle, it is tailing back in. Burns strokes it to mid on.

16.6

4

FOUR! Easy pickings for Sibley! Wagner bowls it on the pads, Sibley works it through square leg and the ball races away to the fence.

16.5

.

Gets it right this time! On off and on a length. Sibley keeps it out.

16.4

.

So two balls down the leg side to start with, the next two outside off which is left alone by Sibley.

16.3

.

Outside off this time but it is left alone.

16.2

.

One more delivery down the leg side, Sibley initially looks to flick but then bails out.

16.1

4

FOUR! A poor delivery to begin with. Down the leg side, Sibley flicks it to the fine leg fence. Easy runs for Sibley, he loves it there.

Neil Wagner is on!

15.6

.

Goes back to over the wicket and lands it on the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket.

15.5

.

Colin comes from around the wicket and bowls it fuller on off, it is worked with the angle to mid-wicket.

15.4

1

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg and a single is taken.

15.3

.

One more delivery on a length and around off, Sibley pushes it to mid on.

15.2

.

Outside off, this is not played at.

15.1

1

This is angled into the pads, it is worked behind square on the leg side for one.

14.6

.

On off, it is kept out.

14.5

.

Change of angle almost does the trick. Boult runs in from around the wicket and bowls this outside off. Sibley looks to play at it due to the angle but gets beaten. It was a delivery he could have left but ended up playing at it due to the round the wicket angle.

14.4

.

Outside off again, this is not played at.

14.3

.

Well bowled! This lands on off and then moves away. Sibley defends the original trajectory and gets beaten.

14.2

.

This one lands on off, Sibley defends it out.

14.1

3

Very good shot! Fuller and shaping away from off. Burns leans into it nicely and pushes it through covers. The fielder from point hares after it, dives and pushes it back in. The other fielder from mid off does the mopping up job. Three taken.

DRINKS! England's first hour! Their openers have looked nice and solid and are amidst a good-looking stand. The visitors would want the same to continue. New Zealand on the other hand, have been a little wayward, they haven't hit the right lines and have hence been unable to trouble the English openers. It has not gone all that well for them but they would hope it would change after the break.

13.6

.

Good length ball outside off, Sibley lets it carry to the keeper.

13.5

.

Colin continues to test his patience and bowls it outside off again. Dom leaves it alone.

13.4

.

Well wide outside off, Sibley at this point of time is ready to wait as he leaves it alone.

13.3

.

Good length ball around off, Sibley gets behind the line of the ball and taps it back to CdG.

13.2

1

Full on middle, Burns flicks it to deep square leg for one.

13.1

.

Full on off, Burns defends it to mid off.

12.6

1

Very full on middle and leg, Burns flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a single to get through the over.

12.5

.

On the fuller side and on off, Burns keeps it out towards mid off.

12.4

1

A little too straight, this is worked around the corner and a single is taken.

12.3

.

Just outside off, Sibley covers his off pole and lets it go to the keeper.

12.2

1

Good running! This is on off, Burns pushes it to the left of point and gets to the other end.

12.1

.

Fuller and on off, this is driven back to the bowler.

11.6

3

Fuller on off, Burns flicks it through square leg. Boult manages to save it before the ropes, saves a run for his side.

11.5

.

Back of a length, Rory defends it off the back foot.

11.4

.

Outside off, Burns leaves it alone.

11.3

.

Edged but safe. Fuller on off and middle, Burns looks to defend on the on side but gets a leading edge towards point. Luckily it does not carry.

11.2

.

Goes outside off now, Burns leaves it alone.

11.1

.

De Grandhomme starts with a good length ball on off, Burns keeps it out.

Bowling change. First one of the day. Colin de Grandhomme is into the attack.

10.6

.

Oh that was close! Full outside off, Sibley decides to have a poke at it but is fortunate to not edge it.

10.5

.

Boult goes a bit short this time outside off, Dominic sways away from it.

10.4

.

Outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.

10.3

.

Full and coming in, Sibley keeps his eyes on the ball and flicks it to short mid-wicket.

10.2

.

Back of a length on off, Sibley defends it to the on side this time.

10.1

.

Good length ball on off, Sibley defends it with a straight bat.

9.6

.

Full and going away outside off, Burns once again is not tempted to drive that.

9.5

.

Southee corrects his line and bowls it fuller outside off. He wants Burns to drive but Rory is happy to let it go.

9.4

4

FOUR! A rare loose delivery and Burns is ready to pounce on it in a flash. Back of a length ball outside off, Burns gets on his back foot and punches it through point right off the meat for a boundary.

9.3

.

A short one on the body, Burns ducks under it.

9.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

9.1

.

On off, this is pushed to the man at mid off.

8.6

.

This is closer to the off pole, Sibley keeps it out easily.

8.5

.

Angles this across the batter but ends up bowling it too wide outside off, not played at.

8.4

1

Back of a length and on off, Burns plays it late through backward point and takes one. A run after 15 balls off Boult's bowling.

8.3

.

Angles this one into the batter, Burns is solid in defense.

8.2

.

A sharp bouncer but it is spotted early by Burns. He evades it.

8.1

.

Off the outer half! Full and on middle, it moves away late. Burns looks to drive it with a straight bat but it goes off the outer half towards point.

7.6

4

FOUR! Once again a brilliant flick shot. This is fuller and on middle from Southee. Sibley shuffles across and then flicks it against the movement and through mid-wicket for one more boundary. He is on 8 and both the boundaries he scored have been hit in that area.

7.5

.

Slips this one down the leg side, Sibley looks to flick but misses.

7.4

.

Fuller and on middle, Sibley strokes it towards mid on who moves to his right and stops it nicely.

7.3

.

A good bumper but once again it is down the leg side, Sibley ducks under it with ease.

7.2

.

A harmless delivery, outside off, it is not played at.

7.1

.

Fuller and on middle, Sibley pushes it to mid on.

6.6

.

BEATEN! Once again the last ball is a beauty! This is a length delivery on off, it moves away late. Burns defends inside the line and gets beaten.

6.5

.

Fuller and on middle, Burns strokes it nicely but Boult gets down and stops it.

6.4

.

Better! This is what he needs to do more, make the batter play. Attacks the stumps this time, Burns keeps it out nicely.

6.3

.

One more delivery outside off, not played at. Boult has not made the batter play enough. He has been a little too wide.

6.2

.

Slightly fuller but outside off, it is left alone.

6.1

.

Fuller and on off, Burns strokes it to mid off.

5.6

.

A crisp drive to end but for no runs! A maiden by Southee. Fuller and on off, Sibley strokes it to mid off.

5.5

.

Goes fuller this time and bowls it on the stumps. Sibley lunges and keeps it out.

5.4

.

Outside off, Sibley need not play at those.

5.3

.

Good length again and on off, DS goes back and keeps it out.

5.2

.

Fuller and outside off, Sibley lets it be.

5.1

.

Back of a length and on off, Sibley keeps it out.

4.6

.

A stifled appeal but nothing! Finally Boult gets one right and he beats the outside edge. This is a length delivery, it is angled into the off pole but then leaves the batter. Burns looks to defend but is beaten. An appeal but not a confident one. Not given. Well, well, well, Hot Spot rolls in later on and it shows the tiniest of marks as it goes past the bat. It is very, very slight to say the least. Can't blame anyone for that as it looked to be missing the bat to the naked eye and one would need to have scanning vision to detect that.

4.5

.

Attacks the stumps and Burns pushes it to mid on.

4.4

.

One more shorter in length delivery on middle, Burns ducks under it.

4.3

.

On the fuller side and on off, Burns strokes it towards extra cover.

4.2

.

On a length and around off, Burns defends it on the leg side.

4.1

.

On the fuller side and outside off, Burns does not fiddle with it.

3.6

.

On the fuller side but the line is outside off, tempting the batsman to go after it. Sibley does not fiddle with it. Maiden from Southee! First one of the game!

3.5

.

Goes short this time but down the leg side, it is ducked under.

3.4

.

This starts on middle and then moves away. Sibley gets right behind the line and is solid in defense.

3.3

.

Attacks the off pole this time, Sibley shows the full face of the bat and hits it to mid on.

3.2

.

Goes wide of the crease and bowls this one outside off, Sibley does not play at it.

3.1

.

Good length and outside off, it is left alone.

2.6

4

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Burns. England are off to a brisk start here. Boult looks to bowl the magic delivery, he tries to swing it from the leg pole to the off. No movement and it is clipped past square leg and it races away to the fence.

2.5

4

FOUR! Just a mere push for Burns' first boundary! Lovely shot. Fuller and on middle, Burns shows the full face of the bat and hits it down towards the long on fence. Mid on gives it a chase but he has no chance despite a dive.

2.4

.

Well bowled! This is angled into the middle pole, no swing this time. Burns pushes it to short mid-wicket.

2.3

.

And again, too wide outside off, Burns will not be going after those so early in his innings.

2.2

.

One more delivery wide outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one. Boult is getting the ball to move nicely, the line is not that great though.

2.1

.

Outside off and it moves away further. Left alone.

1.6

.

Fuller outside off, Dominic lunges forward and leaves it alone.

1.5

.

Southee pulls his length back on this occasion, Sibley keeps his eyes on the ball and blocks it.

1.4

.

Another ball outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to it.

1.3

.

Good length ball outside off, it goes away from the batter. Sibley does not go chasing after it and leaves it alone.

1.2

1

Direct Hit and Sibley could have been in trouble. Fuller on off and middle, Burns tucks it towards short mid-wicket and calls for a quick single. Sibley responds to his partner and keeps his head down and steams to the other end. Jeet Raval gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Dominic puts in a dive. Replays show the dive might have saved Sibley. You do not want to get run out in Tests especially on your debut.

1.1

.

Little shape in for Southee first up. Fuller ball angling in from middle and off, Burns defends it with a straight bat.

Tim Southee to partner Trent Boult with the new ball.

0.6

4

FOUR! That is some way to score your first Test runs! A lovely clip off the pads. This is fuller and tailing back in from middle. Sibley was ready for it, he does not plant his front foot way too across and just flicks it through mid-wicket. It races away.

0.5

1

England are underway! This one goes off the inside edge. Fuller and on off, it goes on with the angle. Burns plays outside the line this time, it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for one.

0.4

.

Edged and short! Played that with soft hands! Another length delivery around middle, it moves away. Burns plays it with soft hands but does so inside the line. It goes off the outside edge but well short of third slip.

0.3

.

Swing again! On a length and around off, shapes away again. Burns initially looks to play but then pulls his bat back.

0.2

.

Lands this one on a length and around off, some shape away from the batter. Burns is solid in defense.

0.1

.

An aggressive start by Boult. He starts off with a bumper so the ball does not get any chance of doing its bit. Burns spots it and ducks under it. Maybe a bouncer because we saw Burns struggling against that delivery against Australia a few months back. He played that one well though.

We are all set for the action to begin! The Kiwi players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by a new English opening pair of Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley. The left-hander will be on strike and he will be facing Trent Boult. Will he get some swing early on? We will find out as he runs in to bowl the first ball. Here we go...

NEW ZEALAND (PLAYING XI) - Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (WK), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.

ENGLAND (PLAYING XI) - Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad.

TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of the visitors. ENGLAND OPT TO BAT FIRST!

So which side is the favourite heading into this game? New Zealand right? Well, keeping England's record in mind in recent times Down Under and also, how the Kiwis have performed, especially at home, you have to call them the favourites. England however, will surely have a say about that. An exciting 5 days (If the Test goes that long) await! Stay tuned for further updates.

A warm welcome to the coverage of the first Test of this 2-match Test series between New Zealand and England. Not sure how many people from Asia, apart from us will be enjoying this game but surely loads of people from other parts of the world will do so, especially after the enthralling T20I series. The longer format promises to be no less with the first game being played at Mount Maunganui which is hosting its first ever Test match.

Match Center

1st Test, Mount Maunganui, November 21, 2019, 03:30 AM

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