New Zealand vs England, Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, 2024 Full score card

Fifty up for Jacob Bethell. Short, on off, Jacob Bethell pulls it through mid-wicket for one. England beat New Zealand by 8 wickets!

Scores are level now! Short and wide, Jacob Bethell slaps it through backward point for a brace. He moves to 49 now!

Shorter, on middle, Jacob Bethell ducks under it.

SIX! All the way! Shorter one from Nathan Smith, on middle and leg, Jacob Bethell swivels and pulls it magnificently over deep square leg as the ball sails into the stands.

Drinks! It just seems like a matter of time now as England just needs 9 runs to win this game. They have raced to 95 in just 12 overs here. New Zealand well knew this would have been the approach and they tried to stop them by bowling short balls but couldn't.

Short, on off, Joe Root looks to ramp it over the keeper but misses.

Length, on off, Jacob Bethell taps it to point for one.

Length, on middle, Joe Root flicks it to square leg for one.

SIX! All the way! What a shot! On a length and on middle, Joe Root shuffles across and heaves it magnificently over deep square leg for a biggie.

Short, on middle and leg, Joe Root looks to pull it but misses.

Lands it on off, Jacob Bethell pushes it to mid off for one.

Slower one, on middle, Jacob Bethell turns it through square leg for one. Just 18 needed now.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, outside off, Jacob Bethell leaves. Wided.

Short again, Joe Root pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Back of a length, on middle, Jacob Bethell pulls it to square leg for one.

FOUR! Well played! Short, on leg, Jacob Bethell swivels and pulls it magnificently over short fine. The fielder tries to stop it but fails as the ball races away.

Bangs a bouncer, on middle, Jacob Bethell leaves.

Back of a length, on middle, Joe Root pulls it through square leg for one.

Lands it down leg, Jacob Bethell looks to pull it but misses.

Bangs a bouncer, on leg, Jacob Bethell ducks under it.

Back of a length, on middle, Joe Root pulls it through square leg for one.

Short again, on middle, Jacob Bethell looks to pull it but gets a top edge. It flies over the keeper as the batters collect a single.

Short, on leg, Jacob Bethell looks to pull it but misses and is caught behind by the keeper. An appeal but the umpire is unmoved. They refer. Ultra Edge shows that it had hit his arm and the onfield decision stands NOT OUT!

FOUR! Well played! Lands it on middle and leg, Jacob Bethell reads it well and flicks it through short fine for a boundary.

Full, on off, Joe Root flicks it to the fielder at mid-wicket.

Fuller one, on off, Jacob Bethell eases it to covers for one.

Lands it on middle, Joe Root pulls it to mid-wicket for one.

Short, on off, Joe Root ducks under it. No ball called for height.

Length, outside off, Jacob Bethell eases it to third man for one.

Short and wide, Jacob Bethell leaves it again.

Short, outside off, Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.

FOUR! Three boundaries in a row for Joe Root! Short, on off, Joe Root swivels and pulls it magnificently through mid-wicket for yet another boundary.

FOUR! This one connects well! Back of a length, outside off, Joe Root hangs back and slaps it elegantly through point for a boundary.

FOUR! Joe Root gets off the mark in a streaky manner. Length, outside off, Joe Root looks to drive it but edges it past the slips for a boundary.

Short, outside off, Joe Root looks to punch it but gets beaten.

On a length, angling in, Joe Root blocks it.

Joe Root is in at number 4.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! New Zealand get their second wicket. William O'Rourke starts from around the stumps and follows the batter as Duckett shuffles outside leg to execute the rap shot. O'Rourke bangs it hard into the surface and directs it towards the batter. Ben Duckett is cramped up for room but still goes through the ramp shot. He plays it way too closer to the body and hence, doesn't quite get the requisite power to go beyond the ropes. It flies off the bat and sails right down the throat of Matt Henry at deep third. An entertaining knock from Duckett comes to an end and William O'Rourke strikes in his first ball.

Slower one, just around off, Jacob Bethell presses forward and stabs it to the off side.

FOUR! Into the T20 mode now! Short ball just outside off. Bethell stands tall and flat-bats it over the bowler's head for another boundary. England need just 49 runs to win now.

FOUR! These two are making batting look so easy! Hard length and angling into the batter. Bethell makes room and whacks it over mid on for a boundary .

Just outside off, on a length, dabbed away to the gully region.

FOUR! Pull away powerfully! Length again from Smith, around off, Jacob Bethell stands upright and swivels to power the pull shot through deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Gee, that's a powerful stroke! Length ball from around the wickets, Jacob Bethell stands tall and smashes it with a flat-bat and down the ground for a cracking boundary.

Nathan Smith is into the attack now. He replaces Tim Southee.

Full, on off, Jacob Bethell taps it to covers for one.

Short, on leg, Ben Duckett helps it fine for one. No ball called for height.

Full, outside off, Ben Duckett looks to drive it but misses.

Lands it outside off, Jacob Bethell looks to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Dot.

Full, on off, Jacob Bethell blocks it to short covers.

Length, outside off, Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.

FOUR! Well played! Fuller one, on off, Jacob Bethell picks it well and drills it magnificently through mid-wicket off for a boundary.

FOUR! Well played! Short, on middle, Ben Duckett swivels and pulls it elegantly over square leg for a boundary. 16 runs off this over. England need 73 runs to win now.

On a length, outside off, Ben Duckett looks to drive it but misses.

Length, outside off, Ben Duckett looks to scoop it but misses.

Short again, on middle, Ben Duckett pulls it over square leg for a brace.

SIX! Ben Duckett is not wasting any time here! Short, on leg, Ben Duckett swivels and pulls it magnificently over deep backward square leg for a biggie.

FOUR! Stand and deliver stuff from Ben Duckett! Fuller one, on middle, Ben Duckett picks it well and drills it down the ground for a boundary.

Full, on off, Jacob Bethell pushes it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Streaky! Lands it outside off, Jacob Bethell looks to drive it but gets a thick inside edge as the ball races past the keeper for a boundary.

Full, on middle, Jacob Bethell eases it to mid on.

Lands it on middle, Jacob Bethell tucks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Good length again, Jacob Bethell eases it to short covers.

On a length, angling in, Jacob Bethell blocks it back.

Full, outside off, Ben Duckett guides it through short third for a brace.

FOUR MORE! Back to back boundaries for Ben Duckett! Lands it on middle, Ben Duckett picks it well and flicks it magnificently through mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Ben Duckett gets off the mark in a cheeky way! Length, outside off, Ben Duckett moves to his left and scoops it over short fine for a boundary.

Length again, on middle, Ben Duckett blocks it to mid off.

On a length, on middle, Ben Duckett blocks it solidly.

Fuller one, outside off, Ben Duckett looks to drive it but gets beaten.

Full, on off, Jacob Bethell taps it to the mid off fielder.

Jacob Bethell walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! New Zealand are not going away without a fight here! Henry steams in and hits the hard length keeps the line of attack on off. Zak Crawley takes his front foot out and looks to push at it. But he gets a bit too across and plays over the line. The ball hits the inner part of his bat and it twists in his hands. Hence, the ball lobs off the willow and carries flat and straight back towards Matt Henry who takes a good sharp catch to his right. New Zealand have a breakthrough!

Touch fuller, on off, Zak Crawley defends it solidly.

Full, on off, Zak Crawley drives it to the fielder at mid on.

Lands it on leg, Zak Crawley fends it back.

Fuller one, on middle, Zak Crawley blocks it back.

Matt Henry to share the attack.

Length, on off, Ben Duckett looks to drive it but misses.

Oh, that was close! On a length and this shapes away a touch, Ben Duckett looks to block it but gets beaten. The ball just missed the top of off.

Lands it outside off, Ben Duckett looks to drive it but misses.

Zak Crawley and England and underway! Full again, on off, Zak Crawley drives it through covers for one.

Fuller this time, on middle, Zak Crawley blocks it to short covers.

Starts with a length ball, outside off, swinging away. Zak Crawley leaves it alone.

OUT! TAKEN! Daryl Mitchell finally departs at 84 as Chris Woakes completes the catch at long off. On a length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to loft it but gets it off the toe end of his bat. The ball carries towards long on. Chris Woakes runs forward and completes the catch. The umpires check for a possible no ball and replays show that it was a legal delivery. New Zealand end their innings at 254 as England now need 104 runs to win this game!

Back of a length, outside off, William O'Rourke eases it to third man. Daryl Mitchell denies for a single.

On a length, outside off, William O'Rourke leaves.

A slower bouncer, Daryl Mitchell pulls it to square leg for one.

Short, outside off, Daryl Mitchell has a fiddle but cannot adjust with the bounce.

Goes fuller this time, on off, Daryl Mitchell knocks it back to the bowler who makes a good stop.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, Daryl Mitchell leaves. Wided.

Short and wide, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Back of a length, on middle, William O'Rourke stands tall and blocks it back.

Length, on off, William O'Rourke blocks it to the fielder at slips.

Back of a length, just outside off, William O'Rourke offers no shot.

Bangs a bouncer, on leg, William O'Rourke ducks under it.

Short and wide, William O'Rourke leaves it alone.

On a length, on middle and leg, William O'Rourke blocks it back.

FOUR! Easy-peasy says Daryl Mitchell! The lead goes past 100 runs now for New Zealand! Chris Woakes bowls a genuine loosener, short and on the stumps. It comes on the waist height as Daryl Mitchell positions himself for a pull shot. Goes through the shot and gets it over square leg for a boundary. 250 up for New Zealand. Frustration creeping in the English camp now as the stand for the 10th wicket grows to 43 runs.

Straight and full, on middle. Daryl Mitchell is solid in defence and blocks it straight back to the bowler.

FOUR! What a shot! Chris Woakes bowls it onto the stumps, on a fuller length, Daryl Mitchell clears his front leg and lofts it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

All the boundary riders now come up in the circle.

Very full, outside off, Daryl Mitchell goes through the drive and carves it off the outside edge to deep third.

A low full toss, on off, Daryl Mitchell mistimes it off the toe-end towards long on.

An extra 30 minutes have been added in this session. Since New Zealand is 9 down now, the session has been extended for half an hour and Lunch will be taken once the last wicket falls.

Nice and full, on off, driven to the off side.

Slower through the air, on middle. William O'Rourke rocks back and taps it with soft hands to the leg side. New Zealand now lead by 93 runs.

Short of a good length, on the pads, tucked away to deep square leg for a single.

Driven firmly but doesn't get the boundary! Pushed through, full and outside off, William O'Rourke strides across and drives it through cover-point. The ball rolls to the deep and just plugs into the field before the ropes. Three taken as the fielder chases it from the inner ring.

Flighted fuller and on leg, Daryl Mitchell gets ahead on the front foot and steers it to wide of mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Hammered down the ground! Welcome runs for the Blackcaps. Nicely tossed up by Bashir, a half-volley on middle. Daryl Mitchell steps down to the pitch of the ball and tonks it behind the sightscreen for a huge six. New Zealand lead by 88 runs.

Too slow, full and on leg, Mitchell leans on and steers it to square leg.

Beaten! Just so close! Chris Woakes bowls it on a fuller length, gets the ball to zip off the surface, around off. William O'Rourke commits on the front foot to defend it out but plays inside the line as the ball deviates away. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Angles it on off, on a fuller length, William O'Rourke blocks it out to point.

Nagging length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell hangs back and slashes the square cut to deep backward point for a single.

Fraction full, attacking the off-pole, Daryl Mitchell lunges ahead and blocks it back to the bowler.

An attempted yorker, right into the blockhole, Daryl Mitchell just about manages to jam his bat down in time and digs it out to the leg side.

Hurls it full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell strides across and drives it firmly to deep cover for no run.

Nicely tossed up, full and outside off, William O'Rourke strides across to defend it out but gets it off the thickish outside edge. Runs past the right of the first slip towards deep third. No run taken.

Drags his length does Bashir, on middle, William O'Rourke hangs back and pats it onto the pitch.

Nice and full, around off, William O'Rourke leans on the ball and defends it out.

Slower through the air, on a length, drifting on middle, from around the wickets. Daryl Mitchell rocks back and across and nurdles it with soft hands to square leg for a single.

Floated up, full and on leg, Daryl Mitchell defends it out.

Tossed up, full and on the leg stump, Mitchell leans on and eases it to the square leg region.

Pitched fuller on off, William O'Rourke is solid in defence and fends it to the cover-point region.

Woakes now uses the width of the crease and bowls it from a wide angle. He fires this one fuller on on off, blocked off nicely.

Short of a good length, outside off, William O'Rourke lets it be.

Bangs it short and on top of the stumps. William O'Rourke ducks under it.

Hurls it full and on middle. William O'Rourke brings his bat ahead of the pad to block it to mid off.

Nice and full, on off, William O'Rourke presses ahead to block but gets an outside edge as the ball rolls to the second slip.

Change of ends for Woakes as he is back on.

FOUR! Nice shot! Pitched fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell employs the reverse sweep and gets a bit of top-edge over short third for a boundary. The lead now cross 80 runs for New Zealand.

Length ball sliding down the leg. Mitchell misses the flick.

EDGED AND JUST GOES PAST THE SLIP! Shoaib Bashir lands a fuller ball, around off, William O'Rourke leans on to defend but gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes flat and towards the right of the diving first slip fielder. Harry Brook reacts a bit late and puts in a dive by stretching his right hand out but fails to get a hand on it the ball runs toward deep third. A single taken.

Pushed through, nice and full, on middle. William O'Rourke blocks it out.

Floated up, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell reverse sweeps it to deep third for a single.

Flat and around off on a length. Daryl Mitchell knocks it down to long on.

Shoaib Bashir (9-0-47-0) gets a crack with the ball now. He replaces Chris Woakes. A bit of delay as the umpire asks Bashir to remove the plaster from his right thumb. He obeys and we are good to go.

Just outside off, on a good length, William O'Rourke makes a tight leave.

A low full toss, on middle, pushed away to widish long on for a single.

Big swing and a miss! Fired in full and gets that extra bit of bounce on it. On off, Daryl Mitchell clears his front leg and swings across but the ball passes over the bat.

FOUR! Slashed away into the gap! Handy runs for New Zealand these! Gus Atkinson bowls it on a good length and offers a little bit of room outside off. Daryl Mitchell positions himself for a square cut and gets it past deep backward point for a boundary. New Zealand lead by 73 runs now!

A surprise bumper from Atkinson, on the off-pole, Daryl Mitchell decides to take on but opts out of the shot eventually.

Nagging length, outside off, guided down to deep third.

Hard length, on the top of the stumps, William O'Rourke stabs it off the front foot and gets it through cover-point. But no run taken.

Fuller in length, on the stumps, William O'Rourke gets on the front foot and blocks it nicely.

Aims the pegs does Woakes, goes straight on, full and on middle. Blocked off firmly by William O'Rourke.

Takes the single off the third delivery now. Full and at a gentle pace, on off, Daryl Mitchell drills it down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Cleverly done! Pitched outside off on a good length, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across off and paddles it over short fine for a boundary.

Nice and full, on off, pushed straight back to the bowler by Mitchell.

Way down leg, on a fuller length. William O'Rourke misses to flick it away. A maiden over for Atkinson. His third so far. New Zealand lead by 64 runs.

A bumper on the leg stump line. William O'Rourke just about ducks under it. The on-field umpire signals for two short balls for the over.

Short and onto the body, nipping back in. William O'Rourke fails to get away and takes the blow on the body.

Back of a length, just on off, William O'Rourke presses ahead and stabs it to point.

Way too short and on the body, William O'Rourke tries to take it on and goes for the pull shot, misses.

Gus Atkinson bowls a surprise bumper on middle, William O'Rourke tries to ride the bounce and it goes off the handle of the bat towards the cover region.

Sliding down the leg side, on a fuller length. Daryl Mitchell goes for a hoick across but plays over the wrong line and gets pinned on the front pad. The ball lobs off his pad and falls in the vacant short mid-wicket region.

O'Rourke is off the mark and off the strike as well. Full and angling in on leg, William O'Rourke flicks it wide of mid on for a single.

TEST FIFTY NUMBER 13 FOR DARYL MITCHELL! His 6th against England. Short of a good length, outside off, punched away to deep cover for a single. An inning of grit and resilience from the right-hander. He has held one end brilliantly so far.

Short and on the middle, pulled away to deep square leg.

IN THE AIR AND JUST SHORT OF LONG OFF! Woakes delivers it full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell lofts it over mid off and it goes flat towards long off and just dips on the fielder. The fielder gets his hands on the full and parries it to the deep cover region. Two taken.

Hurls it on a good length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell stands tall and mistimes the punch down to long off. Denies the single.

Chris Woakes is into the attack now. He is 13-1-39-3 so far, and replaces Brydon Carse.

Gus Atkinson hits the deck hard onto the pads, William O'Rourke tucks it nicely along the ground to deep square leg. No run taken.

Nice and full, on off, driven firmly to the cover region. NO BALL called as Gus Atkinson has overstepped. That is number 12 in this innings.

Steep bumper on off, William O'Rourke arches back and lets it pass to the keeper.

WIDE! Over the head bumper, on leg, ducked away. Wide called.

Back of a length, going down the leg stump. O'Rourke sways away from the line and lets it be.

Fuller length around middle and leg. O'Rourke blocks it.

William O'Rourke is the last batter in for New Zealand.

OUT! HIGH UP IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A spectacular catch by Joe Root and third time unlucky for Southee as he holes out this time around! Gus Atkinson comes from around the stumps and fires it in, full and on the leg stump line. Tim Southee gets the front foot out of the way to creat some room. Doesn't try to keep it down and goes through the shot swinging too hard at it. Loses his shape a bit and mistimes it in the air. Gets the elevation but it goes only as far as the deep mid-wicket region. Joe Root does the hard yards from deep square leg as he runs to his left, locks his eyes on the ball and takes a fine catch by sliding in the end.

Bangs a shorter one, on middle, angling across, Tim Southee tries to hoick it aerially but misses.

Tests the batter with another bumper, Daryl Mitchell is firm to duck under it.

Pitched fuller in length, on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell prods ahead and pushes it to long off for a couple of runs.

A bit full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell decides to leave it alone. Some constant chirping by Carse now.

Good length, on middle and off. Mitchell pushes it to mid on.

Banged short, outside leg, Daryl Mitchell sways out of the line.

Around the wicket. A length ball down the leg side. Mitchell misses to flick and gets a thick inside edge onto his pad and then to the keeper.

Drinks! Well, it has been an entertaining first hour of play at Hagley, to say the least. As conditions looked pretty good to bat on with the sun out, England invoked a barrage of short balls to trouble the batters. But they were dealt with caution from Nathan Smith and Daryl Mitchell. However, the moment Brydon Carse changed his length and went fuller, he struck a double whammy and also got his 5-fer. New Zealand lead by 56 runs and need to do a lot more to get to a challenging total. Whereas, England would be desperate to get those two remaining wickets as quickly as possible and come out to bat.

This time, he lets it go through. Short and top of the stumps, Tim Southee gets his sight off the ball and leaves.

SIX MORE! Southee upping the ante here! Just gets enough! Gus Atkinson again bowls a short one, across off, Tim Southee backs away and swings through swiftly. Pulls it just behind the deep mid-wicket region. The two fielders in the deep lurk around for the catch but it just sails over the ropes for a six. Southee's 95th six.

Around the wicket now. Gus Atkinson fires in a yorker, on the legs, Tim Southee adjusts well and jams his bat ahead in time.

SIX! TEST SIX NUMBER 94 FOR SOUTHEE! Banged short, on the stumps, Tim Southee gets in position quickly and pulls it aerially. Gets the connection right and dispatches it behind deep square leg for a huge biggie. And the lead goes past 50 runs now for New Zealand. The 200 also comes up for the Blackcaps.

Gus Atkinson now fires in an attempted yorker. Tim Southee clears the front foot to create some room to dig it out but gets an inside edge that runs to the left of the keeper. Ollie Pope does pretty well to collect the ball on the dive. A front foot NO BALL as Gus Atkinson has overstepped.

Swing and a miss! Gus Atkinson bashes the hard length, just outside off, Tim Southee clears his front foot to pull across but only meets thin air.

Shortish and on the leg stump line, Tim Southee shuffles a bit to pull but gets it off the bottom edge to the left of the keeper.

Short and zips through the deck, Daryl Mitchell exercises again to duck underneath the ball.

Length ball on the leg stump. Mitchell works it to mid-wicket.

Hard length, pitching outside leg and coming high on the body, Daryl Mitchell gets behind it and tries to pat it on the surface but ends up fending it in front. Carse scoots forward and collects it on a couple of bounces.

Another bounce, on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell squats under it safely.

Attacks the batter with another bumper, a steep one that flies off the surface. Daryl Mitchell can only duck under it. Carse chirps to Daryl Mitchell and the latter exchanges a smirky smile.

WIDE! Way too short, down leg and over the head. Mitchell opts out of the way. Wide given.

Back of a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell climbs on the bounce and guides it to cover-point.

Back of a length going way down the leg. Southee misses the flick.

A mandatory concussion test is in place for Tim Southee. Some fluids in and he is fine to continue.

Ouch! That is right onto the helmet! Gus Atkinson bangs it into the surface, a vicious bumper, on the bodyline, Tim Southee decides to take on and goes through the pull shot but the ball gets a bit heavy on him and strikes right on the grille.

Length delivery on the stumps. Southee taps it back to the bowler.

Halt! Oh dear! Ben Stokes looked in a bit of discomfort right after delivering the ball. Felt something on his right foot and straightaway decided to get out of attack. Gus Atkinson to continue the remaining over.

Sharp bumper on off, Tim Southee just ducks underneath it.

A leg-cutter from Stokes, on a length and on the stumps at 126.7 kph. Mitchell gets inside the line and glances it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Full and at the stumps. Mitchell taps it back to the bowler.

Tim Southee is in at number 10.

OUT! LBW! A snorter of a delivery and Henry is trapped in front! An appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger! Matt Henry does not review it and walks away in disappointment. Brydon Carse registers his 5-fer and gets acknowledged by his teammates. Coming to the ball, Brydon Carse fires it fuller and right in front of the stumps. Matt Henry anticipates for the shorter one but it is that full ball that nips back in and hurries Henry into the shot. He gets in an awkward position to flick it across but plays over the line. Gets pinned on the front pad. New Zealand slip down to 192/8 now. A double whammy for Carse and suddenly, England are back on the top.

Tight line and length! On the stumps, on a good length, Matt Henry opens his body, getting behind the line and stabs it on the surface.

Nipping back into the batter, skidding through, Daryl Mitchell is hurried and tucks it across off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.

Short, on off, tapped to cover for one. Henry is off the mark.

Matt Henry is in at number 9.

OUT! TRAPPED IN FRONT! An appeal for LBW and up goes the finger instantly! Nathan Smith has gone upstairs straightaway! Brydon Carse changes his length and bowls it fractionally fuller in length, skidding through into the batter and stays a tad bit low off the deck. Nathan Smith is hurried by the pace and gets undone by this nip-backer. He tries to play it across but ends up playing all over. The ball sneaks through and he gets rapped on the front pad. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds as the ball clips the top of the leg stump. Brydon Carse gets his fourth wicket and England finally breakthrough on Day 4. New Zealand are 190/7 now, leading by 40 runs.

Short and on top of off, Nathan Smith is composed and punches it back to the bowler.

Runs coming easily for New Zealand. This is a length-delivery, on middle, Nathan Smith tucks it across to mid-wicket for a single. New Zealand has managed to score 35 runs in the first 7 overs of the day. Going 5 runs per over.

Angles it onto the pads, on a good length, Mitchell glances it off his hips to deep backward square leg for a single.

Smith moves into his 20s with that excellent stroke! Bowls it full and nibbling away from off, Nathan Smith drives it on the up through covers for three runs.

Back of a length, on middle, Smith gets behind the line and defends it off the back foot to mid on.

Short and wide of off, Smith is happy to let that pass.

Attacks the stumps on a fuller length, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Slanting across off on a short length, Nathan Smith offers no shot at it.

Another short one and Smith ducks.

Fractionally full, on leg, Smith defends it to square leg.

Bangs it on a good length, on middle and angling towards off, Nathan Smith taps it to short mid-wicket.

Length, on middle, Nathan Smith taps it off the back foot to short cover.

Brilliant presence of mind by the two batters! Nagging length, across off, from around the wicket, Nathan Smith punches it with a straight bat and gets it through the vacant mid off region. The fielder from the covers chases the ball and the batters scamper back for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, on middle, turned away to deep square leg for a single. The lead now extends to 31 runs for New Zealand.

NO BALL! A sharp bumper aiming at the batter. Nathan Smith ducks his head under it.

Way short and on leg, Nathan Smith squats under it.

Excellent running! Hard length, slanting on off, Nathan Smith hops on the back foot, gets behind the line and punches it to wide of the cover fielder for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, from around the wickets, on leg, Nathan Smith taps it with soft hands to mid on.

Too short, almost flies over the head of the batter as Smith lets it pass. And Wide is signaled by the umpire.

Hard length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell gets on the back foot and tucks it solidly to the right of mid-wicket for a quick single.

Bashes the hard length, does Stokes, angling on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out off the inside half of the bat.

Short and at the batter, Smith sits under it.

With a short leg in place, Carse changes the angle of attack. Comes from around the stumps and bowls a sharp bounce on the leg stump. Nathan Smith gets his hands high on the bounce and drops it with soft hands ahead of the short leg fielder.

Banged short, on the body, Smith is happy to duck under it.

Nice and full, goes straight on the middle and leg stump line, Daryl Mitchell pushes it forward to the left of mid on. The ball just slows down on the way to the fence and is chased by Chris Woakes from mid on. Three taken.

Tap and run! Short of a good length, just outside off, Nathan Smith gets on the toes and punches it with soft hands to the right of cover-point for a single.

Banged short, on top of off, Smith sits under it and leaves it to the keeper to collect.

Hurls it on a fullish length, around off, Daryl Mitchell prods forward and defends it out. It has been a good positive start for New Zealand and equally a wayward one for the Englishmen. Kiwis lead by 21 runs!

Short, a bit wayward down leg, Nathan Smith gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to deep fine for a single.

Banged short and on the bodyline, Nathan Smith ducks under it and lets it sail over his head.

Short of a good length, on the top of middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls it to deep square leg for a single. The lead is now 20 runs for New Zealand.

Length, on off, tapped away to cover-point.

FOUR! Edged and through the slips! Ben Stokes cannot believe it! Just outside off on a length, Daryl Mitchell plays at it with soft hands, on the front foot and ends up getting a genuine outside edge that doesn't really carry and evades the fielder at the second slip and races away to the deep third fence.

This one just climbs off the surface. A bumper on off, Nathan Smith rises with the bounce and taps it with soft hands onto the pitch.

Hard length, just outside off, Nathan Smith leaves this harmless delivery.

Sprayed too far down leg. Smith gets out of the way to leave.

FOUR! Guided away! Hard length, just outside off, with a bit of extra bounce. Nathan Smith rides the bounce and guides it with the outside half of the bat. Pins it between the second slip and the gully fielder for a boundary at deep third. New Zealand lead by 15 runs.

FOUR! Nice shot and the first boundary of the fourth day! Slightly overpitched with a bit of tail back into the batter. Nathan Smith prods ahead and brings the bat through the line and drives it towards wide of long on for a boundary.

Back of a length, around off, Nathan Smith camps back and pats it back to the bowler. Uh, oh! Carse has overstepped and NO BALL is called.

Carse too, starts a bit wayward. Length, sliding down leg, Smith lets it be.

Brydon Carse (12-3-22-3) to operate from the other end. A slip, leg slip and a gully for him to begin with.

Had to hurry! Back of a length, on middle, Nathan Smith hops on the back foot and tucks it straight to mid-wicket and sets off for a single. Chris Woakes is quick to pick and throw in a motion and has a shy at the bowler's end.

First runs of the day for the Blackcaps! Hard length, on off, Daryl Mitchell plays right behind the line of the ball and knocks it to the wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Slants it way down the leg side does Stokes, on a fuller length. Daryl Mitchell misses to flick as it sails back to the keeper.

Length ball, outside off, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Back of a length, on top of off, Daryl Mitchell gets taken aback by that extra bounce off the surface and fends it to the gully region.

A loosener from Stokes to start things off. Sprays it way down leg on a length, Daryl Mitchell misses to flick and the keeper collects it behind the wickets.

All in readiness! It is sunny in Christchurch as the two umpires walk out. Daryl Mitchell and Nathan Smith are the overnight batters for New Zealand. The English players spread out to the fielding positions and it will be Ben Stokes (2-0-9-0) to kick off the proceedings of Day 4. Here we go...

Join us as we witness how this drama unfolds. Will New Zealand come up with something special and find a way as they have done a few times in the past? Or will England wrap it up soon and take a lead? Let’s enjoy what promises to be an exhilarating game of Test cricket!

Daryl Mitchell stands as the last real hope for New Zealand, currently unbeaten on 31 after a gritty 99-ball effort. Their performance, especially in the field has pushed them into a corner and from here on, they will have only one plan in mind - Bat, bat and bat. Survival will be on their agenda, especially in the morning session and it's going to be a tough fight for them.

Chris Woakes has bounced back brilliantly, claiming three wickets, including a near hat-trick, while Brydon Carse added another three to keep the pressure on the Kiwi batters. Despite a few tough calls that went against them, New Zealand's fight was embodied by Kane Williamson, who scored a vital 61 runs and made history as the first New Zealander to reach 9000 Test runs.

The hosts have only themselves to blame for their current position, with their fielding performance falling well below international standards. Their costly errors were particularly evident in their handling of Harry Brook, who should have been dismissed on day two itself. Instead, they granted him not just one, but five separate chances, all of which he capitalized on significantly and took the game from the scruff of their necks. As a result, Brook formed two centurion partnerships first with Pope and then with Stokes.

After three days of action where momentum shifted from one corner to corner, England's exceptional work has handed them the advantage and now they are in a position to call the shots. Saturday was dominated completely by England in all facets, be it batting, bowling or fielding. Harry Brook’s 171 followed by Stokes’ 80 and then that crucial propulsion by the tailenders, helped England to breach past and post a broad lead of 151 runs. They are firmly in control with New Zealand hanging by a thread.

There's a timeless romance about Test cricket on Sundays, a sporting interest that echoes through generations. They say Test cricket is an ultimate test of patience and character, and on this serene Sunday, we're perfectly poised to witness of what is inevitable. So whether you're joining us from your garden, your favorite armchair sipping your favourite beverages, we welcome you all to our coverage of Day 4 in this series opener.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

So what to expect from Day 4 then? In all practicality, a result on Sunday looks quite inevitable now. Even if New Zealand survives for the first session, they will have to make sure that they build on the lead significantly. With them being just 4 runs ahead, it will require something out of the box to do so. But they can take the leaf out of England's book where the lower middle order chipped in with handy contributions. However, with the top order failing to provide that strong foundation, there's an increased strain on the lower order to do the heavy-lifting and this task appears even more mountainous. But, there's an age-old saying that cricket is a sport of uncertainties. Day 4 begins on Sunday, December 1st, Sunday and the first ball will be bowled at 10 pm GMT (the previous day). And as always, you can join us for the buildup. Till then, cheers!

England's aggressive batting earlier in the day proved decisive, as they not only extended their lead but also benefited from vital lower-order contributions which also provided that extra push to their total. Their comprehensive performance with both bat and ball allowed them to maintain a firm grip on the match, putting New Zealand under constant pressure. England has now dominated two days on the trot in this Hagley Oval Test.

Despite the pitch easing up with minimal movement, England's bowlers excelled by maintaining disciplined lines and lengths and just doing the basics correctly, occasionally getting the odd-ball to move away or jag back in. Chris Woakes, after drawing a blank in the first innings, found his rhythm on this surface that demanded precision and application, working in tandem with Carse to dismantle the top and the middle order. For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell survived the day as the lone warrior after Kane Williamson's dismissal on 61.

Williamson found strong support in Daryl Mitchell, and together they forged a valuable 69-run partnership that stabilized things for a brief phase and also significantly reduced the deficit. But Ben Stokes proved tactically astute with his bowling changes, and Williamson's dismissal triggered a double blow. Suddenly, New Zealand found themselves back in survival mode, scrambling to rebuild once again, slipping from 133/3 to 153/6 in the last 10-odd overs.

As the final session began, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra attempted to stabilize the innings following the early loss of both openers, with a substantial deficit still looming. Just as their partnership began to shine like a beacon of hope for New Zealand, Brydon Carse intervened, dismantling the promising 41-run third-wicket stand. Williamson, however, remained composed amid the turmoil at the opposite end, crafting shots with his characteristic elegance and also notched up a gritty fifty.

STUMPS, DAY 3 - Session Summary - 31 Overs, 92 Runs, 4 Wickets. A job well done by England today, first, dominating the morning session with the bat and then replicating the same with the ball in the next two sessions or so. Overall, a thoroughly commanding day for the tourists at business.

Nathan Smith survives the last ball of the day as well. On a length and down leg, Nathan Smith flicks it to the left of the keeper. That will be STUMPS on Day 3.

On a hard length and outside off, Nathan Smith punches it to the fielder at short covers.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it on middle and leg, Nathan Smith tucks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Back of a length, on middle, Nathan Smith stays deep in his crease and blocks it back to the bowler.

Shorter again, on middle, Nathan Smith ducks underneath it.

Touch short and down leg, Nathan Smith leaves it alone.

Back of a length, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell hops a bit and blocks it to short covers.

Hits the deck hard and keeps it on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back soldily.

Short, on off, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it.

Touch short, on off, Daryl Mitchell stands tall and blocks it.

Back of a length, on middle and leg, Nathan Smith tucks it to square leg for one.

On a length and on middle, Nathan Smith blocks it solidly.

Slower one, outside off, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Good length, angling in, Daryl Mitchell eases it to mid off. Oh, it's a No Ball for overstepping. This is the seventh No Ball so far from England in this innings.

On a length, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Too full, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back to the bowler.

Goes fuller, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back.

Bangs a bouncer, on off, Daryl Mitchell leaves.

Length, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back.

Lands it outside off, Nathan Smith shoulders arms.

Good length, just outside off, Nathan Smith blocks it soldily.

On a length and on middle and leg, Nathan Smith blocks it back.

Short, on middle, Nathan Smith ducks under it.

Nathan Smith walks in.

OUT! LBW! Brydon Carse strikes yet again and registers his third wicket. Unlucky for Glenn Phillips! Bashes on a length and keeps the line of attack on middle and leg. It is that odd one that jags back in a touch off the surface. Glenn Phillips is caught off-guard and looks to block it, but he is cramped up for room and just brings his bat in front. Ends up playing over the line and the ball rams into his front pad. A loud appeal and the finger goes up after a while. Glenn Phillips goes upstairs to have a look. Fair delivery to begin with, and UltraEdge shows no spike when the ball passes close to the bat. Ball Tracking shows that it is just clipping the bails of the leg stump on the umpire's call. Glenn Phillips cannot believe and just stands numb before a slow walk back to the dressing room. New Zealand are now 153/6, leading by just 2 runs!

On a length, on off, Glenn Philips blocks it to mid off.

Full and tossed up outside off. Mitchell prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.

Floated up, and tossed up outside off. Mitchell gets forward and blocks it.

Excellent fielding by Zak Crawley in the deep. Length delivery, just outside off. Phillips hangs back and pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket. Crawley from deep backward square leg runs to his left and puts in a full-stretched dive to cut it off before the ropes. Three taken. And New Zealand is in the lead now. 2 runs ahead.

Nice and full, floated up, on middle, Glenn Phillips leans on and works it out to mid on.

Pitched on middle, slipping down the leg, Glenn Phillips rocks back and pulls it to deep fine for a couple of runs.

Tossed up, pushed through, on a length, drifting on the pads, Glenn Phillips tucks it to square leg.

On a hard length, angling in, Daryl Mitchell is solid in his defence.

Slower one, outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms.

Back of a length, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell fends it to mid on.

Too full, on off, Daryl Mitchell digs it back to the bowler.

On a length and on middle, Glenn Philips tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

On a length and on off, Glenn Philips blocks it back.

We are into the extended 30-minute buffer time now, to make up for the slow over rate.

Slower through the air, Daryl Mitchell leans onto it and defends.

Touch short, on off, Glenn Philips punches it to covers for one.

Fuller one, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to covers.

Tossed up, outside off, Glenn Philips taps it through covers for a brace.

Too full, on off, Glenn Philips taps it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Well timed! Short, on off, Glenn Philips hangs back and punches it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

On a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms.

Goes fuller, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it solidly.

Back of a length, on off, Glenn Philips tugs it through square leg for one.

Good length, on middle, Glenn Philips tucks it to the fielder at mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on middle, Daryl Mitchell defends it to mid on.

Fuller one, on middle, Glenn Philips flicks it to square leg for one.

Too full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell eases it to mid on.

Short, on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to the fielder at mid on.

Too full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back.

Bowls it on middle and leg, Glenn Philips tugs it to deep square leg for one.

Short, on middle, Glenn Philips blocks it back.

Slower one, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to the fielder at mid off.

Good length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms.

Fuller one, on middle, Glenn Philips knocks it to mid on for one.

Lands it on middle, Glenn Philips blocks it back.

Slower one, outside off, Glenn Philips leaves it alone.

Short and wide, Glenn Philips leaves it alone.

Lands it on middle, Glenn Philips eases it to mid on.

Fuller one, on off, Daryl Mitchell taps it to the point fielder.

Lands it on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it to mid off.

Short, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it.

Short, on off, Glenn Philips knocks it to mid on for one.

Fuller one, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to the fielder at gully.

Short, on leg, Glenn Philips ducks underneath it.

Good length, angling in, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to short covers.

On a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to block it but gets beaten. Woakes is creating problems here for the Kiwi batters.

Short, on middle, Glenn Philips pulls it to square leg for one.

Short and wide, Glenn Philips leaves it alone.

Lands it on off, Glenn Philips blocks it to short covers.

Full, on off, Glenn Philips drives it but finds the fielder at covers.

Back of a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms.

Touch short and on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back.

Short, on leg, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it again.

Bangs a bouncer, on leg, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it.

Back of a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back.

Short, on off, Daryl Mitchell ducks underneath it.

Phew! Glenn Phillips survives the hat-trick ball. On a length and it gets some extra bounce off the deck, Glenn Phillips stays in his crease and punches it to the cover fielder.

Glenn Phillips walks in to face the hat-trick delivery!

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Tom Blundell goes upstairs straightaway! On a length and it nips away, Tom Blundell looks to block it but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge and is caught behind by Ollie Pope. A huge appeal again and the finger goes up. Tom Blundell opts for the review. Ultra Edge shows a spike and Chris Woakes gets two in two. He is on a Hat Trick now! What an over this has been for England! It has been 7 years since an Englishman has taken a Hat Trick for England, with Moeen Ali being the last man to do so against South Africa in 2017. But, New Zealand are in all sorts of trouble here as they slip down to 133/5 now, trailing by 18 runs.

Tom Blundell walks in.

OUT! LBW! Kane Williamson has opted for a review. It looks plumb though! On a length and on middle, Kane Williamson looks to block it but misses but plays over the line and gets a blow on his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Kane Williamson cannot believe and gives it a thought before eventually referring to it. Fair delivery to begin with and UltraEdge shows no spike. Ball Tracking shows that it was clipping the bails and the onfield decision stands with the impact on the umpire's call. New Zealand retains the review though but they have lost their best batter now as Kane Williamson departs. New Zealand are 133/4. Massive moment for England!

Good length again, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Fuller one, on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it to mid on.

Fuller one, on middle, Kane Williamson covers his line and defends it back.

Short, on middle, Kane Williamson stays deep in his crease and blocks it.

Tosses it up on off, Kane Williamson pushes it to the cover fielder.

Goes fuller, on leg, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to backward square leg for one.

Short again, on middle, Daryl Mitchell eases it back to the bowler.

Short, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to mid on.

Drinks! After losing three early wickets, the batters look much more settled now as the pitch has eased up a bit. Kane Williamson has notched up yet another half-century and has looked unbothered for most of the part, while Daryl Mitchell has shouldered his partner pretty well. These two have steered New Zealand a bit out of trouble by adding 67 runs together. However, the Kiwis are still under pressure as they still trail by 20 runs and have a lot of work cut out for themselves. Brydon Carse has looked the most threatening of all the bowlers. With no real movement on offer, New Zealand would aim to go unblemished through the day now, while England would be keen to get a couple of more wickets to assert their dominance further.

Hurls a slower one, outside off on a good length, Kane Williamson slashes it hard to the cover fielder.

Nice and full, just outside off, Kane Williamson lets it be. NO BALL has been signaled for overstepping.

Full and outside off. It comes back in with the angle created by the bowler. Williamson defends it down the pitch.

Length and outside off. It is that sharp nip-backer in. Williamson looks to defend away from the body and gets an inside edge onto his pad.

FOUR! Kane Williamson is just toying with the field! Hard length, just outside off, curving away a bit, Kane Williamson arches back a bit and opens the bat face pretty late to get past deep third for four more.

FOUR! WOW! Just wow! Woakes bowls it outside off, on a good length, Kane Williamson hangs back and weighs on the back foot, uses the width and cuts it between gully and backward point for a boundary.

Full and on off, Kane Williamson prods ahead and drives it to the cover-point.

Chris Woakes (8-1-24-1) is back for another spell. He replaces Gus Atkinson. One slip and a gully in place for him.

Slower through the air, on off, Daryl Mitchell leans onto it and blocks it to short cover.

Flatter, down leg, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Short, turning in, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to the mid on fielder.

Bowls it on off, Daryl Mitchell knocks it back to the bowler who makes a good stop.

Too full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to mid on.

Short, outside off, Kane Williamson cuts it to covers for one.

Back of a length, angling in, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back.

FOUR! That is a delight to watch! Fuller one, on off, Daryl Mitchell leans onto it and creams it elegantly through the cover region for a boundary.

Another dot. Fuller, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to mid on.

Slower one, outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms.

Lands it on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it to the cover fielder.

37th TEST FIFTY for Kane Williamson. And back-to-back fifties in this Test. On a length and on off, Kane Williamson hops a bit and punches it through covers for three runs. An inning of the highest quality from the veteran. Doing all the hard work for his side.

FOUR! The third boundary of the over! Floated up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell latches onto the width and employs the reverse sweep towards deep third for a boundary. The 50-run stand is up between these two.

Beats the outside edge. Full and tossed up, just outside off. Mitchell gets forward and looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball straightens up.

Length, around off stump. Mitchell hangs back and flicks it to short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Oh, intent from Daryl Mitchell as well! Flat and full, on off, Daryl Mitchell charges down the ground and launches it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Length and around middle and leg. Williamson backs away and cuts it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Slapped away! What a glorious drive! Tossed up, pushed through, full and outside off. Kane Williamson takes his front foot out of the way and drives it firmly inside-out for a boundary at deep cover.

Nice and full, on off, Daryl Mitchell presses forward and blocks it out.

Overpitched outside off, Daryl Mitchell carves out to the off side. NO BALL for overstepping.

Fraction full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell offers no shot at it.

Length and just outside off, left alone by Daryl Mitchell.

Short and angling in down the leg stump. Mitchell misses the glance to the keeper.

Back of a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks forward, getting an inside edge onto the front pad.

Nice and full, goes straight on, Daryl Mitchell presses forward and defends it underneath the bat.

Short and outside off, dabbed to backward point.

Short of a good length, just outside off, Kane Williamson uses the depth of the crease and cuts it past backward point for a brace. The 100 is up for New Zealand. They trail by 51 more runs!

Length ball and outside off. Williamson punches it to short mid-wicket.

Dragged length, on the stumps, Kane Williamson hangs back and pulls it but straight to the mid-wicket fielder.

Flat and on a length, on the pads, Kane Williamson tickles it straight to leg slip.

Slips in a full toss on off, Kane Williamson drives it straight to cover.

Short and outside the off stump. Mitchell hops back, and rides the bounce and pushes it to cover.

Short and outside off. Mitchell drops his wrists and leaves it alone.

Nice and full, on off, Daryl Mitchell mistimes this straight back to the bowler. Gus Atkinson dives low on his follow-through and stops the ball while falling over.

Short in length, just outside off, punched away firmly by Kane Williamson. He gets through the cover region and it is chased by Ben Stokes on the way to the ropes.

Back of a length, just outside off, Kane Williamson hangs back and cuts it straight to backward point.

Attacks the off-pole, good length on off, Kane Williamson gets behind the line and knocks it out to the off side.

Full and outside off. blocked off.

Length on the pads, tucked away firmly to deep square leg for three.

Very slow, on off, Kane Williamson hangs back and punches it with soft hands.

Good length on the stumps. Mitchell stays back and works it to square leg for a run.

FOUR! Just beats the fielder there! Pushed through, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell reads the line and length early and reverse sweeps it past the diving short third fielder for a boundary.

Tossed up, spinning back into the batter, Kane Williamson rocks back and cuts it past point region for a single.

Shoaib Bashir is back on.

Nice and full, on off, Mitchell leans on and firms the punch.

Good length and outside off. Mitchell blocks it to short mid-wicket.

Length and outside off.. Left alone.

FOUR! Now that is some lovely stroke from Mitchell. Half-volley on off, Daryl Mitchell leans into the stroke and smashes it along the ground for a boundary.

Length ball, on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell gets in the line and punches it to the off side.

Good length, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell punches it to the cover-point region.

Gus Atkinson (7-1-21-0) is back on.

Nice and full, on the stumps, pushed back to the bowler.

Short of a good length, over the top of off, Daryl Mitchell goes for a defensive shot but it takes the inside edge and runs through the square leg region for one.

Hard length, on middle, tapped back to the bowler.

Just around off, on a good length, punched into the off side.

Angling into the batter, on a good length, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms and makes a good leave as the ball sails over the stumps.

Fraction full and on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it in front of cover.

Over the top of the stumps, Daryl Mitchell does no connect on the leg glance and wears on the thigh pad.The ball rolls to the leg side and they cross one.

Slants it across off, from around the wickets, on a good length, Kane Williamson knocks it into the off sidel

Digs in a short one, on the body, Kane Williamson swivels and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length, on middle, tapped back at the bowler.

WIDE! Another extra! Way too short, sailing over the batter. Wide called.

Length ball, around off, Kane Williamson punches it to cover.

WIDE! Over the head, bumper and Kane Williamson half-squats under it. Wide called.

Short and on the stumps, Kane Williamson ducks under it safely.

FOUR! Shot! Angling on the pads, on a length, Daryl Mitchell just tickles it fine for a boundary at deep fine.

Wayward down leg, on a fuller length, Mitchell goes through the flick shot but misses.

Back of a length, at 126.2 kph, around the off stump. Mitchell stands tall, rides it and drops it in the off side.

Oh, that's a tight leave from Kane Williamson! Brings the angle into the stumps does Woakes and bowls a length ball that goes straight on. Daryl Mitchell watches it closely and makes the leave as the ball zips just over the stumps.

Length, outside off, left alone.

Starts with a bouncer, over the head. Mitchell ducks under it.

Chris Woakes (6-1-19-1) is back on.

Carse changes the angle and comes from around the wickets. Length, on middle, Kane Williamson cuts it but straight to the backward point fielder.

Half-tracker on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell tickles it to deep fine for a single.

Nagging length, on off, punched into the off side by Mitchell.

Short and on the body, ducked.

Angled onto the pads, Kane Williamson swivels and looks to pull it aerially but mistimes it over short fine for a single. Brydon Carse at deep fine must have thought that he was in play.

Good length, on the top of middle, Kane Williamson pulls it straight to mid-wickcet.

Straight and full, on off, Daryl Mitchell presents a solid front foot  block.

This one just angles in, on off, Kane Williamson prods to defend and it goes off the inside edge of the bat to square leg for a single.

FOUR! Crunched through the gap! Ben Stokes offers a little bit of width outside off, on a good length, Kane Williamson goes deep inside the crease and cuts it past backward point for a boundary.

Back of a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell defends it off the inside half of the bat to deep square leg for a single.

Fairly outside off on a length, Kane Williamson lets it be.

A bit too full, on the middle, Kane Williamson flicks it to the right of mid on where the fielder slides onto his right to intercept it. One taken.

Short, yet again, on the stumps, Daryl Mitchell ducks.

Length, on the middle, tucked with the wrists to short mid-wicket.

Banged in short and on the body, over the stumps, Mitchell ducks just in time.

Full on the stumps. Mitchell pushes forward to the right of the bowler.

Short and around the off-pole. This one kicks off the surface and catches Mitchell on the gloves as the right-hander stays tall to ride the bounce. The ball lobs and lands just near the cover-point region as Mitchell loses his grip on his bottom hand off the bat.

Daryl Mitchell is in at number 5.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Brydon Carse makes an immediate impact after being called back into the attack and registers his second wicket. This is a huge one as Rachin Ravindra departs. The ploy has worked wonders for Ben Stokes as they played with the ego of the batter. Brydon Carse bowls it on a nagging length, it kisses on the surface and skids through quickly on the middle. Rachin Ravindra stands tall and couldn't resist pulling it aeriallly. He does not time it well and finds the only fielder in the deep. Jacob Bethell at deep square leg runs a few yards ahead and reverse cups it safely. New Zealand are 64/3 now.

Brydon Carse (4-0-14-1) to share the attack.

Good length, around off, Kane Williamson stabs it off the back foot to the cover-point region.

Length ball, on the pads, tucked to square leg for a single.

Hard length around off, Williamson plays off the back foot with soft hands and nudges it to square leg for a single.

Back of a length, nipping back in over the top of off, Kane Williamson hops on the back foot and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Halt! The physio rushes out to attend Kane Williamson for the mandatory concussion test. Will Young also sprints out from the dressing room with another helmet and hands it over to Kane. He looks to good to continue now.

Oh, dear! That is nasty! Stokes bowls a short one, on the bodyline, it takes off the surface and gets heavy on the batter. Kane Williamson goes for the pull shot but misses and it slams right on the helmet. Stokes straightaway checks whether Kane is doing good. Also extends an apology to the right-hander.

Stokes begins from over the stumps and lands on a good length, just around off, Kane Williamson stabs it on the surface.

Welcome back for the final session of Day 3! The umpires are out to the middle and the players of England also spread out to the field. Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra to resume their innings for New Zealand. Ben Stokes introduces himself into the attack right after the break. And here we go....

... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...

As it stands, New Zealand trails by 89 runs, with eight wickets remaining. The onus now falls on Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra to construct a resilient partnership. They will look to build a gritty stand and bail New Zealand out of trouble. England, on the other hand, will be eager to capitalize on the momentum they’ve built and will aim to pick up wickets and apply further pressure. Stay tuned as we will be back in a short while after the Tea Break.

SESSION SUMMARY - 24 overs, 102 runs, and 4 wickets. Another England's session. They showcased another dominant performance, first, by adding crucial runs to their total as they concluded their innings at an impressive 499, establishing a lead of 151 runs over New Zealand. Then, with the ball, Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse made early inroads by dismissing both New Zealand openers, leaving them in a precarious position.

On a length, angling in, Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but gets an inside edge as the ball bounces past the leg pole. That will be Tea Break on Day 3.

Lands it on a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Short, on off, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Bangs a shorter one, on leg, Kane Williamson looks to pull it but gets a top edge as the ball rolls towards fine leg. They cross. That brings up 9000 Test runs for Kane Williamson as he gets applause from the crowd. He is the only Kiwi batter to achieve this feat, and 19th overall in Test history. One of the greatest batters New Zealand have ever produced.

Back of a length, on off, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and pulls it through square leg for one more.

Short, on off, Kane Williamson pulls it through backward square leg for one.

Short again, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra rocks back and tucks it through mid-wicket for two more.

Short and wide, Rachin Ravindra rocks back and cuts it through backward point for a brace.

Too full this time, on off, Rachin Ravindra leans onto it and blocks it back.

FOUR! Well played! Errs his line down leg, Rachin Ravindra gets low and sweeps it elegantly behind the square on the leg side for a boundary.

Goes fuller this time, on off, Rachin Ravindra flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Starts with a flatter one, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and blocks it.

Some spin as Shoaib Bashir comes into the attack just before the Tea Break.

Back of a length, on off, Kane Williamson punches it to the cover fielder.

Slower one, outside off. Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Short, down leg, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Lands it on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to mid on for one.

Short again, Rachin Ravindra hops and punches it but finds the fielder at point.

Atinkson is back on with a field set for the short ones, with only one fielder at short leg near the batter. This is bowled short and wide, Rachin Ravindra swings hard but misses.

Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson eases it to short covers.

Length, outside off, Kane Williamson shoulders arms at it.

Back of a length, on off, Rachin Ravindra punches it through covers for one. Fifty up for the Kiwis.

Short this time, on off, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Good length again, on middle, Rachin Ravindra punches it to covers.

Lands it on middle, Rachin Ravindra tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Fuller again, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it soldily.

Too full, on off, Rachin Ravindra drives it through mid on. The fielder has a long chase to do as the batters collect three runs.

On a length and outside off, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Too full, on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to short covers.

Much fuller, on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to covers.

Full, outside off, Kane Williamson looks to drive it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards fine leg. They cross.

Past the edge! Carse believes that he has heard something off the bat, but the keeper and Stokes do not think likewise. Hence, they do not opt for a review. Length and this shapes away late, Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but misses and gets beaten past the outside edge..

Bowls it on middle and off, Rachin Ravindra covers his line and blocks it back. It's a No Ball for overstepping. Well, this could be very frustrating for the fielding side. Ollie Pope and the other slip fielders had already taken the position at the other for the next over to start. But, due to a late call from the umpire they had to sprint back all the way to the far end again. Also, Carse had his sweater on, but was called back to bowl the final ball.

Length again, on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to short covers.

On a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to covers.

Lands it on off, Rachin Ravindra fends it to the point fielder.

Touch short and outside off, Rachin Ravindra looks to punch it but gets beaten.

Length, on off, Kane Williamson eases it to covers for one.

Fuller one, on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to short covers.

FOUR! Well played! On a length and just outside off, Rachin Ravindra rides the bounce and punches it elegantly through the cover region for a boundary.

Good length, shaping away, Rachin Ravindra blocks it to short covers.

Fuller one, on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to the point fielder.

On a length and outside off, Kane Williamson punches it to covers for one.

Another one outside off, Kane Williamson leaves the harmless delivery.

On a length and outside off, Kane Williamson lets it go. No ball called for overstepping.

Good length again, on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to mid off.

On a length and on off, Kane Williamson punches it through covers. The fielder chases it and stops it just before the fence. The batters collect three runs.

Another one on off, Kane Williamson blocks it back to the bowler.

Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it solidly.

Fuller one, on off, Rachin Ravindra taps it to covers for one.

Length, on off, Kane Williamson tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Fuller this time, Rachin Ravindra blocks it back to the bowler.

Short and wide, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Bowls it on off, Kane Williamson taps it to mid off for one.

Length and outside off, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

On a length, angling in, Kane Williamson blocks it solidly.

FOUR! Well played! Short, on off, Kane Williamson swivels and pulls it magnificently through square leg for a boundary.

Short and wide, Rachin Ravindra shoulders arms.

Rachin Ravindra walks in.

OUT! TAKEN! Gus Atkinson takes a blinder and Devon Conway cannot believe his luck. Hits the hard length does Carse, on off, Devon Conway stands tall and shapes up to pull it but does not get a good piece of wood on it. The ball carries flat and low towards mid on where Gus Atkinson dives low to his left and takes a stunning catch even as the ball dips on him. However, the on-field umpires send it upstairs and the TV umpire, Adrain Holdstock is summoned to check for a fair catch. After several angles, it is deemed that Atkinson just about managed to keep his fingers underneath the ball. Devon Conway departs on 8 (26) and now, both the openers are in the dugout. New Zealand have been rocked pretty early here as they are reduced to 23/2, trailing by 128 runs.

Good length, outside off, Devon Conway drives it through covers for a brace.

Short and wide, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

Length, on off, Devon Conway taps it to covers.

Lands it outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

Slower one, outside off, Kane Williamson shoulder arms.

Lands it full and on middle, Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for none.

Fuller this time, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it back to the bowler. No ball called for overstepping.

Lands it on off, Kane Williamson taps it to mid off.

Length, outside off, Kane Williamson blocks. The ball bounces back as Kane Williamson tries to kick it thinking it was hitting the stumps. He was well safe though.

FOUR! That is a delight to watch! Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson leans onto it and creams it elegantly through extra covers for a boundary.

Length, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it soldily.

Length, down leg, Devon Conway looks to flick it but misses. The keeper makes a good stop diving to his right.

Much fuller, outside off, Devon Conway shoulders arms at it.

Length, on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it to short mid-wicket for a quick single.

Good length, outside off, Kane Williamson leaves again.

Lands it outside off again, Kane Williamson let's it be.

Length, outside off, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Short and down leg, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

On a length, outside off, Devon Conway shoulders arms.

Short and wide, Devon Conway looks to play at it but misses.

On a length and on off, Devon Conway blocks it watchfully.

Full, on off, Devon Conway eases it to mid off.

Good length, outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

FOUR! Well played! Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson picks it well and drives it uppishly through mid-wicket off for a boundary.

Slower one, on middle, Kane Williamson eases it to mid on.

Good length again, on off, Kane Williamson hangs back and punches it through covers for a brace.

Short, outside off, Kane Williamson leaves this as well.

Length, outside off, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson stands tall and eases it back.

Length, on middle, Devon Conway blocks it solidly.

Touch short, on off, Devon Conway turns it to the fielder at square leg.

FOUR! Fine shot! On a length and on off, Devon Conway picks it well and drills it through mid-wicket off for a boundary.

Fuller one, eases it to covers for one.

Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to mid off.

Length and on off, Devon Conway flicks it it to square leg for one.

Oh! Length and this one shapes away as it beats the blade of Kane Williamson.

On a length and just outside off, Kane Williamson punches it to the cover fielder.

On a length and outside off, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Kane Williamson walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! England have a breakthrough as Chris Woakes strikes. Woakes bowls it from around the wickets and lands it on a length and outside off. It angles in and just straightens off the deck and brings the outside edge into play. Tom Latham is squared up a bit as he looks to block it in front but gets a thick outside edge. The ball carries towards the second slip where Harry Brook takes a good catch bending low. Brook cannot do anything wrong in this match and just manages to keep his fingers under the ball. Woakes removes the Kiwi skipper as Tom Latham departs on 1 (7). New Zealand trail by 148 runs.

Much fuller this time, Tom Latham offers a solid defence.

Short, outside off, Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Length, outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

Much fuller, on off, Devon Conway flicks it to the mid on fielder. Oh, it's a no ball for overstepping.

Length, outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

Bowls it on leg, Devon Conway flicks it to the mid on fielder.

Fuller one, on off, Devon Conway taps it to the cover fielder.

On a length and on off, Devon Conway eases it to mid off.

Slower one, on off, Devon Conway fends it back to the bowler.

Gus Atkinson to share the attack.

On a length again, just outside off, Tom Latham looks to block it but gets beaten. A good over to start with from Woakes!

Good length, just outside off, Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Length, on leg, Devon Conway turns it to square leg for one.

Too full, on middle and leg, Devon Conway eases it to mid on.

Back of a length, on middle, Tom Latham tucks it to square leg for one. He gets off the mark.

Starts with a beauty! Length, outside off, shaping away. Tom Latham looks to block it but gets beaten.

OUT! TAKEN! Matt Henry sees Bashir stepping out of the crease and bashes it on the back of a length and keeps the line of attack just around the off stump. Bashir is nowhere near getting the connection right, but he goes through for a wild hoick across the line to take the aerial route. Ends up getting a top-edge that swirls the ball up in the air. It hangs up in the mid-wicket region for quite a bit. Tim Southee backtracks it and holds onto it and takes a sensational sliding catch. England finish at 499, with a lead of 151 runs.

Full this time, on off, Shoaib Bashir turns it to square leg for one.

FOUR! Streaky but they will happily take it! Length, outside off, Shoaib Bashir looks to block it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball goes past the slip fielder and races away.

Much fuller, on off, Shoaib Bashir defends it soldily.

Short, on off, Shoaib Bashir looks to pull it but gets beaten.

Full, on middle, Shoaib Bashir flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

SIX! What a shot! Touch short, on off, Brydon Carse hangs back and powers it magnificently over long on for a biggie.

Length, with some extra bounce, just outside off. Brydon Carse swings hard but misses.

Much fuller, on leg, Brydon Carse knocks it down the ground for a brace.

Short, outside off, Brydon Carse swings hard but misses.

Full, on off, Brydon Carse knocks it to long off. Denies for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Brydon Carse looks to pull it but misses.

Past the edge! Length, outside off, shaping away. Shoaib Bashir looks to block it but gets beaten.

Short, outside off, Brydon Carse taps it to backward point for one.

Full, on middle, Shoaib Bashir flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Touch short, on leg, Shoaib Bashir looks to flick it but misses.

Shoaib Bashir is the last batter.

OUT! TAKEN! Finally, Matt Henry gets the better of Ben Stokes! Touch short, on off, Ben Stokes hangs back and looks to loft it with a big heave, but doesn't get the timing right as the ball gets a bit heavy on the left-hander. Hence, he gets the elevation but not the distance right. The ball swirls up in the air and carries towards long on. Tim Southee moves forward and takes a comfortable catch. Ben Stokes departs on 80 (146) and England are 485/9 now, leading by 137 runs.

Short, outside off, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

Length, on off, Brydon Carse eases it to mid off.

SIX! That is outrageous from Brydon Carse! Lands it on off, Brydon Carse shuffles across, uses the pace of the ball and paddles it over fine leg for a biggie.

FOUR! Well played! On a length and outside off, Brydon Carse reads it well and steers it through backward point for a boundary.

A yorker, on leg, Brydon Carse digs it to mid on.

On a length, with some extra bounce, Brydon Carse looks to punch it but gets beaten.

Short, on off, Brydon Carse ducks underneath it.

Short again, on leg, Brydon Carse tickles it fine for one.

Short, on leg, Brydon Carse looks to pull it but misses.

Bangs a bouncer, on off, Brydon Carse ducks under it.

SIX! That goes all the way! Short, on off, Brydon Carse swivels and pulls it hard and all over backward square leg for a biggie.

On a length again, Ben Stokes knocks it through mid off for one.

Length, on off, Brydon Carse tucks it to square leg for one.

Matt Henry to share the attack.

Short, on leg, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

FIVE WIDES! A wayward bouncer, on leg, Ben Stokes leaves. The keeper fails to collect it as the ball flies over the keeper for a boundary.

Dropped! A difficult one though! Length, outside off, Brydon Carse looks to cut it but gets a top edge. The ball carries towards deep point. Glenn Phillips runs behind from backward point and tries to catch it diving at full-stretch, but misses. Single taken.

On a length and on middle, Ben Stokes turns it to square leg for one.

Shorter, down leg, Ben Stokes looks to paddle it fine but misses again.

Lands it outside off, Ben Stokes tries to play at it but misses.

Short, down leg, Ben Stokes looks to scoop it but misses.

We are back for the second session of Day 3. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse will resume their innings. William O'Rourke to start with the ball. Let's play...

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

Well then, an entertaining session has flown by on this third day. England has well and truly cruised ahead of the hosts as they lead by 111 runs. Ben Stokes is still there out in the middle for England and will look to continue playing fearlessly and extend the lead into something more substantial. New Zealand, on the other hand, will aim to snag those two remaining wickets as quickly as possible and prevent the tourists from getting a lead past 150. Will they be able to do so? We will find out pretty soon as the post-Lunch session begins in a short while.

Just when New Zealand thought they had finally managed to control the flow of runs, Gus Atkinson emerged as an unexpected surprise package. From the moment he arrived, he launched into an aggressive batting display that caught the Kiwis off guard. He raced to his 48 in no real time and formed a pivotal partnership with Ben Stokes who had most of his time at the other end, watching the ball being tonked all over the park. England surpassed New Zealand's total as Atkinson looked unstoppable. In no time, the lead had already extended above 100 runs before Atkinson perished.

New Zealand could have got the better of Brook earlier in the morning had Glenn Phillips not shelled his catch. That proved costly as Brook, who was given five chances in total, went on to make 171. Both he and Stokes continued their fearless assault, peppering boundaries all around the ground with bold stroke play. Under the pump, the Kiwis started to bang it into the surface and fired a barrage of short balls, but to no avail. It was Matt Henry who got the better of Brook and with his dismissal, one brought two as Southee too, chipped in to remove Woakes.

Ben Stokes and Harry Brook were the overnight batters for England as they resumed their batting on the third day. With wickets in hand, and Brook unbeaten on 132, it was all about how England capitalizes on their overnight ascendancy. But what followed was a ruthless, merciless assault as the Kiwi bowlers were attacked and taken to the cleaners, right, left and center. New Zealand opted for the new ball, anticipating to get some movement, coupled with overcast skies. But little did the surface offer any lateral movement.

LUNCH, DAY 3 - Session Summary - 23 overs, 140 runs, 3 wickets. Aren't you entertained? But, not pretty much from New Zealand's perspective as it was a highly frustrating morning session for them. A perfect display of the Bazball approach from the English batters as they clinch another session quite handsomely. Through and through, England cruised above the run-a-ball. England began their day being 29 runs behind and the batters just went bang bang, extending the lead to 111 runs.

Nagging length, on off, Ben Stokes punches it hard to deep cover for a single. And that will be LUNCH ON DAY 3!

Good length and outside the off stump. Steered to point.

Good-length delivery, angling into the batter, Brydon Carse misses to glance it and it deflects of the thigh pad. Goes back to the keeper where Blundell fails to collect it cleanly and it rolls behind him for a leg bye.

Banged short, outside leg. Brydon Carse swings for the pull shot but misses.

Follows the batter, on the middle, short in length, Brydon Carse misses to pull it.

Back of a length, outside off, Stokes backs away to guide it to the off side, but gets an outside edge which dribbles back to the keeper. Tom Blundell gets a bad bounce and parries the ball off his gloves to the short fine region. One taken.

Digs it short and into the left-hander, Stokes makes room and cuts it past point for a run.

FOUR! Shot! William O'Rourke bowls a predictable bumper, on middle and leg, Ben Stokes shuffles again and just pulls it mercilessly towards deep square leg for a boundary.

Bangs it short, into the surface, on the leg stump. Ben Stokes shuffles across and ducks under it. Looks at the leg umpire as he thinks it should have been given as a wide.

Good length, outside off, at 138.6 kph. Carse punches it to deep backward point for a single.

FOUR! Well bowled but somehow, it has been squeezed away to the ropes! A well-directed yorker from William O'Rourke, on the stumps, Brydon Carse jams his bat down in time and it goes off the outside edge to run through to the fence at deep third. Oh, a review has been taken for LBW from New Zealand as they think that it hit Carse's toe first. A desperate one though as the TV umpire deems that it clearly came off the bat. New Zealand burn a review here. And the lead goes past 100 runs now.

Back of a length, angling in, on off, Stokes backs away and slashes it to deep point for a single.

Brydon Carse is in at number 10.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Glenn Phillips hangs on it in the deep and a fine entertaining knock from Gus Atkinson comes to an end. Nathan Smith changes the angle and comes from that around-the-wicket-angle. Bowls a short one again, on the leg stump line. Gus Atkinson moves outside leg and pulls it aerially. He does not get his bat under it properly and hence, it goes only as far as the deep backward square leg region. Two men in the deep lurk around to catch but Glenn Phillips calls for his catch and locks his eyes on the ball. Grabs it safely and maintains the ball in his hand while tumbling over. England are 8 down now, leading by 97 runs. Gus Atkinson departs on a quickfire 48 (36).

FOUR! WOW! Cracked away! Short of a good length, on off, Gus Atkinson shuffles to the leg side to create some room for him and just punches it through the gap between cover and mid off for a boundary.

SIX! This is audacious batting from Gus Atkinson! He has looked undeterred by those short ones. Nathan Smith bowls another short-pitched delivery, angling onto the bodyline, Gus Atkinson stands upright and swings for the pull shot. Goes through the shot and gets the top edge which flies well behind deep fine for a six.

On the body, on a length, punched to the leg side for a single.

Oh, that nearly carried! A well-directed bumper, on the body, Gus Atkinson does not control the pull shot and it goes off the top edge and sails towards deep fine where it dips on the fielder. William O'Rourke dives forward and parries it ahead of him. One taken.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Gus Atkinson firmly punches it towards the vacant mid off region. Rachin Ravindra chases it from backward point and the batters cross for the double. The 50-run stand comes up between the two in no real time.

Banged short, but way down leg. Stokes lets it be and Blundell collects it over his head with a reverse cup.

Sharp bumper, again following Stokes' body who tries to ramp it up, but the ball goes over the bat.

Seeing Stokes shuffling outside leg, William O'Rourke follows him and bangs it into the surface, angling on the leg stump. Stokes is cramped up for room and can only fend it off his gloves to the off side.

FOUR! Glorious! Almost a firm punch down the ground! A half-volley on off, Ben Stokes brings his bat straight down and hits it through the line to beat the mid off fielder to his left for a boundary.

Short of a length and outside off, worked away to deep backward point for a single by Gus Atkinson.

Back of a length, nipping back into the right-hander. Atkinson blocks it and gets an inside edge, dropping near his feet.

Bashes the hard length, does Nathan Smith, on middle and leg, Stokes tucks it to square leg.

Beaten! Short of a good length, outside off, Ben Stokes tries to dab it off the back foot but the ball passes over his angled bat.

EDGED AND FOUR! Not where he intended to hit but Stokes and England will take it! Nathan Smith bowls it on a fullish length, angling in on off, Ben Stokes clears his front foot to give himself some room and swings across the line. Gets a thick outside edge which flies over the slips towards deep third for a boundary.

Nathan Smith uses the width of the crease and bowls it from a wide angle. Slants it into the batter, on a fuller length, Gus Atkinson pushes at it on the front foot and gets it off the inner half of the bat to deep backward square leg for a single.

There's that nip-backer, on a good length, on off, Gus Atkinson is cramped up for room and plays over the wrong line to get a blow on the body.

On a length, on off, punched into the off side.

Back of a length, following Stokes who backs away to play, gets beaten on the outside edge as he charges to punch it.

Length, nipping back in a long way onto the middle and leg, Ben Stokes is taken aback by the bounce and the skiddiness. He hops on the back foot to play at it but plays over the wrong line and it sneaks past his inside edge to hit his front thigh pad. It lobs in the air towards the point region where the fielder pouches it. There's an appeal for a catch but it clearly came of Stokes' thigh pad, also, confirmed by the UltraEdge.

WIDE! A good take by Blundell behind the stumps as it just flew off the deck. An over-the-head-bumper from William O'Rourke, on the body. Stokes ducks and Blundell leaps in the air to stop the ball with his right hand.

Hard length, on off, worked to deep point for a single.

FOUR! This is just effortless batting from Gus Atkinson! O'Rourke bowls it outside off, on a length, Gus Atkinson weighs on the back foot and just swings at it. Connects from the middle and gets it past covers for a cracking boundary.

A slip in place now for Stokes! Full in length, just around off, Ben Stokes taps it to the vacant cover region and steals a quick single.

Short of a good length, on off, Gus Atkinson dabs it to deep backward point for a single.

William O'Rourke (19-2-89-1) replaces Matt Henry.

Back of a length, outside off, Gus Atkinson guides it to deep backward point for a single. This partnership has added 31 runs off just 29 bowls and Gus Atkinson has been the chief accelerator so far, scoring 27 of those.

FOUR! What a shot! Not an ideal length against Gus Atkinson as he has been productive against this length. Short and on the body, Gus Atkinson stands upright and pulls it behind square to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Attacks the pegs now does Nathan, good length, angling in sharply. Ben Stokes tucks it across to wide of mid-wicket for a single. Stokes moves into his 60s now, and the lead too is 60 runs.

Full and angling in on off, Ben Stokes strides across and stabs it straight to backward point.

Short in length, on the stumps, Gus Atkinson pulls it well to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Into his 20s now is Gus Atkinson! Super shot! Nathan Smith pitches it up, outside off, Gus Atkinson uses the width and throws his hands at it. Connects well and drives it over the head of Southee at short cover for a cracking boundary. These runs are going to hurt the Kiwis.

Bangs it short in length does Henry, on the stumps, Gus Atkinson stays inside the crease and transfers the weight on the back foot. Pulls it aerially but with no real timing on this one. The ball goes flat and lands just on the bounce ahead of Rachin Ravindra at deep mid-wicket. They cross.

Henry bowls a fuller one, on the stumps, Gus Atkinson knocks it straight to mid on.

Back of a length, outside off, dabbed away to backward point.

SIX! Easy pickings! Short in length from Henry, on off, Gus Atkinson stands tall and gets the bounce on the waist height. Weighs on the back foot and just pulls it powerfully behind the vacant deep square leg region for a six. The 400 is up for England, with them leading by 53 runs.

Good length, on middle and leg, punched to the leg side.

Oh, what just happened there? Henry bowls a fuller one, slightly nipping back in, on middle and leg. Gus Atkinson tries to work it across but plays a bit over the line and gets a thick inside edge onto the front pad. The ball lobs off the pad and lands just short of the gully fielder. That almost snuck back into the batter.

Hard length, just outside off, Gus Atkinson knocks it off the back foot through covers and milks another single. This is a confident start from Atkinson. England's lead now extends to 47 runs.

Length ball, angling onto the pads, Gus Atkinson steers it off with his wrists to deep square leg for a brace.

An attempted yorker from Nathan, on middle, Ben Stokes carves it out and drills it down to the right of long on for a single.

Good inswinger on a fuller length, Ben Stokes lets the ball arrive and defends it with soft hands to the off side.

Length, curling back in, on off, Ben Stokes blocks it forward.

Straight and full, around off, pushed away through cover for a single.

Nathan Smith (21-0-104-2) is back on, replacing Henry!

A little edgy but gets it through the gap! Length, outside off, shaping away further, Gus Atkinson pushes at it and gets it off the outer half of the bat. The ball rolls between the backward point and the gully fielder towards the deep. It just plugs into the outfield on the way to the fence, and is chased by Conway from the point region. Three taken.

Nice looking shot from Atkinson but straight to the fielder! Nice and full, driven firmly to the cover fielder.

Outside off, on a length, Gus Atkinson guides it towards gully but can't get past the diving Glenn Phillips.

Back of a length, just outside off, Gus Atkinson taps it to backward point.

Hard length, on off, blocked off the back foot.

Nice and full, at 129.6 kph, on off, Gus Atkinson is solid in defence and blocks it out on the front foot.

Southee bowls it full again, curves back into the batter on middle and leg, Ben Stokes brings his bat across and flicks it between the mid-wicket and square leg region for a couple of runs.

Atkinson is off the mark now. Full and angling on the leg stump, Gus Atkinson flicks it nicely off the pads to deep mid-wicket for a quick triple.

On a fuller length, shaping away around off. Atkinson defends it to short cover.

Fuller length, swinging away from outside off. Atkinson leaves it alone to the keeper.

Bowls fuller and targets the stumps. Atkinson defends it to mid off.

Gus Atkinson is in at number 9.

OUT! EDGED AND WHAT A CATCH! Tom Latham making amends for his previous dropped catches and suddenly, New Zealand has crept back into the contest. A wicket for Southee right after the break! Tim Southee comes from over the stumps and hurls it on a fuller length, gets a bit of shape away from the right-hander. Chris Woakes takes half-stride out and pushes hard at it but plays inside the line of the ball. Hence, a healthy outside edge is found which goes flat and low towards the second slip. The ball dips on Tom Latham but he does extremely well to gobble it up. The TV umpire has been asked to check for a fair catch, and Latham has just managed to cling onto it by keeping his fingers underneath. England are now 382/7, leading by 34 runs.

Is that caught out? Rod Tucker, one of the on-field umpires have summoned the TV umpire to have a check. The ball goes flat and low towards the second slip where Tom Latham bends low and tries to gobble it up. The question is whether he had his fingers underneath the ball. After several checks, the TV umpire is satisfied and it is deemed as a fair catch. OUT!

Drinks! Phew! A breathless first hour of play here at the Hagley Oval! England has bossed up the proceedings here as Brook and Stokes came swinging their willows at everything. New Zealand bowlers couldn't do much with the new ball as there was barely any movement and swing on offer. However, it was Matt Henry who halted the Brook assault by breaking the 159-run stand. Because of that power-hitting, 63 runs have already been scored in this session so far and England is already up and running with the lead. Moving forward, New Zealand will look to break England's tail and prevent them from getting a broad lead. Remember, England still needs to get runs to be in a strong position from here. Southee to continue after the break.

Short and into the surface, on the body, Ben Stokes ducks safely.

Ouch! Short in length, onto the body, Ben Stokes attempts for a hook stroke but gets a blow on the body, right on the left elbow and the ball rolls towards the slip cordon. That might have stung him. He is feeling the bruises already.

Full and at the stumps. Stokes prods ahead defends it back to the bowler.

A well-directed bumper on off, Stokes sways away by arching back.

Length ball outside off. Woakes pushes at it a bit tentatively and gets an inside edge to fine leg for a single.

Chris Woakes is in at number 8.

OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT BEHIND! A tame end to an outstanding innings from Brook! New Zealand finally get the required breakthrough! Brook gets applause in unison from the Hagley crowd as he walks back to the dressing room, putting his team in a commanding position. Coming to the delivery, Matt Henry fires it in, on a fractionally fuller length, just outside off, and nips away a touch. Harry Brook hangs back and attempts to dab it away with an angled bat but a healthy outside edge is found. Tom Blundell makes no mistake this time and takes a regulation grab behind the wickets. Harry Brook acknowledges the crowd and departs on 171 (197). England are 381/6, leading by 33 runs.

Some thinking and talking there between Latham and Henry about the field setting. The square leg fielder moves very square and one of the slips has been pushed back to deep third.