England vs New Zealand, Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, 2026 Jun 17 Full score card

OUT! BOWLED! That's it. Henry gets his 6th, fittingly and NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 253 RUNS. Cox gets across and looks to lap but misses the ball totally. Henry targets the stumps and even though Archer is in the opposition, the archer in him is not missing anything on this day. The ball lands and disturbs the woodwork.

Chattogram wins the race. Denying a Banglawash in the third ODI, the Aussies themselves have inflicted a 'Kanga'wash over Bangladesh, winning the 3-match T20I series 3-0. Forced to bowl first, they first choked Bangladesh to 109/8 and then chased it down in 11 overs, losing just 3 wickets.

Oh dear. Poor game sense? Kyle Jamieson throws his arms up in the air and expresses his frustration. Cox gets across and somehow, manages to sweep it through square leg. The ball is going towards the ropes and Will O'Rourke is running after it, but the whole team shouts at him to let it go. Strangely, he does not hear and stops the ball, with the batters content with the single! Devon Conway gets across and just calms O'Rourke down, who seems to be confused at his teammates' reactions. One also felt that there were shouts to kick the ball into the ropes as well, but then had O'Rourke done that, it would have been a penalty of 5 runs.

Going into white-ball mode here now, is Cox. Shuffles across his stumps, but gets a very full ball outside off and he can only push it back.

Full and outside off, Jordan drives it towards mid off.

SIX! LAUNCHED OFF THE RUNWAY! Yes, this is the Cox that the Oval Invincibles are so used to! Have some fun, lad, and what a grab in the crowd! A short ball, outside off, Jordan Cox swings massively and clears mid-wicket with ease. And with the same ease, a youngster stands up, waiting behind two others in front of him to take the catch and grabs it with his left hand! Nice one.

Short, outside off, Jordan Cox has a heave and mistimes it over mid-wicket. Gets a couple.

On a length, outside off, punched towards point.

Interesting point by Simon Doull on air. He reckons that New Zealand would want to wrap this up as soon as possible for an important reason. If the Kiwis win this soon, there is a high likelihood that they can travel to Nottingham tonight itself. As opposed to say, if the match extends beyond Lunch or something, they might be able to travel only tomorrow. The third Test begins on Thursday, so it will be a big deal if they can travel tonight and rest, and get three days to prepare and acclimatize to Trent Bridge. Small small things.

Full and wide outside off, let through.

On a length, outside off, left alone.

Good stop. On a length, outside off, SB goes back and dabs it through gully. But the fielder dives to his right and parries it to backward point.

Full and straight, Sonny gets the big front foot out again and blocks.

Fuller, around off, Baker gets a good stride in to block.

On a length, outside off, Sonny Baker defends.

The Oval first, or Chattogram? Very few people would have thought that this match could actually end before the third and final T20I between Bangladesh and Australia. While the Kiwis are just a wicket away from a win here, the Aussies are a couple of sixes away from a whitewash there.

FOUR! Very cheeky and 200 IS UP FOR ENGLAND! A short ball, outside off, Cox waits for the ball, ducks and then arches back to ramp it over the slips to the deep third fence!

Yes, no, wait. Full, on middle, Jordan Cox pushes it down the ground. Initially, he sets off for the single, as this is the 5th ball of the over and Baker responds. But then, Cox sees mid on come up and changes his mind. Sonny is about to be baked but luckily for him, the fielder fumbles and he gets back in.

Full and outside off, JC blocks it with good technique towards cover.

On a good length, outside off, Jordan blocks it to the off side.

Glorious, for nothing. Overpitched, outside off, Cox leans and drives it beautifully down the ground, but mid off quickly gets across to his right and stops the ball.

On a length, outside off, cutting in, Jordan Cox gets a good stride in and works it off the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket.

Let's have some tongue twisters and some rhyming. How about this - Here is Baker, with Cox for a chat, one to block, one to whack, can England pull off one final act?

Full again, on off, Sonny presses ahead and smothers it down the pitch.

Just a little nip back in from off to middle, full in length. A confident front foot block by Baker in reply.

Cuts back in from a good length, Jordan Cox looks to punch it on the rise through the off side, but gets an inside edge and the ball squirts through square leg for a single.

Just short of full, outside off, Cox drives it gloriously but finds cover.

A touch fuller, outside off, pushed towards mid off this time.

It does seem like Latham and Henry forgot or did not realize that this was a hattrick ball. Hardly any attacking field. On a good length, around off, coming in, Jordan Cox pushes it towards mid on.

Here we are then. Hat-trick time. What field will Latham set? How about 4 slips, two gullies, a leg slip, a short leg and a silly point? No, he does not overdo it. In fact, it is a spread field, with only two slips. Have both, the bowler and captain forgotten, this is a hat-trick ball?

Oh, almost! Baker almost got toasted. But he survives. Kyle bends his back to hit the hard length, around the imaginary fourth stump line. Sonny Baker looks to defend awkwardly, but the ball straightens past the outside edge, whistling past to the keeper.

Short of a good length, outside off. Jordan walks across the stumps and steers it to deep backward square leg for a single.

An in-angler on a good length, on off. Jordan Cox stands tall to punch it away, but the ball cuts in and that ekes a thick inside edge to square leg.

Full and straight, Jordan works it through mid-wicket, thinks about running, but then realizes that he won't get a couple there. Sends Baker back.

Proper cheer this time. On a length, outside off, Cox punches this on the up through the covers and gets a couple.

A short ball, around off, angling in, Jordan Cox pull-helps it towards deep backward square leg. Don't know whether it is an ironic cheer, but the Oval is cheering. Cox does not take a single, understandably. Not a bad time to go all out before the team gets all out?

Congratulations, Matt. England are on the mat. Sonny Baker walks in at number 11, replacing Josh Tongue. He will be off strike though, as the over has ended. If there is another over after this one, Henry will be on a hattrick. What an achievement that would be - best Test figures and a hattrick as well.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Top-drawer bowling from Henry and this rewards him with the 10th wicket of the match. Back of a length, outside the off stump. Tongue pokes at it without moving his feet an inch and gets a thick outside edge that flies into the hands of Daryl Mitchell at first slip. A golden duck, and New Zealand are one wicket away from a famous win. Henry is over the moon and lets out a huge roar, getting engulfed by his teammates. Deservedly so.

Happening all too quickly. 3 wickets in 17 balls for 4 runs. Josh Tongue walks in next, at number 10, replacing Matthew Fisher.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! The stumps are in an absolute mess and Henry is nearing a 10-wicket haul in this Test. He's got nine in the match so far. He hits the hard length and keeps it around the off stump, getting it to nip back in a touch. Matthew Fisher could have left that alone, but that's the kind of line on which Henry bowled this one where you are found in two minds, whether to leave it or play at it. Fisher goes for the second option. He hangs the bat loosely away from the body and gets an inside edge back onto the stumps. England are 192/8, completely on the mat now.

Curves back in from off, on a fractionally fuller length. Fisher lets the ball angle into him and then blocks it, more off the inner half of the bat as the ball rolls to the leg side.

Fuller, veering outside off, Fisher fishes and misses.

Fuller, outside off, driven straight to mid off.

On a length, outside off, Matthew Fisher plays inside the line and is beaten.

This is a big innings for Cameron White. Oops, I mean Jordan Cox. Don't know why, everytime I see this guy, I am remembered about former Aussie Cameron White and he bats also like him. Anyway, roughly 2-and-a-half years ago, Cox was supposed to make his Test debut in New Zealand. But a finger injury delayed that. Now that he has got a chance here, he needs to make it count. 463 is too far a bridge to cross, but a 50, or possibly even a 100 would go a long way in cementing his attitude under pressure.

Length delivery, with the line of attack outside off. Extra bounce. Cox fends it to the gully region where Phillips makes a sharp stop.

FOUR! Timed well enough. But at first sight, it looked like Cox wasn't completely in control of the shot. Back of a length, outside off. Jordan Cox does not go fully through his shot, and sort of punches it tentatively through backward point. The ball, however, races through for a boundary.

Jamieson bashes the length hard, and extracts a decent bit of bounce. Around off and Cox rises up to ride the bounce before dropping it in front of point.

Back of a length, outside off, Jordan pushes it towards point.

On a good length, outside off, coming in with the angle, Cox hangs back to defend.

Full and straight, around off, Jordan Cox comes half forward and pushes it towards cover.

Ohh! Good probing line and length. In and around the off stump line, cutting away off the pitch. Matthew Fisher has a feel for it, gets on the front foot, but just about resists his temptation to poke it and drags the bat inside the line to leave.

Goes full and on off, does Henry. Fisher lunges forward, head on top of the ball and blocks it.

The spitting cobra! Rears up awkwardly on a good length while jagging back in. Fisher is taken aback but he manages to fend it down to the cordon.

Quick deceleration. Matthew Fisher walks in next, at number 9, replacing Archer. He takes a long time to come out, either probably because he was not expecting the wicket to fall so soon or maybe, was not initially rostered to go out at 9. Takes a long time to find his gear before eventually walking out.

OUT! BOWLED! Not allowed. No matter how good a batter you are, you just cannot play that kind of a delivery. Archer is disappointed to no end and he has every right to be so. Henry targets the stumps, keeping it full and straight, landing just around off. Jofra Archer tries to be half forward, aiming to play it straight, but the ball pitches and goes at a height of around just 1 centimetre above the surface. A total grubber. Goes well beneath the bat and crashes into the stumps. Sometimes, there is nothing you can do. This is one of those times. Second wicket in the over and Henry has 8 in the match! ENGLAND ARE 188/7.

On a length, outside off, Jofra Archer pushes it towards point.

Jofra Archer walks in next, at number 8, replacing his skipper, Joe Root.

OUT! LBW! Did Root get any bat on it though? He has sent this upstairs. If no bat, this looks stone dead. Nothing on UltraEdge. This could be it. Ball Tracking - Impact in line, hitting leg stump! No century for Root and more importantly, New Zealand have crushed England's hopes of resistance on the 13th ball of the morning. Simply relentless bowling. Henry lands this on a good length outside off and gets it to nip back in. Joe Root comes forward to defend but misses the movement and gets hit on the pads. Henry appeals and umpire Nitin Menon's finger is up in a flash. Unlike last evening, Root does not not review immediately. He takes a while, probably knowing that he is gone for all money, before taking a chance with the review. Technology did not help him. The Oval is stunned before it recovers to applaud its legend, giving some sort of a respect to the side. ENGLAND ARE 188/6, CHASING 463.

It is important for England to think ahead. Yes, the priority is to try and chase down 463 but it is also about taking some momentum into the third Test which starts next week.

Edged, but does not carry! Back of a length, seaming away on the off stump line. Joe Root gets slightly squared up and looks to guide it to the off side but gets a thick outside edge. But since he plays with soft hands, the ball dribbles in front of Tom Latham at second slip. He makes a half stop to his right and parries the ball away, allowing the batters to cross for a single.

Nips away with a bit of a bounce, outside off. Joe is a foot and a half outside the crease. He stands up on the toes, plays with soft hands and dabs it to backward point.

Full and around off, Joe Root creams it straight to mid off.

Full and around off, Joe Root drives it towards mid on.

Nicely played, well stopped. Good cricket all around. Fractionally short, outside off, Cox gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers. Glenn Phillips gives it a chase from that region, gets to the ball and pushes it back in with a slide. Someone is partnering him, probably someone from gully or backward point and he does the mop up. One saved, three runs taken.

There is that low bounce. Full and slightly wide outside off, coming in, Jordan Cox shoulders arms and the ball goes low past him, through to the keeper.

Will O'Rourke from the other end? Nope. Kyle Jamieson it shall be. 14-4-37-3 so far.

The top-of-off length, Jordan Cox arches back and punches it wide of cover for a single.

Much fuller than the previous ball, aiming at the stumps. Jordan presses forward and defends it solidly.

Folds back in a bit from a good length, angling to the leg stump. Cox is watchfull and bunts it down the pitch.

A bit off the radar. Full and down the leg side, the skipper flicks it behind square leg for a single. The first run of Day 5.

On a length, outside off, Root lets it go.

What a start. For someone who has watched the highlights of Day 4, the person would have felt that the highlights have prolonged. What Henry did for the whole of the innings, he starts exactly in the same way. On a length, just outside off, Joe Root looks to defend but the ball nips back in, takes the inside edge and hits the pad. Unrelenting.

The players are back out in the middle. Bright and sunny conditions welcome us all. It will be Matt Henry to start things off to Joe Root. Here we go...

All set are we then, to watch some action. A Kiwi fan would want this to end within the next hour. Break this current partnership and you are into the bowlers. An English fan would want the Root masterclass to continue, first a century, then possibly a double. A neutral cricket fan would want good cricketing action. Hoping that it would go till the final hour of the final session would be too much to ask, one guesses, but at least, two fighting ones? Say, England get close to somewhere between 350 and 400?

Weather watch and conditions - June 21st is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, but can it be a long day for the bowlers? Umm, not likely. Yes, it is set to be a touch hotter than yesterday, nudging into the late twenties with comparatively less cloud cover as well. The pitch has been deteriorating, and there is possibly some spin on offer for the part-timers, and New Zealand have that variety in their attack to exploit what The Oval serves up.

5 wickets away - And now, the Kiwis are just five scalps away from something that has been a long time coming. But England's resistance today will prove the weight of that word 'just'. Their last Test win in England vs England was back in 2021 in Birmingham. Furthermore, their last win at The Oval goes even further back, to 1999, and remarkably, this is also the first time they have played here since. So the history is stacking up, and so is the opportunity to level the series. A very engaging final day beckons at The Oval. The first ball ain't that far now.

Black Caps sense history - The Kiwis have toasted England to good measure with accurate bowling execution with respect to the pitch. They first reduced the Englishmen to 40/3, cutting off any chance of a steady foundation for the chase, and have had a knack for penetrating whenever a partnership has started to look threatening. Kyle Jamieson has been the chief wrecker, standing tall (literally), with his height extracting awkward bounce that has made life uncomfortable for every batter not named Root. Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke have both been equally relentless from either end too. And the responsibility pretty much lies with these blokes to wrap it up as quickly as possible.

Three captains leading from the front - Wait. Three captains? Yes, you read it right. On Saturday, three England (former/stand-in, current and probable future) captains batted at the same time. Root is both Stokes' predecessor and his stand-in this week. Brook is widely seen as the successor. And his cameo was exactly what it always is, breathless and audacious, enough to briefly pull attention away from whatever Stokes was doing around 300 miles north for Durham, who himself was making his case stronger for Trent Bridge. But it is Root who is still out there, unbeaten, and it is Root who gives England every reason to believe in Sunday.

Root, who else? The English batting maestro is at it once again. The Oval gave him a standing ovation when he reached two on day four, the moment he became only the second batter after the great Sachin Tendulkar to cross 14,000 Test runs. That’s a lot of runs and he is hungry for more. He acknowledged calmly and got back to the job. He is only 25 runs away from a 42nd Test hundred, but the number occupying his thoughts right now is 281, that England need to pull off something that has never been done before. And on an up and down surface that has tested most of the batters, including the rookies who were handed one of their toughest assignments, Root has been the one immovable wall.

Into the final day - Greetings, all! Bacon sarnies are on, the kettle is boiled and Sunday is perfectly poised for some cricket. Well, firstly, most of us thought that this game wouldn't get dragged this far, but we love to get proven wrong for all the good reasons. And that's the beauty of Test cricket, isn't it? At once, someone has the upper hand, and check half an hour later, the other is bossing it up. New Zealand have been the dominant side across four of the five days. However, it can’t be denied that England have showed far more toughness in the second innings, but they are still far, far away from turning this over. Hello and welcome to the fifth and final day of the second Test. Grab a cuppa and settle in for this exciting ride.

... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

Sunday's tea at? Umm... let's say, at the players' hotel? Given that only 5 wickets are left in this innings, and 281 runs needed, it genuinely looks like a session more of cricket, nothing more. If any, say, Joe Root manages to get to his century and he and Jordan Cox are unseparated in the opening hour, then maybe, we could have a second session of play on the final day. We don't mean to berate anyone. But with only the bowlers to come after this and the footmarks creating a rough on the pitch, batting will only get difficult. Day 5 is scheduled to start at 10 am GMT on Sunday, 21st June, 2026, but our buildup will begin well in advance. Would we have an exciting day in store? Possibly an exciting finish? Or expect the usual predictions? Join us early to find out. In the meanwhile, you can catch all the action from the Women's T20 World Cup and the T20I series between Bangladesh and Australia. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Class is permanent - The top three blown away. Brook starting well, but unable to go on. Rew consumed as well. Only one man, one legend, has stood there like a rock. Joe Root. 75 runs, 137 balls, with 8 classical boundaries. Not too many lucky escapes either, which shows his technique is so supreme. He is probably the only reason why this match has gone into Day 5, else this could have ended on Day 4 itself. The bowling from New Zealand has not been any different to Root, it is just that the maestro has found out a way to bat on this pitch. There are absolutely no demons in it, but still, the ball has done something. It has been no less than a fortune to watch this legend bat and for a cricket fan's sake, let's hope that he enthralls the crowd on Sunday as well.

What went wrong for England? Nothing much, to be honest. They have played positive cricket, and barring the soft dismissals of Emilio Gay and Ben Duckett, the other three have been prized out through disciplined and consistent bowling. It is not as if the batters have been consumed by the target or played poor shots. They have played normal cricket, trusted the true nature of the pitch, but the Black Caps have managed to go through the batters. Kyle Jamieson was the one who struck with the new ball and then, towards the end, got a wonderful review out of Tom Latham to pick up his third. Matt Henry has been as consistent as ever, giving his contribution in the removal of Harry Brook, while Will O'Rourke's bowling figures don't quite do justice to how well he actually bowled.

Boxing match - That's how it has felt like, in this fourth innings. New Zealand pick up three wickets in a small period before Tea. Then, post the break, Harry Brook comes out and plays like the target is to be achieved on Day 4 itself. 62 runs come in the first 8 overs after Tea and the Kiwis are pressed on the back foot. But then, the visitors fight back. First, they build pressure through dots, then get the big wicket of Brook and towards the fag end of the day, dismiss James Rew as well. That's the beauty of Test matches. For long or short periods, one team might be on top, but it just takes a matter of moments to turn things around, especially for the bowling side.

Well played, legend - After that last ball, Kyle Jamieson goes towards one of the all-time greats, Joe Root, and congratulates him, for a wonderful knock thus far. True sportsman spirit, as you can get from any Kiwi. It has been another masterclass from the maestro but this last hour of the final session might have well tilted the game in New Zealand's favour.

No drama on the last ball. On a length, outside off, Jordan Cox gets a big stride in to defend. STUMPS ON DAY 4, ENGLAND ARE 182/5, CHASING 463!

Final ball of Day 4 coming up. Any more dramas left?

Full and straight, Cox works it to one of the two fielders at short mid-wicket.

Yorker length, outside off, Jordan Cox drives it towards cover.

On a good length, outside off, pushed to the off side.

A short ball, outside off, Root swivels and pulls it all along the ground towards deep backward square leg for a single. Suspect that would be it as far as Root is concerned for the day.

Full and outside off, 130 kph, Joe Root comes forward and defends it towards the bowler.

Final over of the day. Can New Zealand prize out Root as well?

Full and straight, JC defends.

Full and outside off, Jordan defends.

On middle and off, worked towards short mid-wicket.

Full and around off, Cox defends this solidly.

On a length, outside off, punched towards cover.

Matt Henry is back on. 12-3-25-1 so far. Short, outside off, cut through point for a single.

Full and outside off, another one keeps low, Jordan keeps it out. Successful over from Jamieson.

Full and around off, Cox defends this down the pitch.

On a good length, outside off, Jordan Cox shoulders arms.

Drama at The Oval. Another debutant, Jordan Cox, walks out at number 7, replacing James Rew.

OUT! LBW! It was all Jamieson on that review and even the Kiwis look stunned. This was a short ball, outside off, from around the wicket and James Rew looked to pull. To his dismay, the ball shot low and hit him right on the box. But while playing that shot, he crouched a bit, to adjust to the lack of bounce. Now, Jamieson appealed but umpire Nitin Menon shook his head. Now, the Kiwis were not so keen but the bowler pressed on and on. Tom Latham asked a couple of other blokes but did not get any convincing answers. Eventually, with 3 seconds left on the clock, he signalled for the review. The moment we see the replays, most of the Kiwis get back to their positions, thinking that the ball is going over the stumps and the review is wasted. But hang on - Ball Tracking shows three reds, with the ball projected to hit the leg stump! The Kiwis are all over Jamieson as the decision is reversed. 10 minutes before Stumps on Day 2, James Rew gets out. 10 minutes before Stumps on Day 4, James Rew gets out! The 43-run stand is broken and ENGLAND ARE 180/5, CHASING 463. Jamieson gets his third scalp.

Oohhh... that kept low! And with 3 seconds left on the clock, Tom Latham has signalled for the review. And dear me, Ball Tracking shows three reds!

Fuller, outside off, James Rew drives it towards mid off.

A short ball, defended from the crease.

England 12 overs down, New Zealand 6. That's the overrate statistic given to us by the two teams in this match. We have got a good Test match, but you add those numbers and you can see that we could have had another 18 overs comfortably by now.

Outside off, defended from the crease.

On middle, worked through mid-wicket for a run.

Nicely timed. Shorter again, around off, 86 kph, this time the skipper wrists it through vacant real estate at mid-wicket. Kyle Jamieson lumbers up from mid on to his right while deep mid-wicket trundles up to his left. Three runs taken. The stand moves to 42.

Quicker and shorter, outside off, 90 kph, Root stays back and blocks it towards point.

From around the wicket, full and outside off, Joe Root lunges and keeps it out.

Full, outside off, James Rew brings out the broom and reverses it to backward point for a single.

On a good length, but well outside off, easy leave for Root.

Fuller, around off, 128 kph, Root leans across and works it towards mid on.

On a good length, outside off, steep bounce, Joe Root arches back and guides it towards backward point.

Full, outside off, Joe Root comes forward and drives it towards mid off.

On middle and off, worked towards short mid-wicket.

On middle, angling in, clipped towards mid on.

The day is not done if you are an English fan. Stumps are set to be drawn at 5.30 pm GMT here and around that time, the third match of the Women's triple header in the T20 World Cup kicks off at Headingley. England take on Scotland in the final match of the day with an aim to keep an unblemished record.

More turn. James lunges to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge and lands short of short leg.

There is that turn and bounce. Full, outside off, landing on the rough, spinning in, James lunges to defend but the ball goes past the inside edge, hits the pads and lobs to short fine leg.

Shorter, outside off, worked towards short leg.

FOUR! CLUBBED! Fast hands. Full, around middle and off, Rew gets down and with lightning-quick action, brings out the reverse sweep. The ball races through point for a boundary. 288 more needed for a win.

Full and outside off, James Rew gets a big stride forward to meet the ball.

Short, outside off, extra bounce from around the wicket, Joe Root pushes it towards point for a single.

Around 23 minutes left for the close. Probably time, from England's point of view, that Joe Root faces as few deliveries as possible, in these dying stages of the day. Tom Latham goes for the gamble now. Brings on his left-arm orthodox, Rachin Ravindra.

Full and down the leg side, driven towards mid on.

A short ball but fired down the leg side, Rew cannot connect.

On middle and leg, Rew works it towards mid on.

On a good length, outside off, the skipper steers it behind point for a single.

On a length, outside off, angling in, Root gets across and defends it towards mid off.

Kyle Jamieson is back on. 10-2-35-2 so far. Straightaway, good carry. On a good length, outside off, Joe Root shoulders arms but the ball, on a Day 4 pitch, is still carrying at shoulder height to the keeper.

On a length, outside off, defended solidly.

Full and straight, well defended.

On middle and off, well kept out.

Full, around off, driven towards cover.

On a length, outside off, James Rew pushes it towards cover.

On a length, outside off, Joe Root dabs it towards cover for a single.

PAKISTAN KNOCKED OUT OF WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP! Meanwhile, some big news coming in from Southampton. On a pitch which saw Australia cross 200 and Netherlands lose only 3 wickets, Bangladesh stuttered to 123/6, only to defend it by 23 runs! In a game full of atrition, Bangladesh have managed to outclass Pakistan, in the match and the tournament. Bangladesh are now third in the points table, with 4 points. With 3 teams on 4 or above, Pakistan are knocked out of the 2026 edition.

Outside off, pushed towards point.

A short ball, outside off, Root pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, the skipper rises with the bounce and pushes it towards point.

Full and straight, Root gets across and works it towards mid on.

Good fielding. On a length, outside off, James Rew opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point. Gully dives to his left, but cannot stop it cleanly. Backward point overruns the ball to his right and that allows the single. The stand moves to 30 (40).

A length ball, down the leg side, Joe Root clips it towards fine leg for a single.

Outside off, pushed towards point.

Nice. On a good length, outside off, James Rew shoulders arms. The ball comes back in a long way and just goes over the top of the stumps!

Shorter, outside off, clipped through square leg for a single.

Outside off, a play and a miss.

FOUR BYES! That's missed everything, but how? On a good length, just outside off, Root tries a cute cheeky dab, but is beaten as the ball jags back in, goes past the inside edge, misses the off stump, goes past the keeper and just about evades the helmet kept on the ground behind! Races to the fence behind. Oh hang on. Replays detect a thick inside edge, confirmed by UltraEdge. So Root has been denied a boundary by the umpire there, but who would be more annoyed? Root, for not being given a boundary, or Blundell, for being penalized byes? Both players flash a smile on looking at the giant screen. ENGLAND NOW NEED UNDER 300 TO WIN - MAKE THAT 299.

On a good length, outside off, 135 kph, angling in, Joe Root falls over a touch and works it towards short mid-wicket.

Bread and batter. On a length, outside off, JR leans and dabs it behind point. Root takes the single and charges back for the second, but is sent back by his partner.

A short ball, down the leg side, Rew takes it on, pulling it powerfully towards deep backward square leg for a run. Kept it down nicely.

On middle and leg, James Rew works it towards mid on.

Banged short, outside off, the skipper gets across, swivels and plays a delightful pull shot through mid-wicket. But it is insured and will be just a single.

Fuller, outside off, Root gets across and then lets it go.

On a good length, outside off, Joe Root defends solidly.

FOUR! That will increase his confidence. Nathan Smith comes in from around the wicket and bowls a delivery around the top of off stump, coming in with the angle, James Rew just nudges it to the left of mid on and gets his first boundary. 306 more needed for victory.

On a good length, outside off, 133 kph, James works it towards short mid-wicket.

Around off, Rew pushes it towards cover.

On a good length, down the leg side, Root works it towards backward square leg for one.

This one jags back in. James Rew plays it from the crease and the length ball goes towards the inside edge, then zips past the stumps towards fine leg. A run taken.

On a good length, around off, coming in, Joe Root works it through square leg for a single.

Nathan Smith returns. 6-1-39-0 so far.

A bouncer to end the over, James Rew ducks. A string of dots by New Zealand then. Just 5 runs off the bat since Brook's dismissal - that's a good 20 deliveries. A total of 13 runs have come in 5 deliveries since Brook's wicket, while the remaining 15 have all been dots.

Wow. That moved a mile. Did it hit something? A short ball, well outside leg, JR shoulders arms. The keeper, Tom Blundell, moves to his right but at the last moment, the ball snakes back in, to his left. He adjusts superbly, diving to that side and collecting the ball. Exceptional keeping again.

Similar delivery, pushed towards mid off this time.

On a good length, around leg stump, James defends it down the pitch.

A touch short this time, angling away from leg stump, Rew chases it and almost nicks it to the keeper.

On a good length, around middle, steep bounce, James Rew rises with the bounce and fends it down.

Thank you, Matt. What a spell that was. 6-2-10-1. Matt Henry is going off the ground, for some well-deserved rest. With around an hour left for Stumps, don't think he will return to bowl, unless Latham plans for a burst of around 2-3 overs before close.

Back of a length, outside off, JR pushes it towards point. Technically a maiden for Henry.

Full, around off, 127 kph, the skipper leans and works it towards mid on.

On a length again, outside off, Joe pushes it towards point.

Full and around off, Root dead-bats it.

Around off, watchfully defended.

FOUR BYES! With the keeper up, anything down the leg side is pretty risky. And New Zealand pay for it. Henry darts this down the leg side, on a length, Joe Root looks to flick but misses. The ball pitches and then rears down the leg side, with the keeper, Tom Blundell, having absolutely no chance to his left. The ball races to the fine leg fence. 150 UP FOR ENGLAND. 313 needed more.

The conditions have changed once again. From gloomy and overcast, with the floodlights switched on, it is now bright and sunny.

On a good length, around leg stump, angling away, James looks to defend but is opened up. The ball goes off his thigh pad towards cover.

FOUR LEG BYES! Down the leg side, Rew looks to tickle it fine but misses. However, the ball races off his hips to the fine leg fence. 317 more needed for the win.

A bouncer, around middle and off, James Rew sways away from the line of the ball.

Landed outside off, steered behind point for a single. Moves to 60.

On a length, outside off, Root gets a big stride forward and shoulders arms.

Full, on middle, Joe Root leans and works it through mid-wicket. Runs hard to come back for the second.

This has been a tireless spell from Henry. 5-1-10-1 so far. Can he bowl a couple more?

Landed outside off, Rew comes forward and defends it towards point. Successful over at last for Henry, getting a wicket in the 5th over of this spell.

Off the mark first ball. Down the leg side, James Rew tickles it through square leg. Kyle Jamieson gives it a good chase to his left from deep square leg and dives to stop the ball. Keeps the batters to a couple.

One of the two debutants, James Rew, walks in next, at number 6, replacing Harry Brook. Made a watchful 24 in the first innings.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Relentless Henry gets the attacking Brook. What a big wicket this is for New Zealand. Henry kept on persisting in that fuller length outside off and eventually, has been rewarded. Full, just outside off, Harry Brook comes forward to defend. He ends up playing just inside the line of the ball and that generates the outside edge. The keeper, Tom Blundell, is upto the stumps but is slightly late in getting upto the ball. The ball is edged onto his thigh, but he cannot even react to try and grab it. But an ever so elert Daryl Mitchell, standing at fly slip, watches the ball like a hawk, reacts accordingly to his left and as calm as a cucumber, buckets the catch! New Zealand are overjoyed as Brook's blistering innings is cut short, with the 97-run stand coming to a close. ENGLAND ARE 137/4 CHASING 463.

On a good length again, around middle and leg, Harry gets across and nudges it towards short mid-wicket.

On a good length, outside off, 127 kph, Brook tries to dab it towards deep third but cannot get it past gully.

Full and around off, Harry Brook gets a lot forward in defense.

DRINKS BREAK. Sanity returns to the proceedings. The first 8 overs post Tea saw 62 runs being scored, while the next 8 have seen just 21. The Kiwis have just tightened their lines and lengths a little bit, while the English batters have been happy to bide their time. Their approach to take the attack to New Zealand worked big time post Tea, as the field is quite well spread now. Additionally, now, 326 runs are needed with 7 wickets in hand, and say, if the hosts stay 3 down by Stumps, that is likely to come down by another 50 runs. Then, to chase 275-odd on the final day looks a lot more easier. The Black Caps have tried hard, but with the ball going soft, nothing is helping them. However, given the way Brook plays, chances are always around the corner and they would be eager to spot those and grab the same.

Short of a length, wide outside off. Joe Root walks across the stumps to cover it and watchfully leaves it alone.

Length delivery, outside off, Joe Root lets it pass through.

Some bounce off the deck! Will O'Rourke bashes it on the good length, outside off, nipping in as well. Joe Root commits on his front foot and makes a leave.

Attacking the stumps now, fuller in length. Joe Root pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Again off the inside edge! Pitches it fuller, does O'Rourke, on off, nipping in a shade. Joe Root lunges to drive it through cover, but gets an inside edge, before it rolls to short mid-wicket.

Bouncer, shaping in, on off. Joe Root looks to defend it to cover, but the ball catches the inside edge and it drops dead on the track.

Good length, on off and middle, shaping in. Harry Brook pushes it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, on off, Joe Root punches it with a small leap, through cover for one.

Hard-length delivery, just outside off, Joe Root defends it late to backward point.

Fired fuller, on the pads, Harry Brook clips it to deep square leg for one.

Tap and single! On the back of a good length, outside off, Joe Root pushes it with soft hands to the left of short cover and gets a quick single.

Served fuller, just outside off, Joe Root drives it to mid off.

Well, Harry Brook is not quite happy with his bat. He has as many as 4 bats to choose from (pretty expensive ones, as per the on-air commentators) and eventually, selects one.

Back of a length, outside off, Harry Brook punches it away from his body to the right of deep backward point for a couple of runs.

Full, at the stumps, Joe Root works it to the right of short mid-wicket for a single.

A touch fuller, outside off, Root looks to play it late, opening the face of his bat, but the ball catches the inside edge and he wears it on his pad.

Off the inside edge! The luck is simply not clicking for the Kiwis. Good-length delivery, shaping in, at the middle stump. Harry Brook camps back to push it to the off side, but gets an inside edge and it zips past the stumps, toward short fine leg. Single taken.

Jamieson bangs this one on the deck and offers a bouncer, around off. Harry Brook walks down the track and hops a bit to defend it away.

Back of a length, just outside off, Harry Brook dabs it down.

Pitched up, on the pads, Joe Root clips it to the left of deep mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs.

Full, at the stumps, Harry Brook punches it to left of mid on for one.

Length, just outside off, Harry Brook blocks it to cover.

LBW DECISION OVERTURNED AGAIN! Almost a carbon copy of last time. This one is on a good length, pitching just outside off and nipping in sharply. Harry Brook rocks back to flick it away, but it gets past the inside edge and hits his pad. Henry appeals and the umpire agrees. Brook though, immediately reviews it. Matt Henry has a word with Brook and cannot believe that he hit that. The replays roll in and this looks real close to the naked eye. However, UltraEdge pops up and shows that there is a clear spike when the ball passes the bat, before hitting the pad. The decision has been overturned and Harry Brook stays alive.

A touch fuller, on off, Harry Brook fends it to the off side.

On a length, outside off, Joe Root pushes it to point.

Good-length delivery, nipping away. Harry Brook tries to dab it to cover, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a length, at the stumps, Joe Root hangs back and clips it to rigth of short mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Finds the gap again, does Root and it's a FIFTY for the English skipper. A touch fuller, in the corridor on uncertainty. Joe Root once again strides out toward the ball and opens the face of the bat just before the ball connects the bat, to find the gap between gully and slip cordon for four runs. The Oval stands on its feet to applaud the masterpiece from the leader of the home team. It is his 67th half century in Tests and 27th as a skipper.

Pitches it up, does Kyle, outside off. Joe Root leans onto it and defends it to the off side.

On the fuller side, outside off, Harry Brook brings out his front foot and drives it through cover for a single.

Jamieson serves this fuller, close to the off stump. Harry Brook works it toward short mid-wicket.

On a length, on off and middle, Root nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Full-length delivery, outside off, not much movement on this delivery. Joe Root lunges and tries to drive it away through cover, but gets nicked on the inside edge, before hitting the pads.

Pushes his length fuller, does Henry, on off, Root rests it down to cover.

On a nagging length, just outside off, Joe Root gets on his back foot and tucks it with soft hands to short mid-wicket.

Nice and full, shaping in, around off, Joe Root gets on his front foot and blocks it back to the bowler.

Angling in, on the back of a length, on off and middle. Joe Root rocks back and defends it to the left of the bowler.

On a length, outside off, 133 kph, Brook opens the face of his bat and guides it towards backward point.

Full and outside off, Brook works it towards mid-wicket.

On middle and leg, Joe Root falls over a touch and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Outside off, driven straight down the ground but cannot beat mid on.

Back of a length, outside off, Root defends solidly.

A short ball, worked through square leg for a single.

Outside off, worked towards mid-wicket.

Outside off, pushed straight to point.

Outside off, on a length, defended solidly.

On middle and leg, Brook fails to get it away. The ball goes off his pads through square leg and a leg bye is taken.

Outside off, played through point for a single.

GIVEN OUT LBW! But has Root hit this? He takes the review instantaneously and sure enough, UltraEdge detects a spike! A huge roar goes around the ground, but after a bit of confusion from the third umpire. Henry gets this one to nip back in from a length and catches Root in his crease, hitting him on the pads. Umpire Holdstock immediately raises his finger on the appeal but almost simultaneously, Root signals for the review, indicating to Brook that he had hit it. Sure enough, the replay shows it straightaway, but the third umpire follows the protocols and checks the UltraEdge. Now, New Zealand start to celebrate as they feel that the ball has hit the pad first, then the bat. But the third umpire is convinced after a couple of looks, that it is bat first. He is ready with his decision, but at the last moment, remembers to check the no ball. Normally, that is done first, but it is done now and after all this drama, the onfield decision is overturned!

Matt Henry is brought back on. 6-1-15-0 so far.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR BROOK, IN 33 BALLS! His 17th in Test cricket. Taken this innings by storm, hasn't he? Laced with 10 fours and a six. On a length, outside off, Brook gently opens the face of his bat and guides it past slip to the deep third fence.

Around off, defended down the pitch.

FOUR! CLUBBED! On a length, outside off, Brook dances down the track and slaps it over mid off for consecutive boundaries!

FOUR! Number 8 for Brook, but a bit fortuitous. Full, outside off, Harry Brook looks to drive it through the covers but the ball moves away a touch and goes slightly off the outside edge, behind point, to the deep third fence. Moves to 43 (30).

Outside off, Root stays in his crease this time, comes forward and drives it throguh the covers for a single. 359 more needed for the win.

Interesting. Even for Kyle Jamieson, Joe Root is walking down the pitch. Maybe, trying to negate the LBW dismissal. Gets a ball on a good length, covers his stumps and blocks it towards mid on.

Outside off, nipping back in, Joe Root whips it around the corner, behind square leg, for a single.

Outside off, Harry Brook manages to get it through point and crosses over.

On a length again, this time HB looks to tap and run to the off side but is wisely sent back by Root.

There's that line, just outside off, honing on a length, Harry looks to defend but plays well inside the line as the ball zips past the outside edge. Excellent take by Tom Blundell standing upto the stumps.

Full and around off, Brook defends this solidly, coming forward.

FOUR! Lovely batting. Breathtaking half-an-hour's action post Tea. Slightly short, outside off, Harry Brook pulls it easily over mid-wicket and finds his 7th four, to go along with a six. The 100 IS UP FOR ENGLAND and this stand moves to 61 (54). 362 more needed for victory.

On a length, outside off, JR gets half a stride ahead and offers a dead bat. The ball pitches, nips back in, but just about manages to hit the bat and the pad, rolling towards point.

Fuller and slightly wider outside off, Joe gets a big stride out and across, shouldering arms.

Fuller, outside off, 130 kph, the skipper comes forward and drives it towards cover.

Back of a length now, outside off, coming in with the angle, Joe defends.

Oohhh... gone, but for the inside edge! On a length, outside off, Root looks to defend, but the ball nips back in a long way, nearly goes through the gap between bat and pad, but at the last moment, manages to hit the inside edge and deflect onto the pad.

Kyle Jamieson is recalled into the attack now. 5-1-10-2 so far. On a length, outside off, Joe Root drives it towards cover.

SIX! CLOBBERED! Different ball, same result! Too short and too straight, around off, Harry Brook sits deep in his crease and pulls it magnificently over square leg! Moves to 34 (24) and England need another 366 runs for victory.

New Zealand finally have their wish. With the ball doing nothing, they have been showing it to the umpires for a change, without much success. Eventually, the umpires have now agreed to CHANGE THE BALL as it seems to have been battered and gone out of shape. What else can you expect, with Brook bashing it to all parts? Conversely, the Kiwis will hope that the replacement ball zips along. The skies have grown very cloudy and overcast and there should be some assistance for movement.

Full and outside off, Harry looks to hammer it away, but cannot get it past mid off.

Full and just outside off, Brook defends watchfully.

On a length, outside off, Harry Brook tries to force it through the line, through the covers, but does not move his feet and is beaten comprehensively.

Down the leg side, Root helps it through fine leg for a single.

50-STAND IS UP, IN JUST 42 BALLS! Positive intent is always the way forward. England have come out all guns blazing post Tea, but without playing any rash shots. They have scored 36 runs in just 4.1 overs already. Full, around off, Joe Root leans and flicks it through square leg for a couple. Root moves to 41 (55).

Banged in short, around middle, Joe goes for the pull, but is beaten by pace. The ball goes off his gloves behind square leg and a single is taken. 13 from the over, 34 in the last 3!

FOUR! UP AND OVER! That's the third boundary in this over and Root is nailing that deep third boundary. Back of a length, outside off, Joe Root is ready once again. Arches back and ramps it over the slip cordon to the fence. England need another 376 runs for the win.

Back of a length, outside off, Joe thinks about dabbing it but takes his bat away at the last moment.

On a length, outside off again, watchfully defended this time.

FOUR MORE! There comes his favourite shot now. On a length, outside off, Root goes back, gently opens the face of his bat and dabs it wide of first slip to the deep third fence again! The stand moves to 43 (37).

FOUR! The skipper gets into the act now! Short, outside off, Joe Root arches back and at the last moment, ramps it over the vacant slip cordon to the deep third fence! Moves to 30 (49) with his 5th boundary.

Short again, outside off, HB heaves it over mid-wicket. Doesn't get enough of it, but the intent is pretty clear. Two runs taken, 21 scored in the last 2 overs!

FOUR! 4th boundary in the last 7 balls for Brook and this is getting exciting. On a length outside off, Harry Brook stays back and intentionally, opens the face of his bat and guides it through the vacant short third region. The Kiwis have now employed a fly slip in place.

On middle and off, on a length, defended watchfully.

FOUR! BRUTAL! That's three boundaries in the last 5 balls for Brook who has ticked a gear. Short, outside off, Brook sits deep in his crease and heaves the pull over mid-wicket.

Full and just outside off, Harry Brook defends it solidly.

On middle and leg, Joe Root works it behind square leg for a single.

FOUR! BOSH! Brook is fighting fire with fire. O'Rourke bangs it in short, but Brook is ready. He is not going to block. Gets on the front foot, takes the bowler and the ball on and pulls it with aplomb over mid-wicket for a boundary. 399 runs more needed for the win.

On a length, outside off, Joe Root pushes this behind point and gets the white-ball skipper back on strike.

Short and wide outside off, now Harry slaps this with disdain, but New Zealand have done their homework. Devon Conway is lurking at deep backward point. Just a single.

FOUR! FABULOUS! Very full, on middle, Harry Brook comes forward a touch and just plays a forward defensive stroke. But the timing is so sweet that the ball races down the ground. Don't know when, but Kyle Jamieson is back on the field and tries chasing it down. But he is stiff and his dive cannot provide a result.

Outside off, slightly fuller, Brook pushes it away but finds gully in his way.

On a length, outside off, Harry Brook looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

A couple of substitutes have taken the field for New Zealand. One can see Will Young and Mitchell Santner in the field, with Kyle Jamieson and Rachin Ravindra having an extended Tea break. Will O'Rourke will continue.

On a good length, just outside off, 131 kph, Joe Root pushes it towards point.

Full and straight, the skipper drives it towards mid on.

On a good length this time, outside off, 131 kph, JR hangs back and defends it towards cover.

Very wide of the crease is Henry, bowling it pretty full, around off, nearly a yorker, Joe watches it till the last moment and digs it out towards point.

Slightly wider outside off, coming in, Root shoulders arms.

On the money, straightaway. On a length, around off, Joe Root defends.

With the 14K monkey off his back, Joe Root will be a lot more relaxed going into this innings. The players are back on the field. It will be Nathan Smith to kick things off to Joe Root.

... DAY 4, FINAL SESSION ...

Soft underbelly - New Zealand will be eyeing at England's inexperienced middle order with hungry eyes. Break this Root-Brook stand and you have two debutants coming up next, followed by the bowlers. Dare we say, if the Black Caps go bang-bang after the break, this match could get over tonight itself. 39 overs are scheduled in the day, so anything can happen. Conversely, the hosts might be close to 200 as well, who knows. The final session is scheduled to begin at around 3 pm GMT.

Attack is the best form of defense - So say a few legends. When in trouble, counterattack and transfer the pressure onto the opposition. Last year, having been set a target of 374 by India in the final innings, England ransacked 367 at around 4.3 runs per over, riding largely on twin centuries from the men currently in the middle - Joe Root and Harry Brook. They added 195 runs for the 4th wicket, putting the Indians on the mat, almost pulling off a coup. Whether they can do it again or not here, with nearly another 100 runs added to the target is a doubt, but the approach will more or less be the same, especially from Brook, who will look to play only one way. That could mean plenty of opportunities for New Zealand to take wickets. Either ways, the next session will be fun.

Keep it short - It was actually an interesting tactic from the Kiwi seamers. Normally, one goes for the fuller lengths with the new ball, which the Black Caps did, but very quickly, got the short ball into play. They were able to generate some extra bounce and that made life difficult for England. The lengths were mixed up pretty beautifully and that caused the wickets to fall. Emilio Gay will be cursing himself for flicking a half volley straight to hand, while Bethell got a beauty very early on. And then, Ben Duckett, who had been riding his luck against the short ball, was dismissed a few minutes before Tea. It is pretty evident that the hosts were not expecting the short length so early in this innings and have been caught on the back foot.

The torrid hour - These kind of passages can often be tricky for batters. Especially for a side like England, who like to attack from the word go. Make no mistake, set them a target of 500 runs on the final day and even that will be aimed to be knocked off by these English batters. That's their confidence. But when you have roughly an hour and a quarter to bat, you are neither here nor there. You don't want to be reckless but at the same time, don't want to go into a shell either. And that double-mindedness has cost the home side three precious wickets in this excellent mini session for New Zealand.

Full, on middle and off, Root leans and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. That will be TEA ON DAY 4, ENGLAND 54/3 CHASING 463!

FOUR! BOOM! Asking for punishment and obliged. Short and wide outside off, Joe Root reaches out and slaps a cut through point, with the ball racing away. En route, Root has become the first batter to score 2000 runs or more against New Zealand in Tests. This is the third opposition against whom he has scored 2000 Test runs or more, having achieved the feat against two other favourite opponents - India and Australia. Additionally, 50 IS UP FOR ENGLAND, NEEDING 410 MORE.

Similar ball, coming back in, this time JR shoulders arms.

Yes and a no. On a good length, outside off, Joe pushes it towards point and sets off for a single, but is wisely sent back. That would have been touch and go, which would have been pretty needless in a Test match, that too, with a break around the corner.

Slipped down the leg side, with a leg slip in place. Root has a flick, but misses as he falls over a touch.

On a good length, outside off, Joe Root goes back and dabs it towards backward point.

Should be the final over before Tea.

FOUR! BLUDGEONED! Good response from Brook. Slightly overpitched, outside off, a touch wide, Harry Brook leans into the shot and blasts it through the covers for a boundary.

Better from Brook. He has been stuck in his crease for quite a while. Full, outside off, Harry Brook comes forward, shows the full face of the bat and drives it beautifully towards mid off.

Nipping back in again. On a length, outside off, 133 kph, HB looks to play it from his crease but is caught out by the late movement. The feet do not move and the ball takes the inside edge, deflecting onto the front thigh.

On a good length, outside off, 135 kph, coming in from pretty wide of the crease from over the wicket, Harry defends it near his feet.

Full and straight, Brook looks to defend but the ball comes back in a long way. The bat just about gets down in time with the ball going off the inner half of the bat towards short mid-wicket.

Full and outside off, Harry Brook defends watchfully.

Outside off, on a length, extra bounce again, Root pushes it towards cover. Quick success for Will O'Rourke then, getting a wicket in his very second over in this innings.

Ummm... nearly falls into the trap. Will O'Rourke bangs it short, keeping a deep backward square leg in place and Brook takes him on. Goes for the pull and nearly hits it straight down the throat of that fielder. Lands just in front. A single taken.

FOUR! Off the mark, is Brook. Back of a length, outside off, Harry Brook waits for the ball to arrive and steers it behind point for a boundary.

Loose from Brook. Full, wide outside off, Brook goes for a flashy drive without moving his feet and misses.

A short ball as a welcome, around off, decent bounce, Harry Brook fends it to the leg side. Not a bad time to keep a short leg, aye?

Tea watchman? If there is any such term. The hosts were just about settling into some kind of steadiness after the rocky start, but find themselves in trouble again. Harry Brook walks in next, at number 5, replacing Ben Duckett, with the sole aim being to block things out till Tea.

OUT! BOUNCED OUT! Ben Duckett falls a few minutes before Tea. The short ball ploy works again. Banged into the deck, outside off, Duckett shapes up for the pull, but is kind of hurried into the shot. There is extra bounce on that delivery and Ben can only get it off the toe end of his bat. The ball tamely lobs towards short mid on and Matt Henry does really well to charge in from the mid on position. He slides forward and takes it neatly. Duckett looks at his bat and then at the deck. He trudges off with Tea around the corner, with ENGLAND 40/3, NEEDING ANOTHER 423 RUNS TO WIN.

Full and around off, pushed into the off side.

FOUR MORE! That's a cracker again. Short, outside off, Joe Root goes back in his crease, rides the bounce and cuts it fiercely in front of point for the second boundary of the over.

Outside off, pushed to the off side.

On a length, outside off, Root leans and drives it towards point.

FOUR! More than 30 percent of his 14K Test runs would have come from that region alone, shall we guess? On a length, outside off, Joe Root leans and pushes it behind point, his favourite area. The ball races to the fence and England need another 427 runs more to win.

Wow. That bounces as well. It is the second or third time in this short passage that Ben Duckett has been caught unawares by the steep bounce. Smith lands it on a hard length, outside off, Duckett looks to defend by coming forward but the ball rises suddenly, catches him by surprise and luckily for him, rolls down despite taking the outside edge. The ball goes behind point and the batters take a single.

Should be a double bowling change. Henry has already bowled 6 overs in this spell. Unless, he can bowl for another 10-odd minutes and drag himself till Tea. Nope. Nathan Smith has been given the ball. Tom Blundell is standing upto the stumps for him as well.

Oh, nearly, nearly curtains for Root. Will bashes the length hard, and gets it to nip and bounce back into the batter. Root hops a bit to ride the bounce but gets a thick inside edge. The ball threatens to crash into the stumps, but it just bounces over the stump to roll back. Root was alert to the situation and ready to knock it away with his bat.

In and around middle and leg, on a fractionally fuller length. Ben Duckett gets a bit across in the crease and steers it through backward square leg for a single.

Keeps the line of attack on the stumps, on a good length. Ben Duckett watchfully blocks it out to the off side.

On a back of a length outside. Duckett shuffles across and blocks the ball to the right of the bowler.

On a back of a length, on top of off. Joe Root hangs back and punches it to the left of cover for a single.

FOUR! Gets greeted by a classy shot! Short and wide from Will, 135 kph. Root rocks back and cuts it uppishly to the right of backward point.

Will O'Rourke is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Kyle Jamieson.

Fuller in length, on middle, Joe Root pushes it off the inner half of the bat to wide mid on for a single.

Bangs it short and outside off, getting an uncomfortable lift off the deck. Root arches back and dabs it to backward point.

On a back of a length, on middle and leg. Joe Root uses his wrists to steer it through square leg for a couple of runs.

Full on the stumps, pushed to mid on.

Skids through on middle, a fraction fuller. Joe Root looks to block it with a high elbow, but is almost undone by the lack of bounce. Ekes out an inside edge onto the front pad.

Goes full and around off, cutting in. Root goes for a full-blooded cover drive but inside edges it on the pads.

Excellent pressure being exerted by the tourists. Matt Henry to continue. Blundell is up to the wickets.

Folds back in from off, on a good length. Ben Duckett punches it off the back foot to mid on.

Close leave! In the corridor of uncertainty, full in length, nipping away from just outside off. Ben Duckett commits on the front foot and opts to leave it.

A length ball, on top of off. Ben hops on the toes and eases it to cover.

Hits the deck hard, and gets it to jag back in. Ben tucks it across to the vast vacant acreage in the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Bowls full, on off, from around the stump. Ben Duckett presents full face of his bat and defends it to extra cover.

Nagging length, around off, left alone by Duckett.

Wonderful fielding by Conway! Hits the hard length, outside off. Joe Root square cuts it off the back foot, but Conway dives alertly and makes a sharp stop at backward point.

Attacks the middle pole on a fuller length. Root gets slightly across and drives it down to mid on.

Around off, on a length. Root lets the ball come at him and solidly blocks it to cover.

A touch fuller, nipping in and around off. Root takes a big stride forward and dabs it late to the off side.

Hard length, on top of off. Joe Root rises on the toes and bunts it to short cover.

Honing in on the stumps, full in length. Root drags the bat in front of the pads and knocks it to mid on.

Pitched full on middle and leg. Root walks across and flicks it between mid on and mid-wicket and steals a run.

Good length and around off. Root rides the bounce and punches it away to the fielder at backward point.

On the fuller side, outside off. Root blocks it to backward point.

Shocking review! Perhaps because the batter is Root. Huge nip-backer bowled from wide of the crease. Full around off. Joe plants the front foot forward but decides not to offer any shot and lets the ball hits the front pad. A big appeal for LBW, but nothing doing. After a bit of a discussion, New Zealand have opted for a review, just with a couple of seconds left on the timer. Ball Tracking comes up and shows that the ball is projected to miss the off stump by a mile. New Zealand have burnt a review.

Back of a length, and it spits up on top of off. Root takes a couple of strides down the pitch and is completely taken aback by the lift. Takes his bottom hand off and it goes on the bounce to the slip cordon.

Too full, on off, Root presses forward and dabs it out.

Dents back in from middle, Ben Duckett tries to play at it, but the ball squirts off the inside edge before rolling into the leg side.

Length ball, on off, Duckett bunts it to point.

On the fuller side and around middle, Ben nudges it down to mid-wicket.

A momentous single for Joe Root! He completes 14000 Test match runs and becomes the only second batter in this format after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve this feat. The crowd is on its feet, the England dressing room is up in the balcony, and Root raises his bat to take it all in. What a great achievement from a great batter. Full and around off, Root leans on the ball and knocks it away to backward point for a single.

Kicks up, around off, on a good length. Joe Root stands up on his toes and steers it to the cover-point region.

Nip-backer on a length, Joe Root stays put and blocks off the inner half of the bat.

Close, so close! This is a length ball, that stays underground and nips in sharply. Ben Duckett hops to ride the bounce but is outfoxed by the lack of bounce. Plays around the line and is hit on the front pad. A huge appeal for LBW, but not given! Several Kiwi players converge to have a chat with Jamieson and they have opted to go upstairs. Nothing on UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking shows that it is hitting the leg stump on umpire's call. New Zealand retain the review.

Around off, full, driven firmly to the extra cover fielder.

Full again, on middle, Root walks across and down the pitch to flick it to mid-wicket for a single. Henry there dives to his right and surely saves a few runs.

EDGED, DOES NOT CARRY! Pitched on a fuller length and it nips away off the surface, around off. Root plays with soft hands to block, but gets a thick outside edge that dips in front of the second slip fielder.

A yorker, almost. Joe drops his bat down and squeezes it out to the off side.

Full and outside off. 133 kph. Root gets forward and taps it down to backward point.

FOUR! Shot of authority! Back of a length, just outside off. Ben Duckett rides the bounce and pulls it away to beat the left of the catching sqaure leg fielder for four runs.

Full, shaping in, around off, Ben Duckett blocks it down the track.

Full again, outside off. Ben gets on the front foot and tries to hammer it through cover, but mistimes it to the cover region.

Pitched full and outside off. Duckett forces it to point.

This one nips away from the batter, on a good length, in the channel. Ben Duckett pokes at it and gets beaten all ends up.

Full and cannoned into the batter, on off. Ben is drawn forward to defend, but inside edges on the front pad.

And just like that, England are two down. In walks Joe Root at number 4 to steady the ship for his team.

OUT! LBW! That's two in the over and the start could not have been better for the visitors as well as Kyle Jamieson. Wide of the crease, angling back in, landing on a length around middle. Bethell is across but the bat comes down too late and the pad takes the full blow. The appeal for LBW is loud and the umpire does not hesitate to raise his finger. Bethell looks at his partner, considers the review, and decides against it. He would have been wasting it. The Ball Tracking later shows three reds with the ball projected to crash into the middle pole. England are dented early, 13/2.

Slanting down the leg side, Jacob Bethell initially looks to flick it, but as he sees the ball is harmless to him, he makes a leave.

Another fuller delivery, outside off, Jacob Bethell brings out his front foot and defends it to the off side.

Shaping in, fuller, around off, Jacob Bethell defends it to cover.

New Zealand have their first breakthrough. Gay cannot believe and throws his head back in disappointment. Jacob Bethell is in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Just what the Kiwis were hoping for, and it's Kyle Jamieson who draws the first blood. He delivers it fuller, angling in, around off. Emilio Gay walks across the stumps and flicks it off his pads, but there is a catching short square leg fielder just for these opportunities. Gay gets the timing right, but cannot keep it on the ground, and the ball flies flat to the left of Rachin Ravindra in that region. Rachin bends low on his left and catches it safely. England lose their first wicket early, chasing 453 runs.

Full-length delivery, on off, Emilio Gay prods and eases it to cover.

On a good length, at the stumps, Ben Duckett nudges it to mid-wicket.

Another bouncer, around the shoulder of the batter. Gay swivels on his back foot, lifts his front leg up and pulls it away to deep fine leg with some style. Single taken.

Bumper now, out of nowhere. Emilio Gay spots it and ducks immediately.

Full, on off, Emilio Gay eases it to cover.

FOUR! Now that's a shot and a half! Back of a length, slanting it just outside off. Emilio Gay lets the ball come at him and punches it a bit late to beat the right of the short cover fielder for the boundary.

Pitches it up, does Emilio Gay on middle. Emilio Gay brings out his solid defence.

Short of a length, outside off, Ben Duckett dabs it down to cover-point.

WIDE! Back of a length, pitching it way outside off and swings away as well. Ben Duckett leaves it and Tom Blundell does well to fling himself to his left to collect it single-handedly.

Attacking the middle stump, a good-length delivery, Emilio Gay loses his bottom hand and tucks it away to deep fine leg for a single. The ball stays a bit low as well.

Shaping down the leg side, on a hard length, Emilio Gay tries to flick it but misses the connection.

Jamieson pushes his length fuller, on off, Gay leans on it and blocks it down.

FOUR! Off the mark in a streaky way. Back of a length outside off, kicks off the deck sharply. Gay goes back but is caught by surprise, a fraction late withdrawing the bat, and the ball grazes the edge and flies past the diving second slip fielder to his left. Four runs.

On a good length, around off, Emilio Gay pats it to cover from his back foot.

Kyle Jamieson will bowl from the other end.

Edged and just short! Fuller and angling across outside off, Gay gets forward to defend and gets a thick outside edge. It does not carry. Blundell dives to his left, gets his gloves to it but cannot hold on, and the ball spills away behind first slip. A single is all it amounts to.

A touch fuller, outside off, Emilio Gay shoulders arms at it.

Good length, much outside off. Ben Duckett extends his hands and pushes it gently through cover for a single. With that Ben Duckett and England are underway.

Back of a length, outside off, Ben Duckett chops it down to cover-point.

Fuller, on off, angling in. Ben Duckett nudges it to the left of the bowler.

Beaten straightaway! Hard-length delivery to start with, outside off, Ben Duckett doesn't like leaving the ball and the Kiwis know it very well. Duckett tries to have a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

OUT! TAKEN! Sonny Baker has picked up the last wicket and New Zealand are bowled out for 362. back of a length outside off. Henry backs away and clears his front leg, looking to belt it down the ground, but the bat face tilts in his hands at the moment of contact. It balloons high towards cover and Duckett takes it without any fuss.

Well, it is wrapping up rather quickly for the Kiwis now in an attempt to score some quick runs. The towering figure of Will O'Rourke is the last batter in. Might as well go with the similar attacking approach.

OUT! IN THE AIR... TAKEN! Make it three for Matthew Fisher. On a length around off, Smith comes down the pitch and looks to swing across the line but has no control over the shot at all. It balloons high into the air towards backward square leg where Gay settles underneath it and takes it comfortably. Smith gone for 38 and New Zealand are nine down.

On the fuller side, outside off, Nathan Smith drives it to mid off.

Short of a length, but spilling down the leg side. Nathan Smith tries to have a glance at it, but misses by a large gap.

Fires fuller, around the pads. Matt Henry has no time to plant his foot forward, but does well to flick it to the right of short mid-wicket for one.

Pitches it fuller, on off, Nathan Smith nudges it to mid on for one.

Good-length delivery, just outside off, Nathan Smith dabs it down to cover.

Back of a length around off. Henry stands tall and drags it straight to mid on.

Banged in short and going down the leg side. Matt ducks under it and leaves.

On the hard length, around off, Matt Henry blocks it to the off side.

Fuller, outside off, Matt Henry pushes it to cover.

Oh, that's a dropped chance! Archer is just a tad late to react. A tricky chance, though. Short of a length around middle, Smith goes back and looks to pull, but the ball gets big on him quicker than he expects. He commits to the shot anyway and mistimes it out to deep backward square leg, where Archer comes running in and throws himself into a dive. But he just couldn't quite get the fingers under it. A single taken.

FOUR! SHOT! Back of a length, around leg, Nathan Smith hangs back and swivels to pull it to the left of deep square leg for four runs.

It was just a matter of time for Fisher to fish out Jamieson, given the number of times he beat his outside edge. Matt Henry is the new batter in at number 10. A slight delay as the middle stump, which contains the stump camera, is broken and is being replaced. The needful is done and we are good to resume.

OUT! TIMBER! There are few sights in cricket more satisfying than a middle stump cartwheeled out of the ground, and Fisher has earned this one properly. Back-to-back short deliveries, teasing Jamieson into having a go, and he takes the bait, connecting on the previous ball and feeling good about it. But Fisher goes fuller this time, on the middle stump, a hint of outswing, and Jamieson clears his front leg for the big heave. He misses it completely and the middle pole is flattened out of the ground. New Zealand are 355/8, leading by 455.

FOUR! Connects this one well! On the back of a good length, on middle. Kyle Jamieson once again makes room and smashes it over the bowler for four runs.

Another back-of-a-length delivery, over the stumps. Kyle Jamieson makes room and attempts to smoke it downtown, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Bashes into the length, curving it away, from the off stump. Kyle Jamieson rocks back and looks to punch it through cover, but misses the connection.

Back of a length, outside off, Kyle Jamieson tries to pat it away, but misses.

Beats the outside edge! Fuller in length, pitching it just outside off, angling in and then nipping away. Kyle Jamieson attempts to drive it straight, presenting the full face of the bat, but it whizzes past the outside edge.

Hard length, angling in, just outside off, Nathan Smith hangs back and dabs it to cover.

Back of a length, outside off, Nathan Smith lets it be.

Swing and a miss! Sonny hits the deck hard to generate some bounce, outside off. Nathan Smith looks to heave it across the line, but it beats the top edge.

On the hard length this time from Baker, outside off and seams it away. Nathan Smith lets it travel to the keeper.

Back of a length, on top of off. Nathan Smith watches the ball carefully and dabs it late to the right of second slip.

Good-length delivery, pitching it outside off and swinging it away. Nathan Smith covers the stumps, lifts his bat to leave it alone.

Surely, it won't be Bethell from the other end. Sonny Baker (13-1-62-0), it shall be.

Intent from Jamieson! Pitches it fuller, does Fisher, on off, Kyle Jamieson clears his front foot and smashes it toward the right of the sweeper cover fielder for a couple of runs. Jamieson is underway. 350 up for New Zealand! The lead is now 451 runs.

Short of a length, just outside off, Kyle Jamieson hangs back and dabs it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, around off, Kyle Jamieson taps it to the right of the bowler.

Mitchell's resistance comes to an end. He tried to be cheeky but it went all wrong for him. England will now have their eyes on the new ball, with the tail exposed at one end and a chance to wrap this innings up quickly. Kyle Jamieson is the new batter in, at number 9. And BINGO! Right on cue. England have now opted to take the second new ball. The fourth umpire walks out and hands the new cherry to the on-field umpire who in turn, tosses it to Fisher.

OUT! BOWLED' EM! Good start from the Englishmen after the Lunch break. They would love to keep this momentum and bowl out the Kiwis as quickly as possible now. This is a touch fuller delivery, on the stump line. Daryl Mitchell, trying to accelerate, shuffles across the stumps and gets on his right knee to scoop it over short fine leg, but it sneaks past the inside edge and rattles the top of the off stump. New Zealand lose their seventh wicket on 349, leading by 449 runs.

On a nagging length, around off, Daryl Mitchell pats it to cover.

Nipping in, on middle and leg, on the back of a good length. Daryl Mitchell looks to work it across, but gets beaten on and gets pinged on the thigh pad.

Matthew Fisher (14-4-50-0) will bowl from the other end. Rew is standing up to the stumps.

Short and wide outside off, Daryl Mitchell is steady on the crease and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Full, on off, Nathan Smith brings out his front foot and drives it to long off for one.

Onto the pads, pitches it up, does Bethell. Daryl Mitchell tucks it to square leg and gets the single.

Loopy delivery, much fuller, angling in as well, around off. Daryl Mitchell eases it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, full, on off, Nathan Smith comes down the track and drives it gently to long off to get a single.

Full-length delivery, on middle, offering a bit of flight. Nathan Smith pushes it back to the bowler.

Welcome back for the post-Lunch session at The Oval. The umpires and players punctually make their way out to the middle. And Michael Atherton on air informs that the second new ball has NOT been taken by England. Nathan Smith and Daryl Mitchell walk out to resume their alliance, with New Zealand leading by 445 runs. Jacob Bethell (10-1-45-1) will bowl the first over of the second session. Here we go...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

Declaration coming? New Zealand will not be here much longer. Another hour, maybe a touch more, one assumes. The lead is already substantial and every run from here only tightens the vice. England know what is coming. A target that will test them in ways on this up and down wicket. On a pitch that has not stopped offering something to the bowlers, against a New Zealand attack that will smell blood. England refused to take the second new ball, but they might opt for it the moment they take the field after Lunch. We shall find that out. Play resumes at 12.40 pm GMT. Join us then.

Cool head, vital runs - A couple of quick wickets threatened to unravel New Zealand's middle order, but Mitchell stood firm. Dropped on the very first ball of the day, he worked his way in without fuss, looked increasingly untroubled as his innings grew, and by the time he reached his half-century, the crisis had passed. This is a batter who knows how to hold an innings together, and he did exactly that. But he has got valuable support from Nathan Smith, who displayed a positive intent towards the backend of the session to further push the game away from England's reach.

Archer asked all the right questions - Archer created a chance off the very first ball of the morning but had to wait just a little longer for his reward. Brook, who had put down an earlier chance, made amends when it mattered, snaffling Nicholls at second slip to end a marathon knock and give Archer exactly what his bowling had deserved. The pitch was doing plenty, variable bounce and movement both, and the ball has been moving more off the seam today than it did yesterday. Archer and Tongue made full use of it, hitting that bail-trimming length repeatedly and beating the outside edge more than once. Both bowled with control, with Archer accounting for Phillips and Tongue fishing out Blundell, to reduce New Zealand to 307/6. But the moment Archer was taken off, batting looked a different proposition entirely.

LUNCH, DAY 4 - SESSION SUMMARY - 25 overs, 93 runs, 3 wickets. Much for Root to chew on over lunch. New Zealand have pushed their lead to a number that is starting to look very uncomfortable indeed. England took the first hour, bowling with real intent and heart, but New Zealand have taken the second without even having to try too hard. The chase is coming soon, for sure. But the number attached to it is the real story. Another hour of Mitchell and Smith at the crease, a refreshed seam attack let loose at the tail, and 500-550 starts to look less like a prediction and more like an inevitability. England will bat today, one assumes. The question is what they will be batting to save.

Pitched full on the pads. Nathan Smith neatly clips it wide of mid-wicket for a single. And that will be Lunch on Day 4, with New Zealand leading by 445 runs!

In front of the sticks, full in length. Nathan defends it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Hit hard and in the gap! Short from Fisher, on the stumps. Nathan Smith rises with the bounce and hooks it uppishly behind square on the leg side, beating deep square leg to his right for a boundary.

Fuller in length on middle and leg. Nathan Smith clips it to short mid-wicket.

Fires one on a good length, down leg. Nathan Smith misses the flick. James Rew is quick behind the wickets and snaps it to his left.

Nice and full, on off, Nathan Smith prods forward and defends it right under his eyes.

The second new ball is available now for England. But with just a couple of minutes left for Lunch, they will carry on with the old one. Interesting decision. Probably the last over of the session. Matthew Fisher will bowl it.

Nicely tossed up, goes straight with the arm, on a length. Nathan Smith nudges it gently through square leg for a single.

Looped up, full on middle. Smith lunges in front and blocks it straight.

Short and on the leg stump. Nathan backs off and punches it on the bounce to short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Intent from Nathan just before the new ball is available! Fuller on middle, sliding in. Nathan Smith sits down on his knee and sweeps it uppishly towards deep square leg for a boundary.

SIX! Wonderful shot! Dropped into the slot, on middle. Nathan Smith advances down the track and smokes it over wide long on for a six. Aggression from Smith out of nowhere.

Skids through, short on off, drifting in. Nathan is taken aback but he manages to punch it to mid off.

Full again, around off, Daryl Mitchell presents full face of the bat and drives it straight to mid off.

Full in length, nipping in from off. Daryl Mitchell draws his front leg forward and defends it to the leg side.

Fractionally full, on off, Daryl Mitchell covers the line by moving across and blocks it on the bounce to the bowler.

Back of a length, angled on the leg stump. Daryl turns it gently to short mid-wicket.

Stump-to-stump line, on a fuller length. Daryl Mitchell blocks it back to the bowler.

Full on off, nipping away. Daryl is deep in his crease with Rew up to the stumps. Mitchell leans on and defends it out to the off side.

The new ball is now due in just 2 overs for England. And they have brought back a fresh Matthew Fisher (12-3-45-0) into the attack. He replaces Josh Tongue.

A touch short, on leg, Nathan Smith rocks back and punches it back to Bethell.

Shortens the length, on middle. Nathan Smith backs away and whips it on the bounce to Emilio Gay at short leg.

In-drifter, full on middle. Nathan leans to block it down the strip.

Slides one on a length, around the leg stump. Nathan Smith goes back to whip it across, but misses and takes the blow on his thigh pad.

Dropped short, outside off. Nathan Smith punches it off the back foot to short cover.

Full and floated on middle, Nathan Smith pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Time for spin now as we are just about 15 minutes away from Lunch. Jacob Bethell is back on. 8-0-34-1 so far.

Wraps the over with a short one, going down the leg stump line. Daryl ducks under it safely.

Goes full and much closer to the off pole. Daryl Mitchell gets on the front foot and defends it solidly.

Outside off again, with the length pulled back a couple of yards. Mitchell is happy to leave.

Touch full and outside off, Daryl leaves the harmless delivery.

Angles in on middle, on a length. Daryl Mitchell punches it to mid on.

FOUR! Sweetly timed! Tongue lands it full and outside off. Daryl Mitchell leans onto it and creams it to the left of the diving Jordan Cox, the cover fielder, for a boundary. Blazed right out of the middle of the bat.

Hits the deck hard, on top of off. Nathan Smith hops on the toes and dinks it to the leg side, in front of square.

Straight line, full on off. Nicely smothered out by Nathan.

Pitched fuller, a bit too straight on the pads. Nathan Smith plants the front leg across and flicks it to the right of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Speared in and around off, on a good length, angling in. Nathan Smith gets on the back foot and punches it on the bounce to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Wowza! That's a glorious stroke. Full from Baker and wide outside off. Nathan Smith leans on the long half-volley and thrashes it through covers for a cracking boundary. The lead grows to 423 runs for the Kiwis.

The bail-trimming length, on off. Nathan Smith hangs back and bunts it down the pitch.

Jags back in from off, on a good length. Daryl trusts the bounce and leaves it.

Too full, outside off, crunched back to the bowler.

The sun has come out in London, though thick clouds are still moving across the sky in the background. And even as we type, it has ducked behind one of them again. Still playing hide and seek.

Keeps the attack on the stumps, angled in on off. Daryl Mitchell defends the length ball to the off side.

Fuller ball, on the fourth stump. Daryl Mitchell presses forward and solidly blocks it out.

Very full and outside off. Daryl Mitchell leans on and creams it straight to cover.

Sharp curve into the batter, full in length. Daryl Mitchell covers the line and tries to block, but plays over the line and is beaten on the inside edge. The ball hits him high on the thigh pad. The impact is clearly outside off and it is a bit too high as well. So no one appealed.

Josh Tongue (17-4-60-2) returns for another spell. He replaces Jofra Archer.

Hits the hard length, outside off. Nathan Smith plays with soft hands and dabs it off the outer portion of the bat. It goes on the bounce to the gully fielder.

Sharp short ball, on top of middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell stands tall and hooks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Skids through and stays low, fractionally full, on leg. Daryl Mitchell gets on the back foot, drags his bat in front and watchfully stabs it to the mid-wicket region.

Angled onto the pads, full in length. Nathan Smith tickles it to deep fine leg for a single.

Back of a length, around off, nipping just away. Nathan Smith loosely hangs the bat away from his body and is beaten all ends up.

Short leg comes up. Emilio Gay is the man who wears the helmet. Expect short stuff more.

Length-delivery, outside off, Mitchell eases it wide of point for a single.

Think that would be it for Archer in this session. He has already bowled a marathon spell. Sonny Baker (11-1-54-0) to continue as New Zealand lead by 416 runs.

Hard length, in the channel. Daryl steers it to backward point for a quick run.

Nice and full, around off, Mitchell drives it off the front foot, but straight to mid off.

Digs in a bumper, over the top of the stumps. Daryl ducks under the projectile.

In and around off, on a length, Daryl alertly bunts it down the pitch.

Overpitched on middle and leg. Nathan Smith flicks off the pads to backward square leg for a run. The lead grows to 415 runs for New Zealand.

Starts his eighth over of the day with a relatively full ball, outside off. Smith is happy to let it go.

A bit of a reverse on this one, full on middle. Daryl flicks it gently to mid on.

Fractionally fuller, skiddy delivery, on off. Daryl Mitchell watchfully blocks it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, top of middle, angling in. Daryl Mitchell tucks it across to mid-wicket.

On a back of a length, outside off. Nathan hops off and punches it wide of backward point for a single.

Nips in on middle, a touch full, Nathan taps it across to mid on.

FOUR! Pulled away! Short of a good length, on top of off. Nathan Smith picks the length early and pulls it hard and over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Sonny Baker (10-1-48-0) is back on. He replaces Joe Root.

Pitches it up, does Archer, on off, Daryl Mitchell leans on it and defends it to the left of the bowler.

Back of a length, shaping away, Daryl Mitchell defends the inside line.

Back of a length, on the pads. Nathan Smith tucks this through backward square leg for a single.

Length-delivery, outside off, Smith leans back, drops his bat and leaves.

NO BALL! Too short, on middle and leg, Nathan Smith ducks underneath. Archer overstepped and the umpire called it a No Ball.

Another one bites the dust. Archer is running through the Kiwi middle order now. Nathan Smith is in at number 8, with New Zealand leading by 407 runs.

OUT! CAUGHT! Good bowling, good setup. Archer had been testing Phillips with vicious bumpers and then he lands one a yard behind the fuller length, outside off and letting it nip away. Phillips does not move his feet, throws his hands at the drive, and gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies flat and hard to Bethell in gully, who crouches and reverse scoops it just in front of his face. Archer has his third and the centurion from the first innings has to walk back.

Short, on off, Glenn Phillips sways away and lets it be.

FOUR! Another predetermined shot and another boundary for Daryl Mitchell. Full outside off, Mitchell pulls out the reverse sweep again and it flies past Brook at first slip, who moves across but cannot get a hand to it. Three boundaries in the over now.

Oh, dear me! How has that missed the off pole? Fuller in length, spinning in sharply from outside off. Daryl is sucked on the defence, but the ball zips past the outside edge and flirts past the off stump.

FOUR! 300 up for New Zealand! Short and outside off, turning in. Daryl Mitchell hangs back in the crease and cuts it powerfully to deep backward point for a boundary. This also takes the lead beyond 400 runs for the Kiwis.

Fuller, outside off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it away.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR MITCHELL! Root pitches it up outside off and Mitchell drops to one knee, reverse sweeping it away through backward point for four. In the first innings he fell six short of fifty despite playing well, but this boundary puts that right. His 16th Test half-century, and the away supporters inside The Oval rise to give him a warm reception. Mitchell lifts his bat and takes it all in.

Tossed up, fuller, outside off, turning in. Daryl Mitchell covers the stumps and defends it down.

DRINKS. A very entertaining first hour on the fourth day has passed. England would be happy to have claimed a couple of wickets. But in the game's scenario, that is a bit too little as New Zealand's lead has grown to 395 runs. But credit to Archer and Tongue for relentlessly bowling on that bail-trimming length, and constantly creating chances here and there. They would like to get Mitchell and Phillips out before Lunch to somewhat crawl back in the game. Time for some spin now as Joe Root is into the attack.

Phillips is flattened on the pitch. Not the first time we have seen this happen in this Test match. Short ball on the stumps, rises sharply off the pitch. Phillips finds himself in a tangle, and he is late to arch back from the line and slips in the attempt as he falls on his backside.

Good length, outside off, Glenn Phillips lets it pass through.

Direct hit, but GP is safe! Length ball on the stumps, Mitchell hangs back and bunts it softly in front of Duckett at silly mid-on. Duckett is quick this time, gets to it and fires at the stumps, but Phillips is quicker, making his ground easily.

A direct hit at the bowling end. But Phillips, one of the quickest cricketers in present times, is safe enough. He drags the bat in time before the ball hits the stumps. NOT OUT!

Was it off the handle? Nope. Length ball on the stumps, rears up sharply off the turf, Mitchell turns away from it and the ball catches the glove, pops up, and dies just in front of Root at leg slip. It might have come off the glove but it does not matter either way. Archer drops to his haunches. So close, and yet nothing to show for it.

On the back of a good length, on off, Glenn Phillips walks across the stumps and tucks it with soft hands to the right of short mid-wicket to take a quick single.

Hard-length delivery, on off, Glenn Phillips hangs back and dabs it down.

Short, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell ducks and lets it pass.

Shaping in, around thigh pad, Glenn Phillips looks to tuck it but misses and thuds on his thigh pad, before the ball rolls to backward square leg. Leg bye taken.

Full and tailing on the pads. Glenn Phillips flicks it towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs and gets off the mark.

Rides the bounce on top of off and blocks it back to the bowler.

Length ball, outside off, Glenn Phillips leaves it away.

Blundell falls. That's the second wicket for England in the first hour of the fourth day. In walks the centurion of the first innings, Glenn Phillips. Meanwhile, Mitchell changes his bat as GP gets ready to face the song. All good now.

OUT! TAKEN! A bit of a juggling but it's taken eventually. Full and angled into the pads, tailing further down leg, Blundell looks to clip it but cannot get it fine or square enough and plays it uppishly to the right of Root at leg slip. It pops out of his hands as Joe is beaten by the pace. He spills towards Rew, and the keeper reads the rebound instantly to take a sharp catch while both tumble over. Root, while trying to redeem himself, almost bumps into the debutant, but all's well that ends well. Blundell's watchful knock comes to an end and New Zealand are effectively 390 for 5.

FOUR! Deft touch! Back of a length, outside off, shaping in a shade. Daryl Mitchell rocks back and just opens the face of his blade to guide it into the vast gap between gully and first slip fielder for four runs.

Hits the back of a length once again, on top of middle. Tom Blundell stands up on his toes and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a run.

Length ball shaping in on middle and leg. Blundell gets behind the line and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Baker drags his length back, just outside off, shaping in. Tom Blundell gets on his toes and defends it to the left of the bowler.

Pitches it up, on middle, Daryl Mitchell works it to deep square leg for one.

On a length, at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell shuffles and defends it to silly mid on.

New Zealand's lead is now 384 runs. And the first change in bowling from England this morning. Sonny Baker (9-1-42-0) will bowl from the Pavilion End. He replaces Jofra Archer.

Now this one stays a tad low on the bounce. Good length, outside off. Tom Blundell dabs it with soft hands to the gully fielder.

Almost a yorker, on off, Tom Blundell digs it out to mid on.

Tails in a bit, full on off. Tom Blundell is rock-solid on his front foot defence.

Sharp short ball at the ribs. Daryl is rushed on the pull shot and hits it off the splice of the bat to deep backward square leg for a single.

Slams the length hard around off. Tom Blundell gets squared up to ride the bounce and drops it gently in the point region for a quick single.

Slanted onto the pads, on a length. Tom Blundell tucks it across to short mid-wicket.

Sharp bumper, on off. Tom Blundell pulls it hard off the back foot, along the ground to the leg side. Emilio Gay moves to his left from deep mid-wicket and tidies it up. Just a single. New Zealand's lead now reads 382 runs.

Keeps the stumps in play, on a hard length. Tom Blundell gets a bit inside the line and blocks it straight.

Straightens up from the pitch, around off. Daryl Mitchell guides it behind to deep third, more off the outside edge for a single.

Short on the leg stump. Tom Blundell uses his wrists to control the pull shot along the ground, through backward square leg for one more.

Full in the channel, alertly blocked by Daryl to the off side for a single.

FOUR BYES! That's flown through. Way too short and it keeps taking off the runway. Daryl lets it pass and Rew, despite climbing the imaginary ladder, cannot pluck it with his extended right hand over his head. It guns away to the fence behind. New Zealand are 378 runs ahead now.

Nips back from off, full in length. Tom Blundell presses in front to defend, gets a thick inside edge to the leg side.

At 138 kph, this is full and aimed on the pads. Blundell clips it on the bounce to short mid-wicket.

Full and curving in on the stumps. Watchfully blocked out.

The rib-tickler on the leg stump. Tom Blundell hops to glance it to the leg side but is undone by the pace and bounce. Takes a blow just above the hip bone as the ball drops around the pitch on the leg side.

A pinpoint yorker, tailing in on middle. Blundell manages to drop the bat down to shovel it out.

Jags in from off, on a length. Mitchell pushes it at it and ekes out an inside edge through backward square leg for a single.

Folds back into the batter, on a hard length, on top of off. Tom rises on his toes, plays close to his body by letting it arrive before bunting it to the off side.

Full and straight, around off. Tom Blundell leans on and drives it straight to short cover.

Another one that is sprayed down leg, full in length. Blundell misses to flick. Rew dives to his left and grabs it nicely.

FOUR! Helped away! Hard length, a lot straighter on the leg stump line. Tom Blundell hops in the crease, uses the pace by bringing his wrists in play and tickles it to deep fine leg for a boundary. New Zealand's lead is now 373 runs.

Length ball, outside off, Tom opts to leave it alone.

Fuller one, around off, Tom Blundell presses forward and blocks it to the point region.

Nagging length, nipping back in from off. Daryl Mitchell is solid in defence.

Around middle and off, Daryl blocks it to mid on.

Oh, just short of Cox! Almost identical to Mitchell's dismissal in the first inning. Hits the hard length, on middle. Daryl Mitchell is surprised by the bumper and miscues it uppishly. It goes off the sticker of the bat and drops to the right of the short mid-wicket fielder, Jordan Cox. England are applying some pressure and creating chances regularly.

Tails in from off, on a fuller length. Daryl Mitchell brings the bat in front and blocks it out.

Back of a length, seaming away, outside off. Mitchell is not bothered to play at that.

Good-length delivery, spraying down the leg side. Daryl Mitchell walks across to flick it but misses. James Rew does well to dive to his left and gloves it safely.

Short and wide outside off, Tom Blundell shuffles and lets it be.

On a length, around pads, Tom Blundell tucks it to wide of deep fine leg for one.

Off the edge, but the batter is safe! This is another hard-length delivery from Jofra Archer, pitching it just outside off and managing to nip it a shade away. Tom Blundell hangs back to block it to the front of his body, but induces an outside edge. Luckily, the ball doesn't carry and goes towards Joe Root, the first slip fielder, on the bounce. That's the benefit of playing with soft hands. The ball doesn't carry all the way through. And Blundell did exactly that.

Swinging away, pitching it wide outside off, Tom Blundell watchfully leaves it alone.

On a good length, just outside off, Tom Blundell rests it down.

Honing in on the stumps, on a good length, Blundell hops on the toes and bunts it away.

Uppish but safe! Just a yard behind the fuller length, outside off. Tom Blundell gets on his front foot and drives it a bit uppish but well toward the left of the short cover fielder. The ball races away to sweeper cover. The deep cover fielder runs to his right and slides to flick it back. Meanwhile, the batters take three runs.

Good-length delivery, well outside off, Tom Blundell lets it pass through.

Angling down the leg side, on the back of a good length, Tom Blundell gets inside the line and tries to flick it but misses.

On a nagging length, outside off, Tom Blundell walks across the stumps and pushes it to backward point.

Fullish now, around the pads, Tom Blundell clips it to the left of deep fine leg and gets a couple of runs.

Back of a length, just outside off, nipping away. Tom Blundell hops and attempts to block it down, but the ball beats the outside edge.

Tight single! Archer pushes his length fuller, on off and middle. Tom Blundell nudges it to mid-wicket and gets a single. There is a bit of hesitation from Daryl Mitchell to take the single, but then he commits and sprints through. The mid on fielder moves to his right and has a shy at the batter's end but misses the hit. Mitchell would have been a goner had the throw hit the stumps.

Back of a length, outside off, Tom Blundell rocks back and looks to bunt it to the off side, but gets nicked on the outside edge, before the ball bounces to the right of gully.

Hard-length delivery, into the corridor of uncertainty. Tom Blundell is happy to let that one through as well.

Spearing it on a good length, does Archer, just outside off, shaping in. Tom Blundell prods and defends it down to cover.

Back of a length, seaming it away from the batter. Tom Blundell covers the stumps and lifts his bat to make a leave at it.

The 72-run partnership is broken. Tom Blundell is the next batter in, at number 6.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! This time, Brook is alert and makes no mistake. Archer has looked on song this morning and he gets the reward. A length ball, outside off, shapes away late with extra bounce, Nicholls feels for it and cannot resist playing at it. He rides the bounce to guide it away, but gets a thick outside edge. Brook at second slip does not have to move an inch. Archer is off and running, arms out, and England have exactly the start they were looking for this morning. Henry departs after an outstanding knock and is received with a warm applause from his teammates and, of course, the crowd at The Oval. New Zealand are 261/4, leading by 361 runs.

Cuts back in from a good length, on the leg stump. Mitchell looks to flick it across, but the ball zips past the inside edge to hit him on the thigh pad.

Hard length, outside off, nipping away with bounce. Henry Nicholls jumps in the crease and dabs it through backward point for a run.

Halt! Nicholls seems to be in some pain as the ball slammed straight on his left glove. He has hurt his fingers and is getting some medical attention from the physio. Out comes the magic spray now as Henry sips in water. Meanwhile, Root and Tongue are in a chat at the bowling end. Henry wears his gloves back and is ready to go now.

Rears up from a shorter length, outside off. Nicholls rides the bounce and looks to defend, bu the ball raps his gloves and drops down the surface.

That's nipped back so sharply. Dents in from around off, on that bail-trimming length. Henry Nicholls gets on the front foot, watches it closely before hanging his bat in the air.

A touch fuller and around off, seams away. Nicholls offers no shot.

Starts from around the stumps. Big nip-backer on a good length, on top of off. Henry Nicholls hangs his bat loosely away from his body, but he is cut in half as the ball sneaks through the inside edge on its way to the keeper.

Quite an eventful opening over. Archer almost created a chance in the very first ball. Josh Tongue will operate from the far end.

Nagging length, outside off. Mitchell opts to leave.

Pitched fuller on the leg stump. Daryl Mitchell goes for the flick by planting his front leg across, but plays all over it and is hit on the front pad. The ball deflects away to the square leg region and they hustle back for the second. Two leg byes.

Kicks up from a good length, on the leg stump line. Henry Nicholls hops and tucks it off the edge to the leg side. The ball bobbles up and drops in the square leg region for a single.

Full on middle and leg, Daryl clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Beauty! In and around off. Lands and nips away from the batter. Daryl Mitchell is squared up and looks to defend, but the ball whistles past the outside edge.

FOUR! Edged and just wide of Brook. Could have been a perfect start for the Englishmen. Good length, just around off and it straightens up the pitch with a bit of bounce. Daryl is squared up completely on his defence. Gets an outside edge that goes flat to the right of the first slip fielder. Brook dives and extends his right hand out, but he is a bit late to react and the ball stays out of his reach for a boundary.

All set for the fourth day to get underway at The Oval. It's a bit overcast out there, but dry enough. Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell are the overnight batters for New Zealand. Jofra Archer will get things kicking with his express pace. Here we go...

5 minutes to go - There is still some time left, and the cricket geek in me could not resist a look at the numbers. The highest successful run chase at The Oval in Test history stands at 263, by England, but here is the thing. That record goes all the way back to 1902. You would need to scroll so far back on your phone that the calendar would simply give up on you. In the 21st century, though, that figure stands at 219, chased by Sri Lanka, in 2024.

30 minutes left to the first ball - There is action already underway in Southampton in the Women's T20 World Cup, 2026, if you want it right away. Australia, six-time champions and unbeaten in this edition, are in the middle against the Netherlands, asked to bat first in what promises to be a fascinating watch, with the Netherlands looking to make a statement on the biggest stage they have ever played on. Want more? There is. Chennai is hosting the third and final ODI between India and Afghanistan. The Men in Blue have already put the tourists under pressure with the ball. Do switch tabs and follow all the updates from these ongoing matches, as our fellow colleagues are working hard there too. But do not forget to switch back here as the first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 10 am GMT.

A long day ahead for the English bowlers - Walk into this England dressing room right now and you can feel it. The rookies are still finding their seats. The veterans already know this is one of those missions. The Kiwis will look to bat England into submission through the day before turning their bowlers loose on a surface which is already showing variable bounce and signs of turn. For England, the equation is brutally simple. Bowl New Zealand out as quickly as possible, then somehow find batting heroics of a magnitude few sides have ever managed at this famous old ground. So hop along with us as we are not far away from the first delivery of the fourth day.

Nicholls answered the call - New Zealand were two down for 28, and the doubts were beginning to close in. What followed was a recovery built on patience, partnership, and one man stepping into shoes that had been left very large indeed. Kane Williamson's retirement had left the number three spot open. And donning the whites after almost a year, Henry Nicholls took it, owned it, and made it his own on the very first day he was asked to fill it. His marathon partnership with Rachin shifted the entire complexion of the game, before Ravindra fell and Daryl Mitchell came in to keep the innings moving.

Fisher did the tough job - The platform for New Zealand's command was built session by session through Day 3. Matt Henry's seventh Test five-wicket haul handed the Kiwis a commanding 100-run first-innings lead, doing the bulk of the damage to the English batting order. The hosts, however, found late resistance from an unlikely source. Matt Fisher raised a maiden Test half-century, battling hard alongside debutant Sonny Baker as the last-wicket pair did everything they could to extend the innings and chip away at New Zealand's advantage.

Series on the line - Hello and a very warm welcome to one and all for joining us again. It's been an exciting ride in this riveting second Test at The Oval. England will wake up on Day 4 staring down the barrel of arguably their toughest rearguard assignment of this entire series. New Zealand, on the other hand, would have had a sound sleep as they have gone a long way towards bossing this contest. They managed to extend the lead by 352 runs at the close of an utterly dominant day three.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

A long road back for England - The visitors piled on 158 runs in 31 overs in the final session, scoring at just over five runs an over, which stretched their lead to 352. With around six sessions remaining in the Test and no real threat of rain at the moment, New Zealand will be keen to bat England out of the game. The inexperience in this English pace attack has shown at times, and without a specialist spinner to turn to, the hosts have looked short of answers. A few balls kept low as well, though nothing alarming just yet. How the pitch behaves from here will be worth watching. Day 4 will begin at 10 am GMT, but for now, you can switch tabs and tune into the Women's T20 World Cup action, where New Zealand are three down early against Ireland. Cheers!

Nicholls and Ravindra took charge - England made an ideal start to the afternoon session as Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue struck to reduce New Zealand to 28/2, but that was as good as it got for the hosts. From there, Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra shut the door on the home side with a 161-run stand. Ravindra was put down on 7, while Nicholls survived a couple of anxious moments. None were straightforward chances, but with England already behind in the game, those were the opportunities they needed to convert. Nicholls went on to bring up his 11th Test century as runs continued to flow through the third session, and, to New Zealand's credit, they did not shut shop late in the day.

Defiance from the tail - New Zealand could hardly have asked for a better start to the morning as England, who resumed 169 runs behind, lost three early wickets, including the last recognised batter, Jordan Cox. The visitors appeared on course to wrap things up quickly, but Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker dug deep in a defiant 53-run stand, with Fisher bringing up his maiden Test fifty. The Kiwis made life harder for themselves as they were far too short for much of the passage, and it was a case of deja vu after England had fallen into a similar trap on the morning of Day 2. As a result, what could have been a lead in excess of 150 was eventually trimmed to 100.

New Zealand seize control - A couple of good days at the office for the Kiwis, and they find themselves in a commanding position in this Test with two days still to play. Henry Nicholls walks off to a standing ovation, with his teammates patting him on the back as he makes his way up the stairs. When you don't take your chances, Test cricket has a habit of making you pay, and England are learning that the hard way. They allowed New Zealand to recover and post 391 in the first innings and have since been playing catch-up cricket.

Short of a length, on off, Henry Nicholls brings out his solid defence. That will be Stumps on Day 3!

FOUR! Streaky! Floated, fuller, outside off, turning in. Henry Nicholls tries to drive it down the ground, but it goes off an outside edge, well wide of slip for a boundary. New Zealand go past 250, and the lead is now 352.

A tad fuller, well outside off, Henry Nicholls shuffles and keeps it away.

Fuller in length, offering a bit of flight, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell leans on it and pushes to cover for one.

Tossed up, full, on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it down.

Jacob Bethell spills a low full toss, on middle, Daryl Mitchell drives it gently to mid on.

We will have one more over in the day.

Much fuller, just outside off, Henry Nicholls brings out his front foot and pushes it to cover.

Oh, a slower one from Josh Tongue, but it goes down the leg side. Henry Nicholls lets it pass.

Pitches it fuller, on off, Henry Nicholls tucks it to square leg.

Bouncer, just outside off, Henry Nicholls leaves it away.

FOUR! It's bread and butter for Nicholls at this point in time. A touch fuller, wide outside off. Henry Nicholls gets half-forward and just opens his bat face to push it through the vacant cover-point region for four runs.

Josh serves it on a good length, attacking the off stump. Henry Nicholls nudges it to the leg side.

Full-length delivery, outside off, Henry Nicholls drives it away to deep cover for one run.

Slower through the air this time from Bethell, on off, Daryl Mitchell hangs back and pushes it to point for another single.

Full and wide outside off, Henry Nicholls walks across the stumps and taps it to cover to get across for a single.

Short and just outside off, Daryl Mitchell rocks back and punches it through point for one. New Zealand lead by 340 runs.

FOUR! That has been swept pretty well. Tossed up, a touch fuller, around the pads. Daryl Mitchell gets down on one knee and sweeps it to beat the short fine leg fielder to his left for a boundary. The 50-run stand is up between this pair.

Flighted and fuller, on middle, Daryl Mitchell rests it down.

With under 10 minutes to go in the day, Jacob Bethell comes back into the attack.

Full, on middle, Henry Nicholls works it to short mid-wicket.

Tap and run! On the back of a good length, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell dabs it with soft hands in front of cover. Ben Duckett comes in charging as he picks up the ball with one hand and underarms it toward the striker's end, but misses the hit. However, Henry Nicholls is comfortable inside the crease when the ball crosses the stumps.

Back of a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell is happy to let that one through as well.

Serves this a touch fuller, pitching it way outside off, angling in. Daryl Mitchell lets it travel to the keeper.

Spearing in, on a length, around the thigh pad. Henry Nicholls hops and tucks it through square leg for one.

Good-length delivery, angling in, on middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it towards the right of Jordan Cox at square leg. The deep fine leg fielder sprints to his left and saves a run for his side.

Josh Tongue (9-3-40-1) returns with about 15 minutes left in the day's play.

Around the off stump, on a back of a length. Nicholls keeps it out on the off side.

Goes full now, on off. Mitchell pushes it down the ground, where Matthew Fisher tumbles to his left at mid on and makes the stop. With this single, New Zealand's lead goes up to 230.

On a hard length, on off. Mitchell rises with the bounce and dabs it to point.

From around the wicket for the left-hander, fuller and on off. Nicholls extends his hands and just checks the drive. He plays it through covers, but the ball does not have enough legs to reach the fence, and it is hauled in. Three runs taken.

Lands it on a length, outside off. Mitchell goes searching for the ball with his hands. It goes off the inner half through square leg for one.

FOUR! Helped away! Brook sprays it on the pads, on a length. Mitchell tickles it fine enough of Emilio Gay at leg slip and picks up a boundary.

At 128 kph, on a good length, outside off. Mitchell lets it pass. James Rew is standing up to the stumps and he cannot gather it cleanly. The ball deflects away off his gloves behind square on the off side. The batters cross over for a bye.

SIX! Clean strike. Fuller in length, slanting back in, on middle and leg. Mitchell clears the front leg and with a clean swing of the arms, he clubs it over wide long on for a six.

Hits the back of a length, on off. Mitchell blocks it out right under his eyes.

FOUR! Wide enough! Fisher sprays it on the pads, on a length. Mitchell tries to glance it away. It goes more off an inside edge but evades Emilio Gay at leg slip as the ball goes past his right.

Honing in at the stumps, bowled on a good length. Mitchell leans on and pats it to the left of the bowler.

Slides onto the pads, on a length. Nicholls makes use of the angle and turns it in front of square on the leg side for one. The lead is now 310.

Pushes the length up, on middle. Mitchell is watchful in defence.

Goes wide on the crease and angles it in, on a good length, on off. Daryl taps it down the strip.

Stays full in line with the off pole. Mitchell defends it out.

Fuller now, on middle. Daryl gets forward to stab it down.

Attacks the stumps, on a good length. Mitchell gets behind the line and blocks it out.

Brook serves it on a length, outside off. Mitchell lets it go.

On a good length, on middle, Henry Nicholls nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Half-volley, around off. Henry Nicholls prods and drives it straight to the short cover fielder.

Slanting in, on middle and leg, Henry Nicholls tucks it to square leg.

On the back of a good length, outside off, Henry Nicholls pushes it to cover.

Full-length delivery, on off, Henry Nicholls defends it back to the bowler.

Hard length, outside off, Henry Nicholls pats it to point.

Flighted and fuller, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it down the track.

Full, outside off, Henry Nicholls taps it to cover for a single.

A touch fuller, wide outside off, Henry Nicholls lunges forward to pad it down, but it goes past the pad and through to the keeper.

Tossed up, fuller, outside off, Henry Nicholls strides out and pushes it to the left of the point fielder.

Short and outside off, Henry Nicholls slaps it straight to the wide mid off fielder.

Short and well outside off. Henry Nicholls shuffles across a long way and fends it to point.

A short break as the two batters sip on some fluids.

On a nagging length, on off, Daryl Mitchell fends it to silly mid off.

That was certainly a boundary, but James Rew did exceptionally well. Fisher misses his line and sprays it way down the leg side. Rew, standing up to the stumps, dives to his left, gets a glove on it and parries the ball towards short fine leg.

Good-length delivery, slanting in, on off and middle, Daryl Mitchell eases it back to the bowler.

Full, on off, Daryl Mitchell rests it down from his front foot.

Off the edge! On a nagging length, outside off. Daryl Mitchell lunges to block, but it takes the outside edge and reaches the gully fielder on the bounce.

Pitches it fuller, just outside off. Daryl Mitchell leans on it and blocks it from the outer part of his bat to cover.

Drags the length back yet again, angling in, on middle. Daryl Mitchell goes deep into the crease and works it to the right of mid-wicket for one.

Short and outside off, Henry Nicholls fends it by opening the face of his bat and angles it toward cover-point for a single.

FOUR! HUNDRED FOR NICHOLLS. 11th Test century for the southpaw. A half-tracker by Bethell, quicker and on off. Nicholls rocks on the back foot, gets on top of the bounce and pummels it through mid-wicket for a boundary. He had to weather a challenging spell from Jofra Archer early on, but once he came through that examination, he settled in beautifully. This innings will do his hopes of nailing down the number 3 spot after Kane Williamson's retirement a world of good.

Angled in, on a length, on middle. Mitchell clips it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Bethell drags his length back, outside off, Daryl Mitchell hangs back and punches it to deep cover-point for a couple of runs. That will bring up the 200 for New Zealand, and the lead is now 301.

Full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell clips it to short fine leg.

On the back of a good length, just outside off, Henry Nicholls stabs it to short cover. Nicholls stays on 98!

Attacking the middle stump, slanting in. Henry Nicholls prods halfway and blocks it to the left of the bowler.

Nice and tight, around the pads. Henry Nicholls works it to silly mid on.

Shaping in, just outside off, Henry Nicholls defends it watchfully.

Pitches it up, does Fisher, just outside off, Henry Nicholls taps it from his front foot to the left of short cover.

Good-length delivery, just outside off, Henry Nicholls pushes it to short cover.

Matthew Fisher (8-0-34-0) has been brought back. James Rew is standing up to the stumps. Joe Root has positioned himself at a short mid on.

Pitches it up, with a bit of flight, on middle, Daryl Mitchell defends it, showing the full face of the bat. Jacob Bethell stays low to his right and fields it well.

Short, around off, Daryl Mitchell stabs it to cover.

Flat and fuller, a bit quicker as well. Daryl Mitchell comes down the track to flick it but misses and wears on the pad.

Short and outside off, Henry Nicholls cuts it to the left of point for a single.

Tossed up, on off, spinning in. Henry Nicholls blocks it off his front foot.

Full, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell lunges and pushes it to cover for one.

FOUR! Swatted away! Baker dishes out the short ball again, on off and middle. Nicholls makes room for himself and flat bats it on the bounce towards the bowler. The ball clips Baker's fingertips as he tries to make the stop, and it goes down the ground for four more.

FOUR! Gets it away! Baker bashes the hard length and tucks the batter up for room. Nicholls pivots on the back foot and attempts the pull. It gets big on the batter and flies off the top edge, well away from the keeper to his right for a four.

Bangs it in short, over middle. Nicholls squats under it.

Down leg, on a hard length. Nicholls sways inside the line and lets it be.

From over the wicket, dug into the deck, over middle. Nicholls ducks out of the way.

Hits the hard length, over off. Nicholls stands tall to block it out.

Darted in from around the wicket, on a nagging length, on middle. Daryl tucks it to mid-wicket.

Quicker through the air, on a good length, outside off. Mitchell leaves it alone.

End of a 161-run stand. Daryl Mitchell makes his way out to bat.