England vs New Zealand, New Zealand in England, 3 Test Series, 2022 Full score card

FOUR! Here is the winning shot! Joe Root has done it. New era, new England, a new captain and they start with a thumping win over New Zealand. Back of a length, around off, Root goes back and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Root jumps in delight and the English balcony is on its feet. ENGLAND WIN BY 5 WICKETS!

Width there, short and outside off, Root strokes it through the line but the point fielder makes a diving stop.

Almost drags it on! Southee gets a length ball to bend back in down the slope, Root sticks back to cut but it takes the bottom edge and goes on the bounce to the keeper.

FOUR! Root is in a hurry, two more needed! This one is full and outside off, Root presses forward and creams his drive through mid off.

FOUR! Finds the gap at last! A touch short in length and outside off, Root stays on the back foot and delicately guides it through the gap between gully and wide slip for a boundary.

Drinks break. The ball has not moved much and New Zealand have been unable to pick a single wicket this morning. England have batted positively, mainly Ben Foakes, and they are now 10 runs away from sealing the deal.

A low full toss outside off, Root reaches out and strokes it to deep cover for a single.

Fuller and on middle, it's driven back towards the bowler.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it to covers.

Pitches it up and around middle, Root drives it down to mid off.

Back of a length, on off and angling away, Foakes gets across the stumps and glances it to deep square leg for another run.

Boult returns to bowl again. Delivers it on a length around leg, it's worked behind square leg for a single.

Movement in the air and off the pitch too as it lands on a fuller length, around middle, Root inside-edges his attempted flick shot down to fine leg. A single taken.

Full and around off, angling in, Joe gets forward and pushes it to mid on.

Fuller and on off, defended back.

HUNDRED FOR ROOT! What a knock under pressure from the former England skipper! This will be one of those satisfying knocks as a batter! Always special when it comes while batting last in a Test match and in a winning cause. 26th Test hundred for Joe and he also completes 10000 Test runs. The Lord's goes Roooooooooooo... What a player!!! Fuller in length and around middle, Root clips it to deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second run. Off goes the helmet and here comes the applause. This is his first Test ton in the fourth innings. 14 needed more.

Serves it around off, angling in, Root forces it from the back foot to covers.

Serves it on a good length and outside off, Root stays on the back foot and taps it down to gully.

Short and on off, Foakes pulls it through square leg for a couple. 16 needed more.

Delivers it outside off, Foakes plays it down from the back foot to gully.

Around off, on a length, Foakes gets back to work it on the leg side but it takes a soft leading edge and rolls to covers.

Serves it on a length and outside off, Ben commits himself forward and defends it carefully towards gully.

On a length and outside off, going straight on, Foakes has nothing to do.

Lands it on a length and outside off, Root gets across and tucks it through mid-wicket for one. The century stand comes up!

Full and on middle, flicked behind square leg for a run. 19 more for a win, Root three away from a century and New Zealand are 5 overs away from the new ball.

EDGY FOUR! Luck is with England. Root moves to 96. Short and outside off, Root rocks back to cut but it nips back down the hill, takes the inside edge, beats the stumps and keeper. It scoots down to fine leg for a boundary.

Angling in from around off, a length ball, Foakes tucks it through backward square leg and takes one.

Uses the angle of the bowler and works a length ball to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Pulled and pulled well! Short in length and around middle, Ben Foakes immediately goes on the back foot to ride the bounce and pulls it with authority through square leg for a boundary. Foakes has looked very positive this morning, taking the pressure off Root.

Fuller in length and outside off, Foakes is on the front foot and defends it solidly. 29 more to win.

Root is eyeing that gap between slips and gully but so far has failed to pierce it. On a length and outside off, Joe runs it down late but once again the gully fielder makes the stop.

Delivers it on a length and outside off, from wide of the crease, Root gets behind and defends it to mid on.

Beaten this time! A bit short again, outside off and staying down, Root once more attempts to lean back and cut but gets beaten.

Picks out gully. Short in length and around off, Root leans back and tries to guide it down to third man but the gully fielder intervenes with a dive to make the stop.

FOUR! Fantastic straight drive, this time from the blade of Root. Fullish and around off, Joe strides forward and strokes it elegantly down the ground for a boundary. Moves into the 90s.

A touch short and around off, Root plays nice and late, from the back foot but it goes straight to the fielder at gully.

Again Kane Williamson reports an issue with the ball. This is the second or the third time this morning. The umpire checks it but finds it fine to continue.

Pitches it up and around off, Foakes drives but finds the mid off fielder.

A little bit of movement on this delivery. Full and around off, Foakes tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Around off, on a length, Foakes defends it solidly from the back foot.

Shortish and outside off, Ben cuts from the crease but finds point.

This one keeps a bit low from a length around off, Foakes stays focused and defends it out safely on the leg side.

Bowls it full but on the pads, Root whips it behind square leg and rotates the strike.

Slightly short in length and outside off, Foakes shoulders arms. 34 needed more.

Finds the gap! It's on a length and outside off, Foakes leans forward, doesn't try to it hard, just pushes it with great timing through covers. Two more.

Bouncer around off, Ben Foakes picks it nice and early before ducking.

Back of a length, around off, Ben goes on the back foot and taps it down to point. New Zealand are going through the motions with nothing happening off the pitch.

FOUR! Pristine timing! Full in length and around off, Foakes shows the full face of his bat and  caresses it past the mid on fielder for a boundary.

Angles in a length ball on off, Foakes works it off his pads but fails to beat the diving short mid-wicket fielder.

Fine shot for nothing! Fuller in length and outside off, Root plays an eye-catching cover drive but fails to find the gap. 40 more to win. England have added 21 runs in the 6 overs this morning.

Back of a length, around leg and middle, Ben glances it through square leg and picks up a single.

A near-yorker on off, Foakes brings his bat down in time and digs it out back towards the bowler.

Bouncer to Foakes, around middle and leg, he ducks easily.

Short in length, around leg, Root turns inside the crease and pulls it down to fine leg for one.

On a length and around middle, Root gets back and plays late but still finds gully.

Vital stop with no third man in place. Around off, on a length, Ben plays late at it and guides it towards third man. Tom Latham immediately moves across to his right from second slip, dives and saves a certain boundary.

FOUR! Excellent shot. The length goes slightly short and outside off, Foakes eases himself on the back foot and packs a punch through point for a glorious boundary. 42 needed more.

Fullish and around off, Foakes drives it down the ground but finds mid off.

Hurls a length ball in the channel outside off, Foakes covers his stumps and shoulders arms.

Outside off, left alone.

Shortish and on off, Root moves back and drops it with gentle hands to mid-wicket. Calls for a run and gets it comfortably.

Lands it on a length around leg, angling across, Foakes stays on the back foot and jams it down safely. 47 needed more.

Close to off, on a length and angling away again, Foakes lunges and defends it with an angled bat to the off side.

Angling away from the batter, outside off and on a length, Ben Foakes doesn't flirt with it.

Trent Boult switches to over the wicket...

Digs it in short, outside off, Fokaes stays back and plays it down to point. He lets out a big shout for 'no' as Root looks interested in a run.

Length and outside off, it's stroked through point for one.

Lovely shot from Root, for another two. Short in length and around off, Root turns inside the crease and pulls it in front of square on the leg side.

In the zone outside off, an easy leave for Ben Foakes.

Solid in defense. Around off, on a length, Ben offers a dead bat.

Fraction short and on off, Foakes punches from the back foot but finds the cover-point fielder.

Drifting down the leg side, Foakes gets across but fails to flick. It goes off his pads to fine leg and they take another two, this time as leg byes. 50 needed more.

That's a firm drive down the ground! Fuller and around off, Foakes forces it towards mid on where Southee dives across to his left and takes the pace off the ball. It rolls behind and the batters take two. England are dealing in couples this morning.

A gentle delivery, on a length around off and angling in, Ben gets across and helps it to short mid-wicket.

Change. Kyle Jamieson (20-4-59-4) comes into the attack now. He replaces Tim Southee.

Short in length and outside off, Root goes on the back foot and steers it past point and gets another brace. 54 needed more.

On a length and outside off, Root stays back and taps it down to gully.

Fine shot! The length is a shade too full, outside off, Root leans forward and drives it behind square on the off side. He gets a couple of runs.

Darts in a length ball on off, Root defends it from the back foot to the off side.

This time the line is a little too far outside off, Root offers no shot.

Boult straightaway begins from 'round the wicket angle. He serves it full and outside off, Root strides forward and pushes it defensively to covers.

Trent Boult to bowl from the other end. 20-3-61-1 are his figures so far.

Keeps probing with a length delivery, close to off, Foakes is again watchful in defense as he blocks it from the crease. 58 needed more.

Southee goes wide of the crease and angles in a length ball around off, Ben Foakes hangs on the back foot and defends it back.

Back of a length, on off, defended from the back foot to the off side.

Southee is too straight with his line, Foakes clips it off his pads behind square leg and collects a couple of runs.

Around off, on a good length, Foakes is on the back foot as he defends it on the leg side.

Southee begins with a length ball around off, Root shuffles across and nudges it down to fine leg. Takes a single, looks for the second run but it's not on. 60 more.

The morning session is set to begin on time, although it remains heavily overcast. The New Zealand players stride out to the middle. Followed by Joe Root and Ben Foakes who walk out to continue with their blade. It will be Tim Southee to start with the ball. Here we go...

Promising signs! The forecast isn't too great and the overhead conditions are gloomy but currently, it's not raining and the hover cover is not covering the pitch. Let's hope it stays this way and we get going on time. You already are aware of the equation needed, it looks quite straightforward but just for your reference, New Zealand lost 6 wickets yesterday for just 34 runs. If the Kiwi bowlers manage to strike the right chords and the overcast conditions come to their assistance, this little phase left in this Test match could become enthralling.

New Zealand, on the flip side, have a casualty in the form of Colin de Grandhomme after he limped off the field on Day 3. It is suspected that he has suffered a tear in his heel and we would get a better picture once the scheduled MRI scan is done. Coming to the game, the Kiwis would still believe that they can pull a rabbit out of the hat if they are able to get rid of Root early. Is there another twist left in this tale? Stick around to find out who will take the lead in this series.

Hello and a warm welcome to Day 4 of the first Test match between England and New Zealand. This match has surely moved briskly and it looks like England have their noses in front thanks to their former skipper, Joe Root. England are in contention of winning the game even after Kyle Jamieson's outstanding effort. The home side would hope that their lower-middle order along with Root is able to kick start their summer with a victory. Well, all this can happen only if the rain gods show some mercy.

... Day 4, Session 1...

The Kiwis just looked tired towards the end! Their bowlers did not bowl with the same energy, there were a few misfields too. They just had no answers to the batting of Root, Stokes of Foakes. However, they'll come all fresh on Day 4's morning, they would know a wicket and they'll be into the bowlers. The question is, who will get it for them? Day 4 promises to be a cracking on. Do join us for all the acion. Till then, take care and goodbye!

In reply, they were in big, big trouble at 69 for 4. It could have been worse had Colin not overstepped. Since then though, it has been all England. The skipper and the former skipper played brilliantly. The two added 90 before Stokes fell. Root though continued and along with Foakes has added another 50-run stand. The two have turned the game into England's favor.

End of a hard, fought day of Test cricket and we believe, England have their noses in front. A round of applause for England's former captain as he makes his way back into the dug out. We asked if England have it in them to show some character and fight to get back in the game and they surely do. First, they made quick work of the remaining wickets in the first session and kept the visitors in tact.

A single to end day's play! Short and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3!

Another short ball, another pull shot, through square leg for one.

That is a good short ball, on the body, Foakes evades it.

Short ball, this is pulled, off the back foot through square leg for one.

Two more! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket. Two taken. Only 64 needed.

Well fielded! Length and on off, Root pushes it towards cover. The fielder dives to his left and stops it well.

Shorter and on off, Ben stands tall and pushes it to mid off.

On middle, this is dropped towards point for one.

Good length and around off, Root opens the face and guides it to point.

Well played again! On the pads, this is clipped through square leg for two. Fifty-run stand up between the two. A very important one but still, a lot of work left.

On middle, this is pushed to mid on.

Two more! Angled into the pads, Root clips it through square leg for two.

Bangs it short and on middle, Foakes ducks under it.

On off, Foakes plays it to covers.

Two more! Leg byes signaled! On the pads, Foakes looks to flick, it goes off the pads, down towards fine leg. Two taken.

On off, defended well.

From very wide of the crease. On a length and on off, kept out.

On off, this is kept out well.

EDGED BUT SHORT! A run as there is a misfield! On a length and around off, Foakes looks to block, it goes off the outside edge, lands short of the slip fielder. He lets it through and a single is taken.

Attacks the stumps again, Foakes keeps it out.

Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the off pole. Defended well.

On middle, Foakes plays it to mid on.

Outside off, left alone.

This is banged in short, on middle, Root pulls it through square leg for one.

Two leg byes! On the pads, Foakes looks to flick, misses, it hits the pad and goes behind. Two taken.

Shorter and around off, Foakes evades it.

On middle, this is clipped to mid-wicket.

On off, defended.

On middle, Foakes plays it to mid on.

Close! Outside off, once again comes back in but not enough to make the batter play.

Fuller and on off, Root comes down the track and looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

FOUR! Almost drags it on! 200 up for England. Just the 77 needed! Shorter and outside off, Root looks to cut, it goes off the underedge, past the off pole and down to the fine leg fence.

On off, Root pushes it back to the bowler.

Shorter and down the leg side. Root evades it.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Good length and on off, defended.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to covers.

Outside off, comes back in with the angle. Not enough to make the batter play.

Too high! Length, on off, this one jags back in. Foakes misses the flick and is hit high on the pad. An appeal but turned down.

Misfield and more runs! Fuller and on off, this is hit towards mid off. Kane Williamson lets it through, he runs back and keeps it down to three.

Around off, this is guided to point.

On off, defended.

Kyle Jamieson is on now!

Outside off, left alone.

Agression from Southee! Fuller and on middle, this is hit back towards the bowler who has a shy at the keeper's end in anger but misses.

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

On the pads, Root clips it through square leg for one.

FOUR MORE! Everything now going England's way! Just 85 needed! Shorter and outside off, Southee throws his bat at it, it goes off the outside edge, over gully and into the boundary.

FOUR! Angled into the pads, Root clips it throughs quare leg. It races away to the fence for a boundary.

Short and very wide outside off, Foakes looks to cut but ends up toe-ending it towards gully. That seemed like a tired ball.

On middle, Foakes plays it to mid on.

Fuller and on off, Foakes pushes it to covers.

Leading edge but just wide! Shorter and on off, Fokaes looks to work it on the leg side, he closes the face of the bat early. This flies off the leading edge wide of the fielder at point for two.

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

Around off, Root guides it to point.

On middle, defended.

Good fielding again but a single and Root brings his fifty up! Another superb knock from him and he probably holds the key for his side to win this game. On middle, this is worked towards square leg and a run is taken.

BEATEN! Good length and on off, this lands and moves away. Root is beaten as he tries to defend.

Back of a length and on off, kept out.

On the middle pole, this is worked wide of mid on for one.

On a length and on leg, Joe Root flicks it towards square leg and gets a single.

Well stopped! On the pads, this is clipped through square leg. Ajaz dives to his right and saves three.

Outside off, this is guided through point for one.

Shorter and on middle, Foakes ducks under it.

Well left! Outside off, not played at.

On the pads, this is clipped to mid-wicket.

On middle, this is pushed to mid on for one.

Good length and on off, kept out.

Outside off, left alone.

Now takes one as this is worked through mid-wicket.

FOUR! Up and over! Thickish edge and it goes over the fielders! Shorter and outside off, Root slashes, it goes over gully for a boundary in the third man region.

On off, defended.

Tw more! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for two.

On off, this is pushed towards mid off for one.

BYE! A big inswinger but down the leg side. Blundell does well to dive to his left and get a hand to it. A bye taken.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Back of a length and on off, defended.

Angles this one away, lands it on off. Blocked out.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.

Gets this one to tail back in, lands it on middle, defended.

On off, this is pushed to covers.

On off, defended.

Angled into the middle pole, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Outside off and on a length, left alone again.

Good length and on off, defended.

Shot! Fuller and on off, Foakes leans into it and strokes it past mid off for two.

Outside off, Root now pushes it through covers for one.

Foakes is off the mark! Shorter and on off, Foakes guides it towards point and takes one.

BEATEN! Bowls the one that goes away. Length and on off, this lands and moves away. Foakes is beaten as he tries to defend.

Fuller and on off, Root pushes it towards cover for one.

Good length and on off, defended.

OUT! GLOVED AND TAKEN! That is a massive, massive breakthrough and who else provides the breakthrough? It is Kyle Jamieson! Stokes will be disappointed. THe game was actually coming into his side's control but he falls. This is short and it is angled into the body. There was not enough room to play the upper cut but Stokes still goes for it. It goes off the glove and Tom Blundell takes it by moving to his right. Stokes walks back gutted. Will this open the floodgates now? New Zealand are only a wicket away from entering the bowlers.

On a length and on middle, Joe Root clips it towards square leg for one.

Length ball outside off, Ben Stokes cuts it through point for one.

Fuller and on middle, this is defended out.

On middle, blocked out.

On middle, Ben Stokes flicks it towards square leg for a boundary. 27th test fifty for Ben Stokes and his first test fifty as a captain.

Fuller and on middle, this is flicked towards mid on for one. Brilliant over for England.

FOUR BYES! On middle, Ben Stokes again tries for a slog sweep but gets his pads. The ball races past long stop for a boundary.

SIX! This was similar to the last maximum. On middle, Ben Stokes again slog sweeps it over deep square leg for a maximum.

On middle, blocked out.

SIX! Full and on middle, Ben Stokes slog sweeps it over deep square leg for a biggie.

Tossed up on middle, Ben Stokes eases it towards mid on.

A bit of spin now as Ajaz Patel is brought into the attack. Also, the physio is out and having a word with Joe Root. Root seems to be hurt on his finger on the right hand in the last over. Root gets a painkiller and is good to continue.

On middle angling it in, Joe Root blocks it back towards the bowler.

Length ball outside off, Joe Root punches it straight towards the fielder at point.

Back of a length and on leg, this is blocked out towards the vacant short leg region.

On a length and outside off, Joe Root guides it straight towards the fielder at point.

Kyle Jamieson sees Stokes advancing and goes fuller and on leg, Ben Stokes guides it towards backward point and gets a single.

Back of a length and on off, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

Touch fuller and on leg, Ben Stokes flicks it towards backward square leg for one.

Goes full and outside off, Ben Stokes blocks it away.

Full and outside leg, Joe Root looks to flick it but misses. The keeper just manages to get his glove on it. The batters cross and a bye is signaled.

On middle, Joe Root blocks it away.

Length ball and outside off, Joe Root has a poke at it but misses. The ball just zipped past the outside edge and straight into the gloves of the keeper. Joe Root gets a lucky escape.

Fuller and outside off, Joe Root leaves it alone.

On middle, Ben Stokes blocks it out solidly.

FIVE WIDES! Fuller and wide outside leg, Ben Stokes looks to give a fine tickle but misses. The keeper misses the ball as it just keeps on swinging downhill. The ball races past the long stop for a boundary.

Outside off, left alone.

Full and outside off, Ben Stokes looks to drive it but misses. The ball just aired past his bat and straight into the gloves of the keeper.

FOUR! On a length and outside off, Ben Stokes dances down the track and smashes it through covers for a boundary.

On middle, defended out.

On a length and on middle, Ben Stokes defends it towards short mid-wicket.

A slight halt in play as the batters have a bit of a breather and the 12th man runs out with drinks.

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

On middle, this is flicked towards square leg for one.

Outside off, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

On a length and angled into the leg stump, Ben Stokes gets hurried on as the ball skids through and hits him high on the pads.

Full and on the stumps, Ben Stokes eases it towards the mid on region.

Length ball on middle and leg, Ben Stokes blocks it towards mid on.

Goes full and outside off, Joe Root leaves it alone.

On middle, Joe Root drives it through wide mid on for a brace.

FOUR! On middle and slightly shorter, Joe Root pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 50 partnership comes up for Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

On a good length and on middle, this is pushed back towards the bowler.

Another one outside off, not played at.

Slower and outside off, Joe Root leaves it alone towards the keeper.

Another one on middle, blocked towards mid on.

Touch fuller and on middle, Ben Stokes defends it towards the mid off region.

Length ball outside off, Ben Stokes doesn't bother it.

Full and straight at the stumps, Joe Root flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.

On middle, defended out.

Back of a length and on middle, Joe Root pulls it towards mid-wicket. Good fielding from the fielder. Ben Stokes wanted a single but goes back and unknowingly blocks a direct hit on the way. Trent Boult and Ben Stokes have a good laugh over it. He was safe anyways.

Back of a length and outside off again, not played at.

On a length and outside off, Ben Stokes leaves it  alone.

Fuller and on leg, Ben Stokes flicks it towards backward square leg for a brace.

Back of a length and on off, Ben Stokes looks to play it but gets a bottom edge.

Goes fuller and on middle, Ben Stokes eases it towards mid on.

On middle, defended out.

Touch fuller and on off, Joe Root looks to drive it but gets a thick inside edge as it races towards short mid-wicket.

Length ball and on middle, Joe Root flicks it towards short mid-wicket.

On a good length and on middle, this is pushed back towards the bowler.

On middle, Joe Root blocks it towards point.

Shorter and on middle, Ben Stokes swivels and pulls it towards backward square leg for one.

Goes fuller and on leg, this is flicked towards fine leg for one.

Length ball on middle an leg, blocked away.

On a good length and on middle, this is pushed back towards the bowler.

Length ball on middle, this is eased towards the mid on region.

Outside off, kept out.

Back of a length and on leg, Ben Stokes uses his feet and hits it towards mid-wicket. He gets a couple of runs.

Shorter down the leg side, Ben Stokes doesn't bother it.

Goes full, Ben Stokes plays it towards point and gets a single.

On middle, defended out.

Oh, this is painful. Back of a length and on middle, Ben Stokes looks to play it but the ball gets his glove and straight on his ribs. The ball rolls towards short leg.

Length ball outside off, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

On middle, Ben Stokes leans forward and blocks it off his front foot.

FOUR! Back of a length and outside off, Ben Stokes makes room for himself and cuts it through covers for a boundary.

A maiden over for Tim Southee. Fuller and outside off, Joe Root eases it towards the mid off region.

Full and outside off, Joe Root defends it towards gully.

Fuller and outside off, Joe Root looks to drive it but misses.

Outside off, kept out.

Fuller and outside leg, Joe Root looks to flick it but misses.

On a length and outside off, Joe Root cuts it straight towards the fielder at point.

FOUR! Finds a gap. Touch fuller outside off, Ben Stokes drives it past covers for a boundary.

On a good length and on middle, this is pushed back towards the bowler.

Back of a length delivery down the middle, Ben Stokes eases it towards mid on.

On middle, defended out solidly.

Fuller and on leg, Joe Root flicks it towards fine leg and gets a single.

Length ball on middle swinging it in, Joe Root blocks it towards the mid on region.

Full and outside off, Ben Stokes pushes it to point.

On middle, blocked out.

Length ball on outside off, Ben Stokes uses his feet and looks to loft it but gets a thick bottom edge. The ball bounces back and towards the keeper.

On middle, Joe Root flicks it towards backward square leg for one. 100 up for England.

Outside off and fuller, Joe Root looks to drive it but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls towards the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Full and on middle, Joe Root eases it towards mid on.

Starts with a maiden. On middle again, Ben Stokes defends it to point.

On middle this time, Ben Stokes blocks it towards mid on.

On a length and on middle, Ben Stokes defends it towards the vacant silly point region.

Touch full and outside off, Ben Stokes guides it towards short covers.

Good-length delivery outside off, Ben Stokes lets it go.

Back of a length and wide outside off, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

We are back for the third session! Stokes and Root are set to start again. Trent Boult comes to bowl after Tea.

... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...

It was the Jamieson show as he got the better of Bairstow and Crawley. Boult also chipped in with a wicket. However, New Zealand will know it is important to break this stand. The two are well set and have done well so far but if England are to have any chance, they need to play for a long time. Can they do so? We will find out in the next session.

A really good session for New Zealand and they have a firm grip over this game. Would have been a better session had Stokes’ dismissal not been a no ball but they’ll still be pretty pleased with how things have gone so far.

Fuller and on off, Ben Stokes eases it towards square leg and gets a single. That will be Tea for Day 2.

On a good length and on middle, this is pushed back towards the bowler.

Fuller and on off swinging it in, Ben Stokes guides it towards covers.

Goes full and on off, Ben Stokes eases it towards the mid off region.

Touch fuller and outside off, Ben Stokes blocks it out solidly.

On middle angling it in, Ben Stokes blocks it towards mid on.

On middle, defended out.

On middle this time, Joe Root sweeps it behind as the ball races towards short fine leg. A couple of runs taken.

Fuller and on middle, Joe Root defends it out solidly.

On off, this is guided towards mid on for one.

SIX! Full and outside off, Ben Stokes this time sweeps it over deep square leg for a maximum. This was brilliant from Ben Stokes.

Tossed up outside off, Ben Stokes looks to sweep it but gets a bottom edge and the ball hits his leg.

On middle, Ben Stokes flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Fuller and on leg, Joe Root looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards the vacant short leg region. Leg bye taken.

Fuller and on off, Joe Root uses his feet and blocks it towards mid on.

Fuller and down the middle, Joe Root blocks it back towards the bowler.

Just outside off this time, Joe Root leaves it alone.

FOUR! Length ball outside off swinging it away, Joe Root waits for the ball and guides the ball towards third man for a boundary.

Fuller and on middle, Ben Stokes defends it towards point.

On middle, Ben Stokes guides it towards gully.

Outside off this time, Ben Stokes eases it towards short covers.

On middle again, Ben Stokes eases it towards the vacant short leg region.

On a good length and on middle, this is pushed back towards the bowler.

Length ball on off, Ben Stokes defends it solidly.

Length ball outside off, Joe Root looks to cut it but misses.

Fuller and outside off, Joe Root defends it towards the cover region.

Good-length delivery down the middle, Joe Root waits for the ball and guides it to gully.

Outside off again, driven towards covers.

Full and outside off, Joe Root drives it straight towards the fielder on short covers.

Length ball outside off swinging it away, Joe Root looks to block it but misses.

On a length and down the leg side, Ben Stokes moves forward and defends it with his pads.

Fuller and on off, Ben Stokes leans forward and blocks it towards mid off.

Outside off, Ben Stokes eases it towards point.

Good-length and on middle, Ben Stokes defends it back towards the bowler.

Length ball on middle, Ben Stokes eases it towards mid on.

On middle, Joe Root flicks it towards backward square leg for one.

Outside off, Ben Stokes looks to drive it but misses. The ball just aired past his blade and to the keeper.

Fuller and outside leg, Ben Stokes looks to flick it but misses.

Length ball outside off again, Ben Stokes lets it alone.

Outside off, kept out.

FOUR! Length ball outside off, Ben Stokes looks to drive it but gets an outside edge. The ball races past the third man for a boundary.

On middle, blocked out.

On middle, this is eased towards mid-on. The fielder was off his feet and threw at the non-striker's end with Stokes just short, but couldn't hit. There was a chance. Ben Stokes gets another lucky escape.

Fuller and outside off, Ben Stokes lets it go.

On middle, this is blocked out.

OUT! TIMBER!!! No wait… it is a NO BALL! That is a huge reprieve for the England skipper. Is this sings of luck swinging towards them! Stokes comes down the track. This is short and outside off. He looks to cut but gets an underedge onto the stumps. He starts walking back but is called back as the umpire signals a no ball. Can he make most of this?

Back of a length and on middle, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

Sticks bowling it outside off, Ben Stokes doesn't bother it.

Length ball and outside off, Ben Stokes uses his feet and blocks it away.

Length ball outside off swinging it in, Ben Stokes looks to drive it but gets a thick inside edge. The ball rolls towards square leg. Single taken.

Touch fuller and outside off, Ben Stokes leaves it alone and towards the keeper.

Full and on middle, Joe Root flicks it towards mid-wicket. Good stop from the fielder diving to his right. Single taken.

Touch full and on off, Joe Root eases it towards short covers.

Fuller and outside off this time, driven straight towards the fielder at short covers.

Fuller and on middle at 81 mph, Joe Root bocks it towards mid on.

Outside off swinging it away, Ben Stokes looks to play at it but misses.

On a length and on off, Ben Stokes eases it towards covers.

Sticks to his line and length, Stokes lets it go.

Outside off again, Ben Stokes doesn't bother it.

Bowls it outside off, Ben Stokes leaves this one as well.

Length ball outside off at 75 mph, Ben Stokes lets it go towards the keeper.

On middle, blocked away.

On middle and on length, Joe Root looks to block it but hits the side face of his blade and back towards Tim Southee.

On a length and outside off, Joe Root eases it towards the mid off region.

Length ball on off, Joe Root blocks it to short covers.

Outside off, kept out.

On a length and on middle, Joe Root waits for the ball and guides it to point.

On a length and outside off, Ben Stokes lets it go.

Touch full and on middle, quicker too, Joe Root flicks it towards backward square leg and rotates the strike.

Outside off, Joe Root leaves it alone towards the keeper.

Fullish and on middle, Joe Root blocks it towards the mid on region.

Back of a length delivery on off, Joe Root goes on his back foot and punches it towards backward point for a brace.

On a good length and outside off, Joe Root shoulders arms to it.

Outside off, Ben Stokes defends it towards the vacant silly point region.

On middle, Ben Stokes blocks it out solidly.

Length ball outside off, Ben Stokes raises his arms and lets it through towards the keeper.

Touch full and on leg, Joe Root flicks it towards backward square leg for one.

Length ball down the middle, Joe Root blocks it out solidly.

Goes fuller and on off, Joe Root defends it straight towards Kyle Jamieson.

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

On middle, kept out.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

The big booming inswinger, it tails back in from outside off. Root works it down to fine leg for one.

Back of a length and on off, defended.

Outside off, left alone.

OUT! Knocks him over! What a beauty! What a bowler Kyle is! This is a gem of a delivery! He got the last one to go away. This time shapes it back in. It is fuller. Comes in from outside. Bairstow looks to drive but leaves a big gap between bat and pad. The ball sneaks through and hits the off pole. Huge wicket as this stand was looking good. New Zealand well and truly on top.

Length delivery outside off, Jonny Bairstow looks to drive it but misses.

Fuller and outside off, Jonny Bairstow defends it straight towards the fielder at point.

Outside off, Jonny Bairstow eases it towards covers.

Length delivery outside off, Jonny Bairstow leaves it alone. Oh, its a no ball.

On middle, tucked towards fine leg for one.

FOUR! England are now racing towards their target. Fuller one outside off, Joe Root pulls this one through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Full and straight on middle, defensively pushed towards mid-on.

FOUR! Beautifully timed again. This is effortless from Jonny Bairstow. Outside off, Jonny Bairstow cuts through point for another boundary. Third boundary of the over.

On a length outside off, looks to drive this one as well but the ball hits the side of his blade and races towards third man. They get a couple of runs.

FOUR! Fuller and outside off, Jonny Bairstow gets on his knees and creams it through covers for a boundary. Beautifully timed shot from Jonny Bairstow.

Outside off, Jonny Bairstow drives it straight towards the fielder at short covers.

FOUR! On a length and outside off, Jonny Bairstow drives it through covers for a boundary. Effortless from Jonny Bairstow.

Fuller outside off, Joe Root eases it towards short covers.

Some extra bounce and follows the batter, Joe Root tries to block it but gets his glove and the ball hits back to his ribs. The ball rolls back towards the bowler.

Touch full and down the middle, Joe Root blocks it back towards the bowler.

Fuller and on middle, Joe Root defends it towards the mid on region.

On middle again, Joe Root defends it towards short covers.

Length ball on middle, Joe Root defends it towards point.

Back of a length delivery on off, Jonny Bairstow waits for the ball and guides it towards third man. He gets a couple of runs.

Outside off again, Jonny Bairstow lets this one go.

Length ball outside off, Jonny Bairstow tries to play it but misses.

Shorter and on leg, Jonny Bairstow ducks under it. Oh, its a no ball.

Fuller and down the middle, Jonny Bairstow defends it towards short covers.

OUT! Timber! Boult strikes and England fall in deeper trouble! Pope’s defense which looked solid so far has been breached. This is a beauty! From around the wicket, Boult runs in, lands it on a length and then gets it to straighten from the off pole. Pope plays for the original trajectory. This goes past the off pole and clatters into the off pole.

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

Outside off, Ollie Pope drives it through extra covers. Kane Williamson chases the ball really well and just saves it before the boundary line. Three runs taken.

Good-length delivery straight on the stumps, Ollie Pope defends it back towards Kyle Jamieson.

Outside off, Ollie Pope leaves it alone.

Fullish and outside off, Joe Root drives it through extra covers. Kane Williamson chases the ball. Three runs taken.

Length ball outside off angling it away, Joe Root shoulders arms to this one.

Touch fuller and outside off, Joe Root defends it towards covers.

Outside off, Ollie Pope eases it towards short covers.

Length ball and angles back into the batter, Ollie Pope fumbles a bit and leaves it in the end towards the keeper.

Length ball down the middle, Ollie Pope eases it towards short mid-wicket.

Full and outside off, Ollie Pope waits for the ball and guides it towards third man for a brace.

Full and on middle, Ollie Pope flicks it towards square leg.

On middle, blocked out.

Bowls it just outside off, Joe Root leaves it towards the keeper. That was a risky leave from Joe Root.

Full and outside off, Joe Root pushes it towards the mid on region.

Fuller and down the middle, Joe Root goes on his backfoot and blocks it out solidly.

Length ball outside off, Joe Root leaves it alone.

Outside off, Joe Root blocks it away.

Length ball on middle, Ollie Pope blocks it towards mid off for a quick single. An over throw by the fielder trying for a direct hit and the ball races towards long on. Three runs taken.

Outside off, Joe Root guides it towards backward point for a brace.

On off, Joe Root punches it straight towards the fielder at covers.

Shorter on down the leg side, Ollie Pope pulls it but doesn't get enough bat on it. The ball rolls towards short fine leg. Single taken.

On a good length and outside off, Ollie Pope blocks his stumps and lets it go.

Length ball on middle, Ollie Pope flicks it towards square leg.

Outside off, defended towards mid off.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Number two goes down and this is the start the Kiwis wanted after the break! Lovely nut! On a length and around off, this lands and moves away. Crawley leans forward to defend, it goes off the outside edge to the right of Souther at third slip. He takes a fine catch. England in trouble at after a decent start. Kyle is causing far too many problems for them.

Length ball outside off angling it inside, Zak Crawley blocks his stumps and lets it go.

On a length and outside off, Zak Crawley shoulders arms to this one.

Touch fuller and outside off, Zak Crawley looks to drive it but misses. The ball just aired past his bat and straight towards the keeper.

On off, blocked out.

Touch full and on middle, Zak Crawley looks to block it but gets an inside edge and the ball hits his thigh. The ball goes towards the vacant silly point region.

Bowls it outside off again, Ollie Pope shoulders arms and lets it go towards the keeper.

Fullish and on middle this time, Ollie Pope blocks it out solidly.

Change of line this time. He goes outside leg, Ollie Pope leaves it through and towards the keeper.

Keeps bowling it outside off, Ollie Pope doesn't bother it.

Another one outside off, Ollie Pope lets it through towards the keeper.

Touch full and goes outside off, Ollie Pope leaves it alone.

Touch fuller and on middle, Zak Crawley defends it back towards the bowler.

Goes fuller on leg, Ollie Pope flicks it towards short fine leg for one.

On off, defended at covers.

On a good length and just outside off, Ollie Pope leaves it. The ball just aired past the off pole and towards the keeper.

Length ball again, Ollie Pope defends it towards mid-wicket.

Length ball outside off, Ollie Pope tucks it towards square leg.

We are back for the second session! Crawley and Pope will resume their innings. Kyle Jamieson to start after lunch.

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

The pitch is offering something for the bowlers but it is still a good one to bat on. New Zealand need to continue to hit the right areas and they will be eager for a couple of wickets after the break. England on the other hand, would hope these two can build a decent stand and lay the platform for their side. A very interesting session awaits. Do join us in sometime.

Excellent session of Test cricket! Have to say it has been England's morning. After pickings wickets in a flurry this morning, the hosts kept England well in-tact. They had just below an hour to play out before Lunch. Lees and Crawley began brilliantly. They played their shots and Lees was scoring freely. Kyle Jamieson it was though again who got the opening breakthrough for his side. Since then, the runs have dried out and New Zealand have started to cause problems too.

Length ball on middle, Zak Crawley flicks it towards square leg. That will be Lunch for Day 3.

Length ball outside off, Zak Crawley doesn't bother it.

Outside off again, Zak Crawley drives straight towards the fielder at covers.

Fullish and outside off, this is eased towards covers.

Length ball outside off following the batter, Zak Crawley lets it go.

On middle, Zak Crawley defends it out solidly.

OUT! BOWLED! This is a poor leave from Alex Lees. Never a good idea to leave it down the slope and Lees pays the price. This is outside off, just outside off actually. Lees shoulders arms to this one. It comes in with the slope and hits the off pole. That is the breakthrough which New Zealand needed. Lees was looking good till he was out there but now falls.

On off, Alex Lees drives it straight towards the fielder at short covers.

Length ball on middle, this is blocked back towards the bowler.

Shorter one on middle, Alex Lees ducks under it.

FOUR! This is brilliant timing from Alex Lees. Goes full and outside off, Alex Lees drives it through mid off. The fielder chases it but can only escort the ball to the boundary line.

Goes full and outside off, Zak Crawley defends it to short cover for a quick single.

Full and down the leg side, Zak Crawley looks to flick it but gets a leading edge as the ball moves towards mid off. Single taken.

Wide outside off again, kept out.

FOUR! Full and outside off, Zak Crawley gets on his knees and drives it past covers for a boundary.

Keeps bowling it wide outside off, Zak Crawley doesn't bother it and lets it through towards the keeper.

Bowls it wide outside off, Zak Crawley leaves it alone.

On a length and outside off, Zak Crawley doesn't bother it.

Back of a length ball outside off, Alex Lees leaves it alone.

Outside off, this is chopped away towards the off side.

Touch fuller and down the leg side, Alex Lees flicks it towards square leg for a brace.

On a good length and on middle, Alex Lees defends it back towards Kyle Jamieson.

Goes outside off, Alex Lees plays it straight towards the fielder at short cover.

Goes full and on leg, Zak Crawley flicks it towards backward square leg for one.

Outside off, this is defended towards point.

Some extra bounce as it angles back into Alex Lees, this is blocked out.

Outside off, kept out.

FOUR! On a length and on off, Alex Lees plays a beautifully timed cover drive. The ball races past the extra cover for a boundary.

Goes outside off, Alex Lees raises his arms and lets it through towards the keeper.

Length ball on middle and leg, Alex Lees flicks it towards square leg for a brace.

Back of a length from Trent Boult, this is blocked towards gully.

Length ball outside off, Zak Crawley leaves it alone.

On off, blocked at short covers.

Inswinger and on stumps, Zak Crawley looks to block it but gets an outside edge. The ball bounces just over the off pole. A lucky escape for Zak Crawley.

Similar to the last delivery, Zak Crawley shoulders arms and lets it go.

Back of a length delivery outside off, Zak Crawley doesn't bother it.

Bowls it outside leg, Alex Lees looks to flick it but misses. The ball just aired past his bat and towards the keeper.

On middle, blocked at covers.

Change of length this time. Goes full and on the stumps, Alex Lees defends it to square leg.

Good-length delivery on off, Alex Lees blocks it straight to the fielder at mid off.

Outside off and full, this is defended towards short covers.

Bowls it down the leg side, Zak Crawley looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards short fine leg. Leg bye taken.

Outside off, defended at covers.

FOUR! Length ball outside off, Alex Lees waits for the ball and punches it through backward square leg for a boundary. This was well-timed by Alex Lees.

Another one outside off, Alex Lees leaves it alone and towards the keeper.

Outswinger and outside off, Alex Lees looks to defend it but misses.

On middle, defended out.

On a length and on middle, Zak Crawley flicks it towards square leg. A good chase from the fielder saving a run for his team. Three runs taken.

Trent Boult to bowl from the other end then!

Outside off again, Alex Lees doesn't bother it.

Goes fuller and wide outside off, Alex Lees puts his bat across and eases it to point.

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

Length ball outside off, this is defended towards covers.

FOUR! Fuller one outside off, Alex Lees gets on his knees and drives it through extra covers for a boundary. This was effortless from Alex Lees.

Starts with a length ball outside off, Alex Lees leaves it alone.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Matt Parkinson GETS HIS FIRST TEST WICKET! A special moment for him, he has been travelling with the English side for a sometime now, he really had to wait for his chance and now finally has a Test scalp. Tosses it up and bowls it wide outside off. Southee looks to hit it through covers, it goes off the outside edge and it is taken at first slip by Root! NEW ZEALAND HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 285!

This is wide outside off, Tim Southee drives straight towards the fielder at covers.

Tossed up outside off, Tim Southee hits it but straight towards the bowler.

FOUR! Bang! Length ball and outside off, Trent Boult drives it through long on for a boundary.

Shorter one again, Trent Boult ducks again and lets it through towards the keeper.

Goes shorter and on middle, Trent Boult ducks under it.

Trent Boult walks out to bat! He has three balls in this over to play out.

OUT! THREE REDS! Patel walks back and takes a review along with him! Not sure where that shot came from. He was probably tired of defending! On middle, Patel looks to heave it over the leg side but misses. It hits the back pad. An appeal and the finger is raised. Patel reviews but in vain. The move to get Potts on works. New Zealand lead by 272.

An appeal for an LBW and the finger is raised! Patel reviews but it looks out.

Fuller and on middle, Southee swings, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.

Outside off, left alone.

Matthew Potts is on now!

How did that miss the off pole! This is tossed up around off, it drifts away and then turns back in after it lands. Ajaz Patel plays down the wrong line, he misses and it goes just past the off pole.

Flatter and outside off, left alone.

This is very wide outside off, Patel looks to cut but misses.

Two more! A full toss on the pads, Patel paddle sweeps it towards fine leg and takes a brace.

Slightly shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Tossed up on off, Patel drops it towards cover for one.

Matt Parkinson is on now!

A dot to end! On middle, kept out.

Short and on middle again, evaded.

Drop and run and Ajaz Patel is off the mark! On off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

On middle, defended.

Outside off, this is hit through covers for one.

Goes short and down the leg side, left alone.

He survives! Outside off, left alone.

Edgy run! Southee wanted a single! A low full toss outside off, Southee looks to drive, this goes off the toe-end down towards third man for one. Ajaz Patel has one ball to face in this over.

Swing and a miss! Angled into the pads, Southee looks to go over the leg side but misses.

Fuller and angling into the pads, Southee works it to mid-wicket. Bairstow hurts his finger as he tries to stop the ball. Goes into the dressing room.

FOUR! JUST WIDE! Consecutive boundaries! Broad goes fuller this time, on middle, this is lofted past the diving mid on fielder and into the fence.

FOUR! This is how Southee is going to play an rightly so. Vital runs these for the Kiwis! On middle, this is lofted over the mid on fielder for a boundary. Not off the middle but hit well enough.

On middle, length, Patel gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

Good length and on off, Patel defends it out.

Good length and on middle, defended.

England have their tails up here! On the pads, Patel looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but turned down.

Tom Blundell is a goner! That seems dead. He has reviewed in hope. If no inside edge, he is a goner for sure.

OUT! THREE REDS AND IS HEART BREAK FOR Tom Blundell! He falls 4 short of a ton! The inswinger does the trick for Anderson and New Zealand have lost 4 in no time. This is a length ball, it comes back in from outside off. It seams in late. Blundell lunges to defend but does so outside the line. He gets hit on the front pad. An appeal and the finger is raised. It is reviewed but more in hope. Replays show no bat and then three reds. An outstanding innings from him. Have to feel for him, a lot went on after he got into the 90s and in the end, he misses out on a well-deserved ton.

Two more! Angled into the pads, Tom works it through square leg for a couple. He is a boundary away now.

That is a beauty! Length and on off, this lands and moves away. Southee is beaten as he tries to push at it. End of a good over though for New Zealand.

FOUR! Nice and fine! Consecutive boundaries! Short and on the body, this is pulled down to the fine leg fence.

FOUR! The lead is not 250! A boundary off a leading edge. Angled into the pads, Southee looks to flick but it goes off the leading edge over mid off. The fielder hares after it, dives but fails to push it back in. Should have done better.

Good length and on off, defended.

Southee goes short. This one comes slow off the surface. Southee looks to pull but misses to get hit on the body.

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

A dot to end which means Southee will be on strike! Shorter and on off, this is pushed to covers.

Southee gets off the strike with one ball to go in the over! On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

BEATEN AGAIN! Length and outside off, Southee initially pokes at it but then at the end pulls his bat back. It goes just past the outside edge.

How do you play those! This seems like it is coming in with the angle, it lands and then moves away, also stays low. Southee is beaten as he tries to defend.

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

LEG BYES! Tom Blundell remains on 94! Angled into the pads, Blundell looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and goes down to fine leg for three.

Played out! On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler. End of an over with three wickets in it.

Tim Southee walks out to bat!

OUT! TIMBER! Three in three for England and the game has turned on its head. What a delivery again by Broad. The second new ball is doing wonders for the hosts. This is on a length and around off, this lands and jags back in. Kyle Jamieson looks to defend but is a little late on the shot. It hits the pad and then onto the off pole. New Zealand's lead is still 8 short of 250. The crowd here is delighted.

OUT! RUN OUT! Colin is short! Two in two for England and they will feel they are right back into this one. That is poor from Colin, he was probably worried about the appeal. This is angled into the pads. Colin looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards the Pope at gully. Colin takes a few steps down the track and then turns in a lazy manner. Pope hits the stumps at the keeper's end and England start celebrating. It is taken upstairs and replays show Colin de Grandhomme is short.

Is that a run out? England are confident. Colin de Grandhomme is also not sure. What a moment this is in the game.

Colin de Grandhomme walks out to bat!

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! There is the wicket England needed! The second new ball has done the trick for the hosts. End of an outstanding innings though from Daryl Mitchell! He walks off to a standing ovation. A beauty to get rid of him and a top delivery was needed. This is on a length and around off, it lands and moves away. Daryl Mitchell looks to defend but does so inside the line, it goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper. Can England build on this?

Good length and on off, kept out.

On middle, this is pushed to mid on.

Touch fuller and on off, Tom Blundell is very solid in his defense.

On middle, defended towards mid on.

Goes fuller this time and on middle, Tom Blundell flicks it towards square leg.

On a good length and outside off, Tom Blundell looks to defend it but misses.

Sticks it his line and length, Daryl Mitchell defends it towards gully and gets a quick single.

Good-length delivery on off, Daryl Mitchell guides it towards backward point for a brace.

Length ball on middle, Tom Blundell eases it towards the mid-wicket region.

Fuller on off, this is defended.

Angled into the pads, Daryl works it through square leg and gets to the other end.

Outside off, left alone.

FOUR! The outfield is still really fast despite the rain! Fuller and around off, Mitchell looks to push at it, this one squirts off the outer half through point for a boundary.

Blundell now moves to 94! Angled into the pads, this is worked towards square leg for one.

On off, DM pushes it to covers.

Another one outside off, not played at.

Better from James Anderson! Length and on off, hint of away movment. Defended nicely by Mitchell.

Makes the batter play this time by bowling it on middle, it is pushed to mid on.

Another away swinger, this is also outside off though. Not played at.

A little bit of swing for Anderson! Fuller and outside off, shaping away. Left alone.

James Anderson to bowl from the other end. The second new ball is also available and it has been taken.

A dot to end! On off, defended.

THERE IT IS! 100 for Daryl Mitchell! Only his second in Tests. He was three runs away and the first ball he faced on Day 3, gets to the milestone. Outstanding knock. Talk about grabbing the opportunity. He probably got into the XI as Nicholls was not available and what a statement he has made. A ton when his team were in deep trouble. He is absolutely delighted. Gets there with an elegant cover drive. It is full and on off, it is hit through covers for three.

First runs of the day and it ocmes off the bat of Tom! Fuller and on off, this is pushed through covers for three.

Solid yet again! On a length and around off, kept out.

Just outside off, length delivery. Left alone.

Solid from Tom Blundell! Good length and on off, Tom defends it onto the ground.

The players make their way out to the middle! The floodlights are on and it is cloudy which means it could be great conditions to bowl in. Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell will resume their innings. Stuart Broad to begin. One over to go before the second new ball is available.

EVEN BETTER NEWS! Game to begin at 1130 local (1030 GMT) which is not far away and we have no overs lost today as of now. Yes, all of this can change if the heaves decide to open up yet again but for now though, we are not far away from the first ball of Day 3.

UPDATE - 1110 local (1010 GMT) - GOOD NEWS! The covers are coming off. The rain has stopped but the conditions overhead have not changed. However, we could have some play soon.

UPDATE - 1055 local (0955 GMT) - Well, we might not start on time as the RAIN HAS ARRIVED! The covers are on and it has gotten really dark out there. The floodlights are on too. Let us hope it passes by quickly. The forecast ain't that bad so we can be optimistic about getting some play soon.

A word about the WEATHER! It is cloudy but dry at the moment. The covers are coming off too but rain seems imminent. Keeping our fingers crossed.

New Zealand on the other hand, would just want to bat, bat, bat, assuming the weather does not play a part (which seems highly unlikely) there is a lot of time in this game left. First though, the two batters will be hoping to get to their ton. Both are in their 90s and we are pretty sure England are not going to make the runs they need for it easy to score.

England will need to show a lot of character. It is the Kiwis who have always fought back in this game after being behind but it is now time for the hosts to do so. They have no one but themselves to blame for the position they are in. Do they have the fight left in them? Are we going to see the hosts storm back into the game?

From 56 for 4, the Kiwis managed to end Day 2 at 236 for 4. A staggering 180-run unbeaten stand between Mitchell and Blundell has turned the tide into the visitors' favor completely. Another good session for the Kiwis and they'll feel very safe about their position in the game. England on the other hand, know things can change quite quickly and if they do manage to get a couple of wickets early, they will be right back into it. However, the weather could play a major part in the 3 days to come. The forecast is not the best but we are hoping to get enough play to sneak in a result. Welcome to the coverage of Day 3.

... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...

This Test match was slipping away from New Zealand, but they have wrestled back the advantage and are now in the driver's seat. A few odd deliveries misbehaved on the second day, so batting last won't be easy. By no means England are out of this game, but they certainly are on the back foot. How will they respond from here? Do join us on Day 3 at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT) to find out. You can tune in early for the build-up. Cheers!

The pitch went flat in the afternoon, didn't offer much movement and zip, and the English bowling also went flat. Their bowling attack doesn't have the pace of a Mark Wood or Jofra Archer, and that in a way exposed their bowling depth. Ben Stokes tried to bowl some short stuff but was dealt with ease, and all in all, England had to sweat hard with the ball, in contrast to Day 1.

Tables have turned! Bowlers dominated Day 1, but the batters found their voice on Day 2. The action though started with six wickets in the morning session, and it appeared that we will be in for a carbon copy of the first day but the pair of Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell showed the perfect amount of resolve and fortitude to bail New Zealand out of a precarious situation. They brought calculative aggression in the second half of the second session to put England's bowling at bay. New Zealand have displayed character to bounce back twice in this Test match already - once with the ball and now with the bat. The courageous stand between Mitchell and Blundell has moved the Kiwis into a position of great strength.

End of a fantastic day for the Kiwis! And the two architects of their comeback, Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell, are walking back amidst a warm ovation from the Lord's crowd. Their 180-run stand has steered New Zealand out of troubled waters and handed them a lead of 227 runs. Both Tom and Daryl though are going to have a sleepless night, as they are in their 90s, and the famous Lord's honours board will be waiting for them on Saturday.

FOUR! A boundary on the last ball of the day. Fuller and outside off, Daryl Mitchell drives it through long off for a boundary. He moves to 97. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2.

Outside off, this is defended towards the mid-wicket region.

Fuller on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell puts his bat on it. The ball goes towards the cover region.

On a good length, quicker too, Daryl Mitchell blocks it towards covers.

Length ball on off, Daryl Mitchell defends it back towards the bowler.

On off, defended out.

On middle, this is flicked straight towards the fielder at short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Flighted up on middle, Tom Blundell moves to his backfoot and flicks it through deep square leg for a boundary. He moves to 90.

Fuller again and on middle, Tom Blundell eases it back towards Matt Parkinson.

Touch fuller on middle with a hint of turn, Tom Blundell blocks this one out.

On middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it towards square leg for one.

Tossed up on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it towards covers.

Single off the last ball. Fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it towards square leg for one.

Change in line, this one is on middle, Daryl Mitchell defends it towards the mid on region.

Similar to the last delivery, Daryl Mitchell lets this one go as well. He is running in, good energy shown by Potts over here.

Touch fuller and outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms to it.

Fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it straight towards the fielder at mid-wicket.

A slight delay in play as there is a conference between Stokes, Anderson and Potts. Meanwhile, the artificial lights are switched on as it has gone a bit gloomy.

Length ball on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell defends it towards the mid on region.

Tossed up on off, this is defended back towards Matt Parkinson.

Floated up on leg, Daryl Mitchell flicks it towards square leg and rotates the strike.

Fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell defends it back towards the bowler.

Tossed up outside off, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Flighted up on leg, Tom Blundell flicks this one towards backward square leg for a brace.

Tossed up outside off, Daryl Mitchell uses his feet and plays it towards mid off.

On a good length and on middle, Tom Blundell blocks it towards covers.

On middle, Tom Blundell eases it towards point.

Similar to the last delivery, Tom Blundell eases it towards the vacant short leg region.

Length ball on middle, angling into the batter, Tom Blundell blocks this one out towards mid on.

On a good length and on off, this is defended out solidly.

Length ball on leg, Tom Blundell uses the pace of the bowler and flicks it towards backward square leg for a brace.

On the stumps, kept out.

Another one which is given air, it lands on middle, Daryl Mitchell reaches out for it and defends. Not a lot of turn or zip for Matt Parkinson too. The pitch seems to have gone really placid.

Flighted delivery on middle, defended.

Shorter and on off, Tom Blundell pushes it through covers for one.

Tossed up on middle, kept out.

Tom steps out, gets close to the pitch of the ball and hits it to mid off.

On off, this is pushed to mid off.

On the stumps, defended well.

Two more! Fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell strokes it down the ground, past mid on for two.

Another defensive stroke to this ball on middle.

On off, kept out.

On the stumps, defended well.

Another one on the stumps, defended.

Floats it up on off, kept out.

Flighted ball on off, kept out.

On off, this is pushed to mid off.

Tossed up on off, defended.

Two more! On the pads, this is worked fine on the leg side for two.

Change of ends for Matt Parkinson too.

On off, blocked.

Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell strokes it to mid off.

That is defended solidly off the front foot.

Angled into middle, kept out.

On middle, this time gets it to straighten. Defended nicely.

Outside off to begin with! Left alone.

Change of ends for Matthew Potts!

A muted appeal again for an lbw. Fuller and landing outside leg, Tom tries to sweep but misses.

Walks forward and knocks a full toss towards deepish mid on for a run.

Down the leg side, tickled away to long leg for one.

Tossed up again, landing outside leg, Tom Blundell goes back to flick but misses and is hit on the thigh pad.

Shout for an lbw, not given! Very full and around leg, Tom Blundell tries to sweep but misses. He is rapped on the pads, they appeal but it has perhaps landing outside leg.

Flighted and around leg, helped to square leg.

Joe Root to roll his arm now. A slip and leg slip in place...

Floated and around middle, Daryl Mitchell gets forward to defend it with a straight blade but it catches the inside edge and runs down to fine leg. Two runs.

Uses his feet and bunts a full ball to mid off for a brisk run. Bairstow has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Slightly short and on leg, Blundell hangs deep inside the crease and punches it towards mid on.

Googly around off, on the shorter side, Tom moves back and pushes it away again towards mid on.

Fuller and around off, Tom walks forward and drives it with the spin to covers.

Flighted and full, on middle, pushed down to mid on.

A harmless outswinger, on a length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell watches it closely and lets it be.

Shortish and close to off, Daryl Mitchell stays back and blocks it to the off side.

Arrows a full ball around leg, Mitchell plays it ahead of his pads and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Back of a length on middle, Blundell moves back inside the crease and turns it in front of square leg for a single.

Drifting down the leg side, Daryl Mitchell deflects it off his pads to fine leg. The fielder makes a diving stop near the fence to save one run. The lead crosses 200!

Serves it on a length and close to off, Daryl Mitchell defends it from the crease.

Loopy and full, around off, Blundell presses forward and defends it from the inner half of his blade.

Too full and on middle, Tom comes down the track but gets too close to the line. Mishits his shot to mid on.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Blundell lunges and defends it down.

On the pads, tickled to deep square leg for one.

Jumps down the track to take it on the full and flicks it to mid-wicket. The fielder fumbles and they get a single. The stand moves to 150!

Floated and around off, drifting in and spinning away a shade, Tom is forward in defense.

On a length around middle, it's defended on the leg side.

A gentle outswinger, in the region outside off, Daryl shoulders arms.

Full and going down the leg side, Mitchell clips it down to long leg where the fielder makes a sliding stop. Two runs taken.

Keeps it on and around off, on a good length, Daryl is solid in his defense.

Shortish and on off, punched off the back foot to covers.

Bowls it on a good length outside off, Mitchell blocks it from the back foot.

Flighted again, full and on middle, Tom walks down the track and knocks it down to mid on. Finds the fielder.

Full and floated, on off, defended off the front foot.

FOUR! Fine shot! 200 comes up for New Zealand. Flighted delivery, landing full around middle, Tom Blundell dances down the track and forces it to the long on fence.

Fails to put it away! A wide full toss outside off, Blundell skips down the track and smashes it to covers. Finds Stokes.

Fuller and around off, Blundell steps down the track and defends it on the leg side.

Flighted one, full and around off, Tom decides to hang on the back foot in defense.

Short in length and outside off, Mitchell goes on his toes and defends it to the off side.

Slants in a length ball on off, DM gets behind the line and blocks it down on the surface.

Once again England report an issue with the ball. Nothing doing. It has passed the 8-gauge test and the umpire hands the ball back to Broad.

Fuller in length and outside off, moving away late off the seam, Daryl Mitchell allows it through.

Angles in a length ball, around off, Daryl defends it from the back foot to short mid-wicket.

In the channel outside off, on a length and holding its line, Mitchell covers his stumps and shoulders arms.

Back of a length, around off, Tom turns and places it in front of square leg for one.

Fuller and on off, Daryl draws forward and defends.

That is defended solidly off the front foot.

Flighted and on off, defended again.

Floated and full, around middle, defended.

Mishit! Flighted and full, around leg, Daryl dances down the track to heave it over the leg side but ends up getting an inside edge. It squirts to deep square leg and they get a couple.

Starts with a short ball down the leg side, Mitchell flicks but finds short fine leg.

As expected, Matt Parkinson has replaced Stokes from the opposite end.

FOUR! That's bread and butter for a set batter. Short in length and wide outside off, Tom Blundell eases himself on the back foot and cuts it firmly through point for a boundary.

In the zone outside off, Tom shoulders arms.

FOUR! Top shot! A bit aerial but Blundell knew what he was doing! Broad offers width outside off, it's on a length and Tom Blundell drives it on the up through the vacant cover-point region. Lead is 183.