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

OUT! CAUGHT! And that is that for New Zealand! Dug in short and angled towards the body. Tim Southee makes room and tries to hook it away but it gets skied towards deep mid-wicket where Chris Woakes is well in off the ropes. Takes a few steps backwards and completes the catch over his head. Stokes finishes with 3 wickets. England win by 323 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Dug in short and angled towards the batter. William O'Rourke stands tall and swings at it and it goes past short mid-wicket for a single.

Banged in short, over off, Tim Southee hangs back and stabs it down the deck.

FOUR! Shoaib Bashir gives flight to the ball, around off, Tim Southee shimmies down the track and thumps it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Flatter and quicker on middle. Tim Southee looks to heave it towards the leg side but gets the inside edge onto the pads.

Tossed up, on off, Tim Southee lunges to defend.

Short again, outside off, Tim Southee again tries to go for a lofted shot over cover but misses.

Drops it short, on off, turns in sharply, Tim Southee goes for a heave over mid-wicket but misses it and gets hit on the thigh.

Oh, my! How has that missed the stumps? Angling in, on a good length, on off, William O'Rourke stays leg side of the ball and plays down the wrong line. Gets beaten on the outside edge and the ball goes over the stumps.

Another bumper, at the right shoulder of the batter, William O'Rourke sways away and lets it go.

Banged in short, over middle and leg, William O'Rourke ducks and lets it go.

William O'Rourke is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Nathan Smith has been strangled down leg. End of Smith's vigil. Second wicket in as many overs for Stokes. Pitched in short, from wide of the crease, angled in towards the batter. Nathan Smith is cramped up for room as he swivels and looks to pull it away. The ball brushes the gloves and the keeper Ollie Pope dives to his left to take a safe and low catch.

Back of a length, from over the wicket, at chest height, Tim Southee pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Goes short again to Tim Southee. He does not back away and tries to pull it. The ball takes the top edge and goes straight up but falls wide of Rehan Ahmed at deep third for a brace.

Floated up and outside off, goes straight on. Nathan Smith leans on and drives it towards cover for no run.

Fullish, outside off, Nathan Smith goes for a drive to cover but only manages to get a thick outside edge to the left of point for a couple of runs.

Drops it short, outside off, Tim Southee pulls it from the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Flighted up, around middle, Tim Southee fends it from the back foot.

On a nagging length, outside off, Nathan Smith drives it wide of mid off for a single.

Starts from over the wicket, full and around middle, Nathan Smith moves across and goes on a knee for a scoop over the keeper but misses. The ball goes over the stumps and the keeper Ollie Pope fails to gather it cleanly. Oh, hang on, the UltraEdge show that it brushed the glove on the way through, so, that will go down as a chance.

Stokes sees Southee backing away and he follows him, on a back of a length, Southee looks to work it away on the leg side. Gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad.

Goes short straight away to Tim Southee, on middle. It climbs onto the batter but Southee does well to fend it down towards short leg.

Tim Southee walks out to bat.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! The captain comes on and only takes a few balls to make an impact. A well-judged catch from Jacob Bethell. Bowled on a back of a length and on the middle stump. Matt Henry backs away and goes for the pull. It gets skied towards deep square leg where Jacob Bethell does extremely well to settle underneath it as the ball is swirling in the air. Bethell has to put the dive at the end to his left to complete the catch. England are 2 wickets away from wrapping this up.

Banged in short and angled towards the batter. Matt Henry goes for the pull but misses.

Pitched in short, angling in towards the batter. Matt Henry goes for a swipe across the line  but misses by a long margin.

Ben Stokes brings himself on. Starts off on a back off a length and outside off, angling in. Nathan Smith pulls it towards square leg for a single.

Ends with a yorker on the off stump, Matt Henry digs it out back to the bowler.

Good length, outside off, Nathan Smith fends it to cover from the back foot.

Angling in, on middle and leg, on a back of a length, nudged to mid-wicket by Nathan.

Play and a miss! On a back of a length, on off, Nathan Smith throws his hands at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

A comedy of errors! Short of a length, around the shoulder, Nathan Smith gets late in trying to keep it down and gets hit on his glove. The ball goes behind the stumps and the batters scamper across. Ollie Pope collects it and aims to throw it to the striker's end but misses it. There is no one to back the throw up. Shoaib Bashir gives it a chase towards the long off region and cuts it off. The batters run four.

Starts from over the wicket, on hard length, around middle, Nathan Smith keeps it to square leg.

Floated up and on the stumps, turns in. Matt Henry defends it towards silly mid on.

FOUR! Streaky but Matt Henry will take it. Fractionally short outside off, goes straight on. Matt Henry slashes hard. The ball takes a thick outside edge and flies past the slip fielder and races towards the deep third fence for a boundary.

Short and outside off, goes straight on. Matt Henry cuts it towards point.

Matt Henry is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent anticipation from Ben Duckett! It had to take something special to get rid of Blundell. Tossed up on off and middle, Blundell gets inside the line and attempts a lap shot. The ball comes off the face of the bat and lobs behind. Ollie Pope, anticipating the shot, moves swiftly to his left but only manages to get a slight touch with his gloves, slowing the ball down. Ben Duckett, stationed at first slip, has already started moving to his left upon seeing Blundell's setup for the paddle. He stretches out, palms the ball up on his first attempt, and remains sharp enough to grab it on the second. Blundell departs for a well-made 115 (102). He walks off to a standing ovation and he deserves every bit of it.

Shorter and quicker, on off, Tom Blundell rocks back and punches it to cover.

SIX! Blundell gives the charge and clears the fence again! On a nagging length, around off, Tom Blundell shimmies down the track and does not get to the pitch of the ball but still goes through with the shot. Smokes it over wide long on for a six.

From over the wicket now, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Nathan Smith hops and dabs it down on the leg side.

Banged in short, at the batter, Nathan Smith ducks and lets it go.

On the pads, on a back of a length, Smith misses the tickle and gets hit on the thigh pad.

From around the wicket, not that short, angling across, Nathan Smith goes for the pull but the ball sneaks under the bat.

Slanting into the pads, on a length, Tom Blundell clips it in front of square on the leg side and crosses over.

FOUR! This has raced away! Carse digs it in short, on middle and leg, Tom Blundell gets on top of the bounce and swivels to pull it to the left of deep fine leg for a boundary.

Keeps it short, on off, Nathan Smith stabs it down on the off side.

Short and on off, Nathan Smith hangs back and defends it out.

SIX! Just over! Low full toss, on middle, Nathan Smith gets down the track and lofts it over the leaping long on fielder for a six.

Too straight, short and flat, on the pads, Tom Blundell glances it down towards the vacant deep fine leg region for three runs.

HUNDRED FOR BLUNDELL! Tom would have had his heart in his mouth for a moment there as the ball sneaked past the stumps but he can afford a smile now. 5th Test hundred for Blundell and this will do his confidence the world of good heading into the third Test. This is short and on off, Tom Blundell tries to glide it down past first slip. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps and goes past the keeper for a couple of runs. Dropped when he was on 0 by Jacob Bethell, Blundell has made the most of that reprieve.

Looped up, full and around off, Tom Blundell gets his bat out in front to block it out.

Blundell moves to 99! Angling in at the right-hander, on a short of a length, Tom Blundell glances it down to deep fine leg and keeps the strike with a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Too straight from Carse, on a shortish length, Tom Blundell helps it fine, beating deep fine leg to his right for a boundary. Moves to 98.

On middle and leg, on a hard length, Nathan Smith hops and clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Dug in short, Nathan Smith tries to drag the pull from outside off but the ball goes under the bat.

On a back of a length, on off, Tom Blundell pulls a bit uppishly but it goes on the bounce to the man at square leg. Beats Stokes to his left and picks up a single.

Banged into the deck, around the left shoulder of the batter, Tom Blundell thinks about taking the short ball on but then decides to withdraw his bat and sways away.

Tossed up, full and on off, Nathan Smith lunges to defend.

Drops it short and on middle, Tom Blundell turns it past short leg and crosses over.

Fuller in length, on middle, knocked down to long on for a single by Smith.

Bye! Fires it down leg, on a length, Tom Blundell lets it go. The keeper Ollie Pope gets a glove on it as he dives to his left. The batters run a bye.

SIX! Excellent use of the feet! Floated up, full and on off, Tom Blundell skips down the track and swings cleanly. Launches it flat and over the long on fence for a biggie. Moves to 92.

A bit of extra bounce, short and on off, Tom Blundell goes on the back foot and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Welcome back for what could well be the final session of the Test. Ben Stokes leads his troops out to the centre. England are starting with spin in the form of Shoaib Bashir. Bashir to Blundell first up. Here we go!

.. DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...

However, as we've often seen, a break in play can bring a wicket, and it did just that as Mitchell was dismissed immediately after the drinks break. Glenn Phillips then took on Shoaib Bashir, but it was the off-spinner who eventually emerged victorious in their battle. Blundell, however, continued to play his shots with authority, and Nathan Smith joined him in and soon followed suit in putting the bad balls away. From a Kiwi perspective, it’s about salvaging positives and a century here for Blundell would do wonders for his confidence. Can England claim the remaining 4 wickets in the third session, or will New Zealand show defiance and take the Test to the 4th day? Stay tuned to find out!

SESSION SUMMARY - 29.5 overs, 140 runs and 2 wickets. An entertaining session overall, where England managed to take two crucial wickets to inch closer to wrapping up the game. However, New Zealand displayed positive intent with the bat, maintaining a run rate of 4.69. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell batted with a calm composure through the early part of the second session, gradually growing in confidence as the innings progressed. With not much happening off the pitch, the pair negotiated the first part of the session without much trouble.

In the channel on off, on a good length, Nathan Smith leaves it alone. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 3!

Goes short again, directed towards the body. Nathan Smith ducks underneath it comfortably and lets it go through.

Back of a length again, outside off, nips in. Tom Blundell makes room and guides it towards deep third where Ben Duckett puts in a dive at gully to his left but the ball gets past him. The batters come through for a single.

Back of a length, outside off. Tom Blundell fends it towards cover.

FOUR! That was all class from Tom Blundell. Pitched in short again, on off, Tom Blundell judges length immediately, pulls it in front of square and picks up another boundary.

Goes short angled towards the batter. Tom Blundell goes back and pulls it towards square leg.

Drags his length, around middle, Nathan Smith tucks it to mid-wicket from the front foot.

Fired in, fuller and on off, Nathan Smith defends it out on the off side.

Fuller, outside off, Nathan Smith doesn't offer any shot as the ball goes to the keeper.

Tossed up, on the sixth stump, Nathan Smith tries to defend it but gets the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket.

Drops it short, just outside off, Nathan Smith again blocks it from the back foot.

Starts from over the stumps, tossed up, outside off, Nathan Smith comes in line of the ball and fends it from the back foot.

At the hips, on a back of a length, glanced down to deep fine leg for a single by Smith.

Banged in short, over off, Nathan Smith sways away and lets it go.

Full and outside off, driven down the deck. Brydon Carse collects the ball in his follow-through and throws it immediately at the non-striker's end. He hits the stumps but Blundell was in. NO BALL called for overstepping.

Goes short again and angled towards the batter, climbing onto the batter. Tom Blundell looks to sway away from the line of the ball but the ball follows him. The ball flies off the face of his bat, flies over the keeper and goes towards the man at a fine deep third for a single.

Back of a length, outside off. Nathan Smith goes on the back foot and punches it towards backward point for a single.

On length and outside off, jags in. Nathan Smith opens up and flat bats it off the toe end off the bat as it goes up in the air and falls in the cow corner region as the batters come through for a brace.

Starts with a bouncer, around middle. Nathan Smith ducks underneath it and lets it go through.

Time for a quick burst from Brydon Carse (6-0-25-2) before the Tea break.

Full and outside off, turning into the batter. Tom Blundell lunges forward and defends it off the inside half of the bat towards short mid-wicket.

FOUR! Smart batting! Shoaib Bashir drags his length and around off, Tom Blundell judges the line early, goes on one knee and executes the reverse paddle towards the deep third fence for another boundary of the over.

Flatter and quicker, way outside off. Tom Blundell leaves it alone.

FOUR! PUNISHED! Shoaib Bashir goes much shorter this time and just outside off, from over the wicket, Tom Blundell goes deep inside of the crease and pulls it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Again short, on off, Tom Blundell defends it from the back foot.

Drops it short, well outside off, Tom Blundell gets enough room to cut it wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Outside off, on a length, Nathan Smith leaves it alone.

FOUR! On the other side of the wicket this time! A bit too full and too straight, goes straight on off the wicket as well. Nathan Smith flicks it handsomely off his pads towards the deep mid-wicket boundary.

FOUR! Beautifully driven. Bowled full and outside off, in that driving length. Nathan Smith obliges and drives it towards the sweeper cover fence and picks up another boundary.

Back of a length, on middle, knocked to mid on by Smith.

Back of a length, just outside off, nips in. Nathan Smith plays it off the outside half of the bat with soft hands down towards gully.

On a length, outside off, goes straight on. Nathan Smith leaves it alone off the front foot.

Ends with a full ball, outside off, Tom Blundell drives it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, well outside off, almost a wide, Tom Blundell watches it and lets it go.

SIX! Goes for it and deposits it beautifully. Bowled quicker and wide outside off, goes straight on. Tom Blundell premeditates stepping out of the crease, manages to reach it and muscles it over the long off boundary for a massive six.

Goes fuller this time, Tom Blundell fends it back to the bowler with the full face of the bat.

So nearly dragged it onto the stumps! Flighted ball, short and outside off, Tom Blundell goes for a cut from the back foot but only manages to get an inside edge that sneaks just past the off stump. It hits the left pad of Pope and rolls away.

On a nagging length, well outside off, Tom Blundell watches the ball and decides to not play at it.

Ends with a length ball, well outside off, Nathan Smith lets it go to the keeper.

Fuller and on off, Nathan Smith looks to drive it down the ground. Mistimes the shot to mid on.

On a good length, on off, defended on the off side by Smith.

FOUR! Nathan Smith gets in on the act this time. On a length, and on middle, nips in. Nathan Smith leans on a clips it off the pads towards mid-wicket and picks up a boundary.

Full and outside off, nips in. Tom Blundell flicks it towards deep backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! Crunched! Bowled back of a length, outside off, nips away. Tom Blundell in all his glory, stands tall and crunches the drive past wide mid off and the ball races towards the sweeper cover boundary.

Drops it short and well outside off, Nathan Smith goes deep inside of the crease and cuts it late to left of point for a couple of runs.

Fuller and on off, Nathan Smith lunges to defend.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Nathan Smith punches it to cover.

SIX! Down the ground! Shoaib Bashir gives air to the ball, pitches up, on off, Nathan Smith clears his front leg and thumps it down the ground for a biggie towards the long on fence. First one for him.

Nearly chopped on! Shoaib Bashir drags his length this time and on off, Tom Blundell wants to cut it but gets an inside edge as the ball zips past the stumps and goes behind the keeper. They take a single.

Starts with a flighted ball, full and outside off, Nathan Smith draws forward and drills it down the ground to long on for a single.

FOUR! Nicely put away! Much fuller and on middle, goes straight on. Tom Blundell leans on and clips it off the pads towards cow corner and picks up another boundary.

Half a shout for LBW but quickly fizzles out! Bowled full and on middle, nips in. Tom Blundell looks to flick it towards mid-wicket, instead, the ball beats past the inside edge and thuds onto the pads.

Fuller and on middle this time, goes straight on. Tom Blundell gets right behind it to defend it back towards mid on.

On a length, just outside off, comes in off the wicket. Tom Blundell leaves it off the front foot.

Goes back of a length this time, nips in. Tom Blundell stands tall, gets his hands up and defends it firmly back onto the ground.

Full and on the off stump, nips in. Tom Blundell drives it towards mid on.

Nathan Smith is in at number 8.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Shoaib Bashir lets out a roar as he has the last laugh! Bashir keeps it flat and short, this skids off the deck, on off, Glenn Phillips uses the depth of the crease to keep it out. The ball stays low and scoots under the vertical bat to clatter into the stumps. End of an entertaining but short stay for Phillips. First wicket of the game for Bashir. New Zealand are now 141/6.

FOUR! Whacked away! Shorter and quicker, on the off peg. Glenn Phillips judges length in an instant, stands tall and pulls it uppishly towards mid-wicket for a boundary.

Flighted up and outside off, Glenn Phillips drives wide of cover for a couple of runs from the front foot.

SIX! Cracking shot! Shoaib Bashir gives air to the ball, pitches up, and outside off, Glenn Phillips gets enough room to open up his hands as he comes forward and whacks it over the deep cover fence for a biggie. First one for him.

Again goes on the back foot to play out to cover. Similar length, but well outside off and Glenn Phillips drives it.

Starts with a full delivery, outside off, turns in, Glenn Phillips goes on the back foot and tucks it to mid-wicket.

On a short of a length, on off, Tom Blundell defends it off the back foot. Gus has a few words to say to Blundell.

FOUR! Tom Blundell is all over it in a flash! Bowled short and outside off from wide of the crease, nipping away. Tom Blundell crouches down and cuts it towards deep backward point and picks up another boundary in the over.

On a length, outside off. Tom Blundell goes on the front foot and shoulders arms.

Full and on off, goes straight on. Tom Blundell tucks it towards backward square leg.

FOUR! And with that Tom Blundell brings up his FIFTY! Bowled just back of a length, outside off, nips away. Tom Blundell gets right on top of it to cut it towards deep backward point and picks up a boundary. An impressive knock so far from Blundell.

Full and on the off stump, goes straight on. Tom Blundell presses forward and defends it back towards mid on.

Short and turning in, on middle, Glenn Phillips works it with the turn to mid-wicket.

Goes fuller this time, around off, Tom Blundell draws his front foot and knocks it down the ground to long on for a single.

SIX! Second for him! Shoaib Bashir again gives air from over the wicket, full around middle, turns in, Tom Blundell reads the line and launches it down the ground over long on for a biggie.

Flatter and on middle, Tom Blundell tucks it to mid-wicket.

Flighted up, around off, Tom Blundell comes two steps forward and flicks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Down the ground! Good use of the feet! Shoaib Bashir gives a bit of flight, full, around middle, Tom Blundell shimmies down the track and lofts it over the head of the bowler for a boundary.

On a back of a length, on off, Glenn Phillips hangs back and keeps it out.

FOUR! Glenn Phillips is up and running. Bowled back of a length, outside off, nips away. Glenn Phillips stands tall and punches it past cover off his toes.

Back of a length, on middle, jags in. Glenn Phillips goes forward and drives it towards mid on.

Bowled from wide of the crease, pitched on a back of a length, nips away. Glenn Phillips stands tall and defends it firmly to cover.

Glenn Phillips walks in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Gus Atkinson breaks through! Bowled on a length, just outside off, in and around that probing channel. Daryl Mitchell is drawn into the forward defence and is opened up just enough as the ball nips away just that slight bit. It takes a faint outside edge and it nestles into Ollie Pope's gloves. The 47-run stand is broken. Mitchell falls for 32 (70). New Zealand have now lost half their side.

Starts off with a short and wide one, outside off stump. Daryl Mitchell cuts it towards point.

Drinks break! This has been a much-needed steady start to the second session for New Zealand. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell have shown positive intent, gradually growing in confidence with each passing over. While the pitch hasn’t entirely eased out, the lateral movement has noticeably reduced compared to the challenging conditions of the first session. Despite their imposing total, England have adopted slightly defensive fields, allowing the batters to milk Shoaib Bashir for singles with ease. Gus Atkinson returns to the attack, replacing Chris Woakes.

Short and on middle, jabbed to mid-wicket from the crease by Tom.

Bowls it fuller and around off, Tom Blundell goes back to a full delivery but does enough to block it out.

Short and wide on off, Daryl Mitchell cuts it to the right of backward point and crosses over.

Flatter and shorter, outside off, Daryl Mitchell lets it be.

Shorter and on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it down on the off side.

Loopy delivery, full and outside off, whipped through mid on for a single by Tom Blundell.

Pitched up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell firms the drive but it goes straight to mid off.

Lands it on a nagging length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell offers no shot.

Attacking the front pad, on the fuller side, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to wide mid on but can't get it past the fielder there.

This nips back in a bit, on off, on a length, Tom Blundell tries to defend it right under his eyes. Gets it off the inside half of the bat in front of backward square leg. They cross.

On a length, too straight, on the pads, Tom Blundell clips it to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Beaten! On a back of a length, outside off, this seams away, Tom Blundell defends inside the line and gets beaten on the outside edge.

This spins in a touch, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell is solid in defence.

Floated up, full and on off, driven to cover by Mitchell.

At 92.1 kph, short and around off, Tom Blundell rocks back and pushes it to the left of deep cover. Tom wants to come back for the second run but Rehan Ahmed is quick to get around and release the throw, keeping the batters down to one.

The 100 comes up for New Zealand! Turning in, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell taps it wide of cover and gets to the other end.

Flatter and shorter, on middle, Tom Blundell punches it along the ground to long on for a run.

Floated up, full and outside of, Daryl Mitchell presses forward and eases it down to long on for a single.

On the off-stump line, on a nagging length, Tom Blundell hangs back to keep it out.

Fuller and on off, Tom Blundell firms the drive but straight to cover.

Length delivery, just outside off, Tom Blundell defends it right under his eyes.

This jags away and takes off, on a nagging length, outside off, Tom Blundell makes the leave. The keeper Ollie Pope takes it around shoulder height.

The length is pulled back now, on off, Tom Blundell gets on his toes and pats it to cover.

At 129.6 kph, this seams back in, on off, on a good length, Tom Blundell plants his front foot ahead and shoulders arms.

Short and slanting in, on the pads, Tom Blundell whips it off the back foot past mid-wicket for one more.

Slows it down and bowls it fuller in length, on off and middle, Tom Blundell lunges to defend.

A leg gully comes in place now. Bashir drops it short, on middle, Tom Blundell rocks back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Flatter and shorter, on middle, Tom Blundell turns it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Good use of the feet! Loopy delivery, full and around off, Tom Blundell skips down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. Launches it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Short and on the pads, Daryl Mitchell nurdles it past short leg and gets to the other end.

FOUR! On a back of a length, on off, Tom Blundell hangs back and plays it down with soft hands. Glides it between the slip cordon and gully for a boundary.

This seams back in again, on a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell lunges to defend it with a straight bat. Gets an inside edge onto the pads. No short leg and it rolls away for a single.

Bowled from wide of the crease, on a good length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell looks to defend it with a straight bat. Mitchell almost ends up playing down the wrong line. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads which saves him.

A tempter from Woakes, full and outside off, left alone by Daryl Mitchell.

Angling in, on a back of a length, over middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell looks to tickle it fine but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.

Attacking the stumps, on a good length, Daryl Mitchell gets his bat out in front in defence.

Flatter and fuller, around off, Tom Blundell dabs it down on the off side.

This keeps straight, short and on off, Tom Blundell stays back and works it to mid-wicket.

A hint of turn back into the right-hander, short and on middle, Tom Blundell works it off the pads to mid-wicket.

Slower and shorter, on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it off the back foot to long on for one more.

Flat and short, on off, kept out off the back foot by Mitchell.

At 86.2 kph, on a fullish length, on off, Daryl Mitchell knocks it down the deck. Bashir tumbles to his right, near the non-striker to make the stop.

This is fuller in length, in and around the off-stump line, Tom Blundell gets a stride in and shoulders arms.

Delivers it on a back of a length, around off, Tom Blundell looks to force it through the off side but the ball stays a bit low. It rolls off the bottom part of the bat back to the bowler.

In that probing channel on off, on a good length, Tom Blundell shuffles and gets close to the line of the ball. Guides it along the ground to gully.

At 129.5 kph, on a short of a length, Tom Blundell rises with the bounce and taps it to short cover.

Angling in, on a good length, Tom Blundell hops and goes deep in the crease to nudge it to mid-wicket.

Bowls it full and on the off-stump line, Tom Blundell gets his bat out in front and knocks it to mid off.

Loopy delivery, full and on off, Tom Blundell uses his feet and gets to the pitch of the ball. Firms the drive to long on for a single.

Full and on middle and leg, knocked down to long on for one by Mitchell.

Slower and even fuller, on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it back to Bashir with a straight bat.

This is tossed up by Bashir, on middle, on a length, Daryl Mitchell uses his feet and defends.

Pushed through, flatter and fuller, on middle, Daryl Mitchell is deep in his crease as he works it to mid-wicket.

Bashir drops it short, on middle, Tom Blundell gets on the back foot and turns it to the left of Root at backward short leg for a run.

Hurls it full, around off, Daryl Mitchell stretches out in front to block it out.

This comes back in off the deck and it is on a good length, on off, Daryl Mitchell reads it well and punches it straight to cover.

A hint of away movement off the deck, on a hard length, on off, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out off the back foot.

On a back of a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets on his toes and pats it down on the off side.

At 125.4 kph, on a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms.

Woakes returns to the attack. He has two fielders in a catching cover position. Hurls it on a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets on the front foot to push it back to the bowler.

Slanting in, short and on middle, Tom Blundell nudges it from the back foot to mid-wicket.

Drifting away, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it wide of cover for one more.

Fired in, at the stumps, on a length, Daryl Mitchell gets behind the line and defends.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell brings out the sweep and hits it hard. The ball deflects off the shin pads of Joe Root at short leg and rolls to mid-wicket.

Looped up, short and around off, Tom Blundell goes deep in the crease and slaps it through extra cover. The substitute fielder, Rehan Ahmed sprints to his right and tries to relay it to Chris Woakes. He almost ends up flicking the ball over the fence as he tumbles. Woakes backs it up and prevents the ball from trickling into the fence. Three runs taken.

This goes straight on, short and on off, jabbed off the back foot to mid-wicket by Tom.

Banged into the deck, on off and middle, Daryl Mitchell ducks and lets it go.

Delivers it on a good length, on off and middle, Daryl Mitchell is solid in defence.

Fuller and nipping back in, at 141.4 kph, on off, Daryl Mitchell turns it in front of square on the leg side. The deep square leg fielder runs around to his left and cuts it off. Two runs taken.

Lands it on a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell dabs it down the deck with a straight bat.

This jags back in and bounces a bit more, on off, on a nagging length, Daryl Mitchell trusts the bounce and holds the bat high up to make the leave.

Banged in on a shortish length, at the ribs, Daryl Mitchell looks to get on his toes and get inside the line of the ball. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the body.

Very full, on middle, Tom Blundell whips it through mid-wicket and collects a brace.

This rears up from a length, on off, Tom Blundell is taken aback by the extra bounce as he gets on the back foot but keeps it out well.

Beaten all ends up! Nicely tossed up by Bashir, slower through the air, on a length, wide on off, Tom Blundell goes for the big booming drive but the ball spins past the inside edge.

Pushed through, on the fuller side, on middle, Tom Blundell goes back to a full delivery but does well to defend it with a straight bat.

Drags the length back, around off, Tom Blundell goes on the back foot quickly and cuts it late to get it wide of deep backward point for a couple of runs.

Floated up, full and around off, Tom Blundell lunges to block it out.

On a shortish length, on off, Daryl Mitchell rises with the bounce and fends it down on the off side.

Fuller in length, on the pads, glanced down to deep fine leg for a single by Tom.

In the channel on off, on a back of a length, Tom Blundell thinks about playing it off the back foot initially but then withdraws his bat and lets it go.

Around the sixth stump line, on a length, Tom Blundell lets the ball come to him and steers it to gully.

On a fullish length, outside off, Tom Blundell tries to squeeze it out on the off side but misses.

Angling in, on a back of a length, on off, Tom Blundell gets behind the line and blocks it out.

Fuller and slower, at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell gets his bat out in front to block it out.

Turn and bounce! This lands around off, short in length, on off, Daryl Mitchell hangs back to keep it out but the ball grips and spins back in sharply. It bounces a bit more as well to go past the inside edge and brushes the thigh pad.

Flat and short, on middle, Daryl Mitchell goes on the back foot and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell skips down the track and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Drops it short, slower as well, on off, Daryl Mitchell is early into his shot and nudges it on the bounce to the man at mid-wicket.

Floated up, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell defends it out off the front foot.

Time for spin as Shoaib Bashir comes on.

SIX! Absolutely nailed! Short and over middle, Tom Blundell swivels and gets on top of the bounce. Pulls it well and clears the man at deep backward square leg for a six.

FOUR! PUT DOWN! Carse serves a tempter, full and wide on off, Tom Blundell is lured into the drive. He does not move his feet at all and goes for the drive away from his body. Gets an outside edge that flies at head height to third slip where Jacob Bethell leans to his left but fails to hold on. The ball bursts through his hands and goes behind for a boundary.

On a hard length, on off, Tom Blundell dabs it down on the off side.

Sprayed down leg, on a back of a length, Tom Blundell misses the tickle. Blundell needs to be careful while playing this shot as there is a leg gully in place.

At the hips, on a short of a length, Daryl Mitchell nurdles it behind square on the leg side and crosses over.

Starts with a full delivery, on off, Daryl Mitchell knocks it along the ground but straight to mid on.

It will be Brydon Carse (3-0-11-2) to share the attack. He will be bowling with the wind behind him.

Serves it on a back of a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell gets on his toes and tucks it wide of mid on for a single.

This on a hard length, around off, Daryl Mitchell plays it off the back foot and dabs it late but can't get it past backward point.

In the channel on off, on a good length, Daryl Mitchell makes a watchful leave.

Attacking the front pad, on a fuller length, Daryl Mitchell plants his front foot across and clips it to mid on.

Banged in short, on off, Daryl Mitchell hops and gets on top of the bounce to stab it down the deck.

As we had hoped, the rain has blown away and we are all set to get going in the second session. Harry Brook is yet to take the field today, sitting out as a precautionary measure due to a sore ankle. Rehan Ahmed continues as the substitute fielder. Gus Atkinson will resume things with the ball for England. Atkinson to Mitchell. Let's play...

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

Woakes followed it up with the prized scalp of Kane Williamson. England's relentless attack continued as Brydon Carse took a sharp return catch to dismiss skipper Tom Latham, leaving New Zealand reeling and followed it by nicking Rachin Ravindra off just as the drizzle arrived. Daryl Mitchell has shown some positive intent and that is the way to go on this wicket where the ball is seaming around just enough to keep the batters on their toes. New Zealand face an uphill battle with four wickets already lost. Can England continue their charge and get the remaining six wickets in the next session itself, or will New Zealand’s middle order resist? Let’s hope the strong winds blowing today help drive the rain away for a prompt start to the second session. Stick around for all the action!

Daryl Mitchell pulls away as raindrops begin to interfere, seemingly getting into his eyes. The drizzle has picked up and the umpires have had enough. The players go off and with this, it will be LUNCH on Day 3. England dominated the session and they head into the break firmly on top of the Test match. They have taken four top-order wickets, and New Zealand are clearly struggling here. Resuming at 378/5 overnight, Joe Root reached his 36th Test century with some classy strokes before falling to William O’Rourke. England declared their innings at 427/6, setting New Zealand a daunting target of 583 runs. The chase began poorly for New Zealand as Chris Woakes went through the defences of Devon Conway in the third over.

Serves it full, on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it off the front foot to cover.

A bit of rain in the air as Tom Blundell walks out to the middle.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! The session gets even worse for New Zealand! Carse steams in from around the wicket and hits the deck hard, over off, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and looks to hop to get on top of the bounce. Plays a loose shot well away from his body. He plays it with a straight bat and he was better off playing with a horizontal bat. The outside edge is found and the keeper Ollie Pope snaffles it with ease. Rachin throws his head back and looks at the heavens in disappointment.

In the corridor on off, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra shapes up to drive it on the up but does not quite get the timing right as it rolls to point.

On a yorker length, at 141.7 kph, on off, Rachin Ravindra squeezes it down the deck. Carse sticks out his left hand in his follow-through and makes the stop.

This is on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell gets on his toes and turns it towards deep backward square leg for one more.

On a short of a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra swipes across the line from the crease to the left of deep square leg for a run.

Honing in on the off-stump line, on a nagging length, Rachin Ravindra hangs back and stabs it down on the off side.

On middle and leg, keeps it full, Daryl Mitchell gets his bat out in front to defend.

Attacking the stumps, on the fuller side, defended off the front foot by Mitchell.

FOUR Streaky! At 125.4 kph, width on offer on off, on a short of a length, Daryl Mitchell throws his bat at it. Gets an outside edge that goes low and beats the diving gully fielder to his left for a boundary.

Closer to the off-stump line, fuller as well, Daryl Mitchell gets behind the line and defends it well.

FOUR! Quality shot! Back of a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets on his toes and punches it with a high elbow. Gets it through covers for a boundary. The 50 comes up for New Zealand.

In and around the off-stump line, on a length, Rachin looks to defend it right under his eyes. Ekes out an inside edge that goes wide of square leg for one.

Too full, too straight, on the pads, Rachin Ravindra flicks it through square leg and picks up a single.

Hurls it full in length, on off, Rachin Ravindra lunges and firms the drive towards mid off. Chris Woakes dives to his left and cuts it off. He rolls over the ball in the process and has a grin on his face.

Angling in, on middle and leg, on a back of a length, tucked to mid-wicket off the back foot by Rachin.

From around the wicket, on a short of a good length, Rachin Ravindra waits back and dabs it down on the off side.

Banged in short, over off and middle, Daryl Mitchell rides the bounce and pulls it down to deep fine leg for a single.

On the off-stump line, on a length, Rachin Ravindra lets the ball come to him and pushes it wide of cover for a single.

FOUR! Good shot! Gus keeps it full, around off, Daryl Mitchell gets a good stride in and just times the drive between cover and mid off for his second boundary.

Full and straight, attacking the stumps, Daryl Mitchell shows the full face of the bat and taps it down the ground. Beats the diving Ben Stokes at mid on to his left for a couple of runs.

On a back of a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell stands tall and punches it to mid off.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Rachin Ravindra flicks it wide of deep backward square leg for a single.

On a good length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra plays inside the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Change of ends for Gus! Goes wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle and gets the ball to nip away off the deck, on a good length, on off, Rachin Ravindra gets squared up while defending but manages to keep it out.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere! Hard length, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell tries to leave it as he shoulders his arms but he gets late as the ball takes the inside edge back onto his feet. He survives as it could have gone onto the stumps.

On a good length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell lets it go to the keeper. The umpire has called it a No Ball for overstepping.

Goes shorter this time, outside off, Daryl Mitchell doesn't offer any shot.

FOUR! Carved away towards the off side! Gets off the mark on the second ball! Brydon Carse bowls a fuller length, wide outside off, from over the wicket, going away, Daryl Mitchell gets enough room to slice it away wide of point for a boundary.

Greets with a bouncer, outside off, Daryl Mitchell ducks it with ease as the ball goes to the keeper.

Daryl Mitchell is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A spectacular grab and Brydon Carse strikes in his first over! Carse hurls it full, on middle and leg, Latham tries to close the bat face and work it away on the leg side. The ball stops in the surface and it results in a leading edge that balloons to the right of the bowler. The ball almost gets past Carse in his follow-through. He sticks out his right hand while on the slide and manages to hold on.

Short of length, from over the wicket, around chest height, Rachin Ravindra dabs it to cover and takes a quick single to get off the mark.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Beaten! On a length, just outside off, nips away at the last moment. Tom Latham prods at it as it sneaks past the outside edge.

On a length, just outside off. Tom Latham presses forward to play it towards cover.

Slightly muted appeal for caught behind from the keeper and the bowler. Bowled full and just outside off, angling in. Tom Latham goes forward to defend but the ball holds its line and goes past the outside edge. The UltraEdge shows a murmur caused by the bat hitting the front pad.

Back of a length, in and around the off stump. Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Back of a length, outside off, nips in. Tom Latham punches it off the back foot towards cover to pick up a brace.

Ends with a short ball, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets beaten on the outside edge on his very first ball as he looks to defend it.

On a hard length, around middle, Tom Latham dabs it wide of cover and takes a quick run.

BEATEN! Back of a length, angling in, on top of off, Tom Latham tries to defend it with the full face of the bat but the ball nips away late to zip past the outside edge of the bat.

Goes shorter this time, well outside off, Tom Latham doesn't offer any shot.

On a good length, outside off, Tom Latham gets beaten on the outside edge in trying to defend it.

FOUR! SHOT! Gus Atkinson goes fuller, from around the wicket, angling in, around middle, Tom Latham comes forward and plays with the straight bat to the right of mid on for a boundary. Probably a shot of the innings so far.

Rachin Ravindra walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! And now Williamson goes! Bowled on a length, from wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle, with a scrambled seam, nips away off the pitch. Kane Williamson is already standing on the off stump and gets himself into a position that he has to play at it. The ball takes a faint outside edge and the keeper Ollie Pope completes a regulation catch in the end. New Zealand are 25/2.

Slanting in from around the wicket, attacking the front pad, on the fuller side, Tom Latham leans and flicks it through mid-wicket. The batters run three.

Back of a length, nips in. Kane Williamson tries to tuck it off the pads but misses. The ball thuds onto the pads and rolls over towards backward square leg. The batters run through for a leg bye!

Beaten! Bowled full and outside off, nips away with a scrambled seam. Kane Williamson pushes forward and gets beaten on the outside edge of the bat.

That took off from a length. Bowled fuller and just outside off, nips away. Takes off from that length. Kane Williamson prods at and fends it back down on the off side in the end.

Back of a length, bowled from wide of the crease, nips away. Kane Williamson stands tall and gets firmly behind it.

Ends with a hard length ball, angling in, around middle, Tom Latham gets enough time because of the pace and tucks it to mid on.

Comes around the wicket again, on length, on off, Tom Latham keeps it off with ease.

Fuller, on off, Kane Williamson goes forward and plays a neat drive down the ground to left of bowler for three runs.

OUCH! Good length, nips back in sharply, Kane Williamson gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the guard.

Hard length, on seam, from over the wicket, angling in, Kane Williamson knows his off stump and lets it go to the keeper.

Around the wicket, on a good length, on top of off, Tom Latham prods forward and taps it to point for a quick run.

On a length and outside off. Kane Williamson defends it towards mid off but it comes off the toe end of the bat.

On a length, just outside off, goes straight on. Kane Williamson shoulders arms.

Much fuller this time, on the off stump, nips in. Kane Williamson gets behind it firmly and defends it back onto the ground.

Back of a length, just outside off, jags in. Kane Williamson stands tall and gets right behind it to defend it back onto the ground.

Swing and a miss! On a length, just outside off, goes straight on. Kane Williamson tries to pull it towards the leg side, instead, the ball sneaks underneath the horizontal bat.

On a length and just on the off stump, nips in. Tom Latham goes forward to defend, takes the inside edge and rolls over towards backward square leg for a single.

Ends with a fuller ball, well outside off, Kane Williamson wants to play it to off side but gets the inner half of the bat to mid on.

Hard length from over the wicket, just outside off, Kane Williamson keeps it off and lets out a big 'No'.

On a good length, on off, Tom Latham comes forward to defend it with the full face of the bat but only manages to get a thick inside edge. They get a single towards backward square leg.

Goes slightly shorter this time, at chest height, Tom Latham keeps it down with ease.

Hard length, on off, Tom Latham comes forward and blocks it.

Starts from around the wicket, around middle, straightens up, Tom Latham leans and fends it back to the bowler.

So nearly sneaked through! Full and slanting in, on off, Tom Latham looks to push it down the ground. Gets it off the inside edge and it rolls through square leg for one.

Closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, left alone by Tom.

Full and outside off, angling in. Tom Latham tucks it towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! Edged and it flies towards the boundary. Short and wide outside off, goes straight on. Tom Latham shuffles towards the line of the ball and goes hard on the cut. It flies over the slip cordon for a boundary.

A bit too straight, on the pads, on a back of a length, Kane Williamson hops and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Kane Williamson walks in at number 3.

OUT! BOWLED! The woes continue for New Zealand. Coming in from around the wicket, Woakes bowls it full and just outside off stump, nips in. Devon Conway is trapped inside his crease and he is unsure which way the ball will go. He tries to play at it by getting his hands out in front. The ball comes back in, goes past the inside and just clips the off bail on its way.

Full and on the stumps, nips in. Tom Latham tucks it off the pads towards backward square leg for a brace.

Angling in, on a nagging length, on middle, Tom Latham defends it out solidly.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Gus Atkinson goes shorter again but down the leg side, angles in from around the wicket, Tom Latham stays deep inside of the crease and watches the ball till the very end. Tickles it for a boundary towards deep fine leg.

Bowled fuller and on the middle stump, nips in. The ball holds in the wicket for a bit there. Tom Latham pushes at it. The ball takes the leading edge and falls short of cover.

NO BALL! Short of a length, around the waist, Devon Conway tries to keep it down but misses it and gets hit on the thigh pad. They get a leg bye as the ball rolls towards deep fine. Gus has overstepped again.

Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, Devon Conway lets it go to the keeper.

On a good length, around middle, Devon Conway tucks it to short leg.

Starts from around the wicket, on a good length, outside off, Devon Conway doesn't offer any shot. The umpire has called it a No Ball for overstepping.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Gus Atkinson.

Deviating away off the wicket, on a good length, outside off, left alone by Tom Latham.

Back of a length, on the off stump. Tom Latham tries to tuck it towards the leg side. The ball angles in and beats him on the inside edge. Latham wears it on the pads.

On a length, just outside off, goes straight on. Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Wayward down leg, bowled full and on middle, comes in towards the batter. Tom Latham tries to flick it but misses. Good take behind the stumps from Ollie Pope diving to his right.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Beaten! Chris Woakes with a fresh new cherry, goes past the outside edge straight away. Bowled full and outside off, nips in. Tom Latham prods at it as it just goes past the outside edge.

OUT! CAUGHT! Edged and taken! Bowled full and outside off, nips away off the wicket. Joe Root is drawn into the shot and goes for the drive away from his body. The outside edge is found and it goes low to the right of Tom Blundell who dives and sticks out his right glove. The ball does seem to slip out of his grasp and it is referred upstairs. The replays show that Blundell just about manages to hold onto the catch even after making hard contact with the ground. Root falls for 106 and with his departure, the declaration comes from England. They end with a lead of 582 runs.

Tailing back in, on off, on a length, Joe Root eases the drive to cover.

NO BALL! FOUR! Goes fuller this time and on middle stump. Joe Root stays inside his crease and lofts it over mid off and it races towards the boundary cushions. A no-ball is called as William O'Rourke has overstepped!

FOUR! HUNDRED FOR ROOT! Absolute classy stuff from one of the greats of the game. Root brings up his 36th Test century in trademark fashion. This is angled in, on a length, at the stumps. Joe Root lines himself up to play the reverse ramp and tries to get underneath it. The ball hits a bit high on the bat but Root still manages to get it over the keeper to bring up the ton. Root takes the helmet off and soaks in the applause from the crowd and his teammates.

Ends with a full toss, around middle, Ben Stokes flicks it in the gap between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, just outside off, Ben Stokes cuts it straight to point.

Fuller, angling into the pads, from over the wicket, Joe Root flicks it wide of mid on for a single.

Fuller, from round the wicket, outside off, Ben Stokes drills it along the ground to deep cover for a single. He is frustrated with himself as he is not been able to time his strokes well.

Goes shorter this time, around off, Joe Root has already come out of the crease and tucks it down from the front foot to deep square leg for a single.

Starts with a widish ball, on length, Ben Stokes walks down the track and somehow manages to get a wood on that to deep cover for a single.

Beaten! Full and outside off, nips away. Joe Root goes forward to fend at it and it goes past the outside edge.

Back of a length, on off, takes off from that length. Takes Ben Stokes by surprise but he manages well to adjust and taps it towards point for a single.

Full and outside off, nips away. Joe Root presses forward and drives it off the outside half of the bat towards backward point for a single.

The second new ball has been taken.

FOUR! A gift and Joe Root is all over it. Pitched in short, on middle, nips in. Joe Root shuffles across and flicks it off the pads towards the fine leg boundary and picks up another boundary. Moves to 95.

Back of a length, outside off, goes straight on. Joe Root positions himself for a cut, instead takes the inside edge and chops it back onto the ground and it goes towards the keeper on the bounce.

On a length, just outside off, nips in. Joe Root tries to prod at it, but instead beats the inside edge and wears it on the pads.

The second new ball is now available. New Zealand are sticking with the old ball for now.

Ends with a fuller ball, outside off, Joe Root steers it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! CLUBBED! Matt Henry serves it fuller, outside off, keeps the pace down, Joe Root reads it and lofts it over the leaping cover fielder for a boundary. Second of the over. He is in his 90s now.

Slanting into the pads, on a length, Stokes clears his front leg and clips it through square leg for a run.

Short of length, above the shoulder, Joe Root keeps it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Back of a length from over the wicket, around middle, Joe Root walks down the track and pulls it hard to the cow corner fence for a boundary.

Starts from around the wicket, on a good length, around off, Ben Stokes goes deep inside of the crease and cuts it wide of cover for a single.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Ben Stokes makes room and bunts it towards deep point for a single.

On a length, and on middle stump. Joe Root flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Halt! Root has copped a blow on the grill of his helmet. He looks fine but the mandatory concussion check will follow now. The assessment is done and Root is ready to resume.

Oh, a nasty blow! Goes short this time does William O'Rourke, angled towards the batter. Joe Root tries to pull it towards the leg side but the ball deflects off the arm and hits him on the helmet's grill.

Pitched in short, outside off, nips away. Ben Stokes opens up and guides it towards backward point for a single.

Full and on middle, goes straight on. Ben Stokes swipes across the line but misses his shot by a long margin.

On a length, just outside, nips away. Ben Stokes makes room and tries to slap it over deep point but misses.

Pitched in short, outside off. Ben Stokes takes a wild swing at it and it goes over the batter. WIDED!

On a good length, around off, Root punches it square but picks out the man at point.

FOUR! Short and punished! Henry bangs it in short, over off, Root arches back and nails the pull to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.

That was hit extremely hard! Henry bangs it on a back of a length, on off, Stokes stands tall and slaps it back towards the bowler. Henry tries to get his hands together in the follow-through but the ball bursts through his hands and goes behind for a single.

Full and on the pads, Root wrists it through backward square leg for a run.

Angling in, on a good length, on middle, Root stabs it down on the leg side.

Full and on off, driven to mid off by Root.

It will be Matt Henry (15-0-76-2) to steam in from the other end with the breeze behind him.

Ends with a good length ball, outside off, Joe Root steers it to deep third for a single.

A good yorker, around off, Ben Stokes digs it out. Gets an outside edge that rolls behind the wicket where Tom Blundell makes a good stop diving to his left to stop the boundary. The ball gets parried away for a single.

Full and on middle, nips in. Joe Root tucks it towards backward square leg for a single.

Hard length, around middle, Ben Stokes pulls it but doesn't make a good connection. It gets skied but falls well in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Goes short again, outside off, nips away. Ben Stokes takes a wild swing at it again with his horizontal bat and misses his shot, narrowly.

Starts from round the wicket, short outside off, Ben Stokes makes room and hits in the gap between covers and point for a couple of runs.

We are all set for the action to start on Day 3. A windy and overcast morning greets the two umpires and players make their way out to the middle. William O'Rourke will kickstart proceedings with the ball for New Zealand. O'Rourke to Stokes first up. Here we go!

PITCH REPORT - Katey Martin and Shane Bond are near the deck. Katey informs that there is a strong breeze blowing across the ground and it can go up to 90 kph. Bond spots a few divots on the surface and feels that it's a sign of the pitch being on the drier side. Further says that the surface will still be good for batting. Feels that the wind will be a big challenge for the pacers and it is something they will have to account for while bowling.

Jacob Bethell is up for a quick chat. He says about his dismissal that it wasn't a very nice way to get out in that fashion. Mentions about the pitch that there is uneven bounce and it is a bit two-paced. Adds that it hasn't flattened out completely and hopefully, there is something for their bowlers when they come out to bowl. Adds that plans keep changing from inning to inning and every bowler has a different plan. Mentions that he loves batting with Ben Duckett and has had good partnerships in the limited-overs format. Concludes by saying that when they come out to bowl, they are hoping to take those ten wickets today itself.

There is still a lot of cricket to be played. Whenever the declaration comes, New Zealand will have to put up a fight, especially in the top order with the likes of Kane Williamson leading the charge and other batters to bat around him if they are to get anywhere close to the total. The pitch did show signs of easing out as Day 2 progressed but if the conditions stay overcast as the forecast suggests, it could create opportunities for the seamers. Stick around as the first ball on Day 3 is not far away.

New Zealand, on the other hand, struggled in their first innings. They began their innings with a decent start, but wickets fell regularly throughout. Kane Williamson was the only batter to offer any real challenge to England's bowlers. The Kiwis were bundled out for just 125 runs and from there on, it was just one-way traffic on Day 2. An overnight declaration could be on the cards, as England look to put New Zealand under some pressure by taking advantage of the early morning conditions and looking to wrap up New Zealand's innings on Day 3 itself.

England's dominance on Day 2 was highlighted by their remarkable batting performance, where they built on their 155-run lead and extended it to 533 by the end of the day. Barring Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, all batters piled on the misery on New Zealand, though Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell missed out on what could have been dominant and classy centuries. England's aggressive yet controlled approach was evident, with the team amassing runs at a healthy rate, with no maiden overs in all of England's second innings yet.

Hello and welcome to Day 3 of the second Test match between New Zealand and England at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington! Day 2 saw England firmly asserting their dominance with a spectacular display of both batting and bowling, leaving New Zealand with much to ponder as they head into Day 3.

... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...

Not a single maiden over in 76 overs highlights that New Zealand have not been able to produce any genuine periods of pressure. With the second new ball only four overs old, the hosts will be eager to capitalize on the early morning conditions on Day 3. Meanwhile, England, sitting in a position of absolute dominance, will look to double down and extend their already massive lead. There is a forecast for scattered showers on Day 3, but let's hope the rain stays away. The first ball on Day 3 will be bowled at 10 pm GMT, but you can join us early for the build-up. The excitement on this action-packed weekend is far from over. Not far from Wellington, over in Adelaide, Day 2 of the Day-Night Test between Australia and India is underway. Later in the day, you can also follow Day 3's proceedings of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka. You can switch tabs and keep track of those games. Cheers!

Gus Atkinson is down for a quick chat. He says that they started the day pretty well and the plan was to go hard right up top and it came off. Further adds that getting the hat-trick felt good but never actually thought of taking a hat-trick in a Test match.  Mentions that he doesn't want to speak too soon about his rhythm and feels that he is slowly getting back into the groove. In terms of game plans for bowling, he says that they will stick to the usual stuff and try and challenge the batters as much as they can and if that doesn't work they will look to do something else.

Joe Root and Harry Brook then took charge, adding to New Zealand's woes. The third session began on a more measured note, with Root and Brook adopting a steady approach rather than launching an all-out attack. Both batters maintained a healthy scoring rate as they reached well-deserved fifties. Brook eventually fell while attempting a big shot, and Ollie Pope followed soon after, dismissed cheaply. Ben Stokes, however, wasted no time, teeing off from ball one, raising the prospect of a late declaration. That, however, did not materialize as Root and Stokes batted through the remainder of the day with a commanding lead of 533 runs.

In response, England lost Zak Crawley cheaply, but Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell led a spirited counterattack. Both batters adopted an aggressive yet calculated approach, finding boundaries with ease while rotating the strike effectively. However, as their respective hundreds approached, the tempo slowed noticeably, with both showing signs of nerves in the nineties. Neither could reach the milestone, but their efforts laid a solid foundation for England.

The day began with New Zealand trailing by 194 runs and desperately looking to narrow the deficit with five wickets in hand. However, Brydon Carse delivered a double blow in the fourth over of the morning, dismantling the hosts' hopes. Gus Atkinson then stole the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick, wrapping up the innings as New Zealand lost 5 for 39 to be bowled out for 125, conceding a hefty 155-run lead.

SESSION SUMMARY - 33 overs, 163 runs, and 2 wickets. For the second day in a row, England have stamped their authority and firmly established themselves in the driver’s seat. While Day 3 is traditionally considered the 'moving day' in Test cricket, this match has been progressing at a breakneck pace, and it seems the moving day has arrived a day early. With England extending their stranglehold, the game appears to have moved well beyond New Zealand’s grasp.

Ends with a short ball, down the leg, Joe Root watches it through to the keeper. THAT WILL BE STUMPS FOR DAY 2!

Short of length, around shoulders, Ben Stokes pulls it out to deep square leg for a single.

Good change of pace by Nathan Smith as he goes fuller this time, on pads, Joe Root nudges it to square leg and takes a single.

Slower length ball, around middle, Joe Root flicks it wide of deep square leg and takes a couple of runs.

Slower back of a length ball, outside off, Joe Root dabs it to cover and runs off but is sent back by Ben Stokes.

Starts from over the wicket, on hard length, around middle and leg, Ben Stokes pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Banged in on a hard length, on off, Stokes jabs it to the right of deep mid-wicket. Root loses his footing at the batting end and the batters stay content with the single.

Bowled full and on the stumps, nips in off the wicket. Joe Root looks to flick it off the pads but misses. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls off the pads towards square leg.

Full and on the off stump, nips away slightly. Ben Stokes gets squared up and it flies off the outside edge wide of backward point for a single.

On a length and drifting onto the pads. Joe Root flicks it towards backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! A bit too straight and Joe Root cashes in. Full and on middle, nips inward. Joe Root stands tall and flicks it off the hips towards the deep fine leg fence and picks up another boundary.

On a length, just outside off. Ben Stokes flat bats it towards sweeper cover. One hand comes off the bat in the end and Stokes picks up a single.

An appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Length ball, around off, angling in from over the stumps, Joe Root tries to flick it but misses the line and gets hit on the pads. Looked to be going down leg.

Miscued but safe! Nathan Smith bowls on a short length, around chest height, Ben Stokes walks down the track and pulls it but doesn't make a good connection and the ball gets skied towards deep backward square leg where Rachin Ravindra seems to lose the ball in the sun and the ball lands in front.

Nathan Smith sees Ben Stokes charging down the track and bowls a length ball, wide outside off. Ben Stokes can't reach to it as the ball goes to the keeper.

Slower length ball, just outside off, Ben Stokes tries to heave it but gets an inside edge and the ball goes nowhere. He is frustrated with himself.

On a good length, outside off, slower in pace, Joe Root comes forward and guides it wide of deep point for a single.

Starts from round the wicket and bowls a full ball, just on off, Ben Stokes goes for a lofted shot down the ground but gets a thick outside edge to deep third for a single.

Angling in, on a back of a length, on off, Stokes punches it off the back foot to long on for one.

WIDE! Spills it well wide on off, on a length, Stokes lets it go for a wide.

Southee spots the batter stepping out and fires it in, full and wide on off, Ben Stokes can't reach it.

Back of a length, on middle. Joe Root tries to tuck it towards square leg but closes the bat face early and it rolls over towards mid off for a single.

Beaten! Full and outside off, seams just in off the wicket. Joe Root stays back, and tries to cut but it is too close to cut and it sneaks past the bat.

Back of a length, on off. Ben Stokes makes room and slaps it towards cover for a single.

In the air...but safe! Coming in from around the wicket, bowls it on length, and nips in. Ben Stokes takes his front leg out of the way and tries to flick it towards the leg side but the ball takes the leading edge and goes towards backward point where it falls just short of Glenn Phillips diving forward.

Ends with a good length ball, outside off, Ben Stokes makes room and cuts it to deep point for a single.

WIDE! Nathan Smith bangs in short, outside off, Ben Stokes moves across and doesn't offer any shot as the ball goes over the head. The umpire has called it a wide for height.

Hard length, on off, Ben Stokes nudges it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

BEATEN! Nice change of pace from Nathan Smith. He bowls on a good length, outside off, Ben Stokes goes for a cut shot but misses it and the ball goes to the keeper.

Slower length ball, in the stumps, Ben Stokes makes room to carve it over cover but gets it off the bottom part back to the bowler.

Back of a length from over the wicket, on leg, Joe Root pulls it to deep fine for a single from the back foot.

Starts from round the wicket, around leg, Ben Stokes opens up and tries to pull it but gets the bottom edge to deep fine leg for a single.

Nathan Smith (13-0-60-0) comes back into the attack.

Shorter and flatter, on off, goes straight on. Ben Stokes rocks back, makes room and tries to muscle it back over the bowler. Glenn Phillips leaps across to his right but the ball evades him and rolls down to long off for one.

Floated up on middle. Joe Root drives it towards long on for another single.

Tossed up on off stump, turning in. Joe Root leans on and pushes it back towards the bowler.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Ben Stokes makes room and slaps it towards long off for a single.

SIX! Clean strike! Bowled fuller and on leg stump, goes straight on. Ben Stokes backs away, makes room and muscles it over the long on fence for a massive six.

From around the wicket to Ben Stokes, Glenn tosses it up, full and outside off. Stokes steps out to hit it over cover but it takes a thick outside edge and races towards the deep third fence. Matt Henry chases it down and keeps it to two.

Slower length ball, around middle, Ben Stokes makes room and steers it wide of cover for a single.

SIX! UP AND OVER! Matt Henry serves this on a length from around the wicket, around middle. Ben Stokes clears his front leg and whacks it wide of deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Are England going to declare late in the day?

On a good length, outside off, Joe Root guides it to deep point for a single.

A yorker at toes, Ben Stokes digs it out to square leg for a single.

FOUR! WOW! Ben Stokes makes his intentions clear from the very first ball. Matt Henry comes from around the wicket and bowls on a fuller length, around middle, Ben Stokes walks down the track and heaves it wide of long on for a boundary.

The English skipper Ben Stokes walks out to bat.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Ollie Pope departs cheaply. Matt Henry serves this on a back of a length, outside off, from over the wicket. Ollie Pope hangs back and pokes at the delivery away from his body. Gets an outside edge that goes low towards third slip where Daryl Mitchell dives to his right and takes a safe catch.

Much slower through the air, turning into the batter. Joe Root leans on and goes for the drive but mistimes his shot towards cover.

Flatter and quicker on off, goes straight on. Ollie Pope stands tall and punches it off the middle of the bat towards long on for another single.

Flatter again and on middle. Joe Root goes on one knee and pulls it along the ground for mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter again and on off stump, goes straight on. Ollie Pope cuts it towards cover for a single.

Flatter and just outside off, turning in. Joe Root stands tall and tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

Full and slower through the air, outside off, turning in. Ollie Pope leans on and works it away towards long on for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Joe Root changes his mind as he sees the length of the ball and doesn't offer any shot.

Short of length, around middle, Joe Root pulls it out wide of deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, around off, Ollie Pope gets a thick inside edge as he looks to defend it. They get a single as the ball rolls towards square leg.

Hard length, on off, Ollie Pope dabs it to cover from the front foot.

On a good length, around middle, Ollie Pope blocks it right under his eyes.

Starts with a full ball, on the pads, Joe Root comes forward and clips it wide of mid on for a quick single.

Short and on off, goes straight on. Joe Root rocks on the back foot and tucks it towards backward square leg for a single.

Floated up on off, turning in. Ollie Pope works it away towards long on for a single.

Full and outside off, turning into the batter. Ollie Pope drives it towards mid on but cannot beat the diving fielder.

Flatter, quicker outside off, goes straight on. Ollie Pope tries to cut it towards point but instead chops it back onto the ground.

Full and on the off stump. Ollie Pope goes forward to defend it back towards the bowler.

Slower and fuller, outside off stump, turning in. Joe Root clips it off his pads towards backward square leg for a single.

Change of shoes for Joe Root. We are all good to go now.

Ends with a hard length ball, around middle, Ollie Pope stays inside the crease and steers it to cover.

Hard length, on off, Ollie Pope gets a thick outside edge to gully as he looks to defend it.

Back of a length again, around middle, Ollie Pope goes deep inside of the crease and fends it to mid on.

Goes shorter this time, around middle, at chest height, Ollie Pope blocks it with the full face of the bat.

Back of a length, outside off, Joe Root pushes it with soft hands to right of point and takes a quick single.

Starts from over the wicket, on a good length, around middle, Ollie Pope guides it wide of point for a single.

Matt Henry (12-0-57-1) comes back on.

Fuller and on the off stump, turning in. Joe Root drives it back towards the bowler.

Full and on the middle stump. Joe Root rocks back and taps it towards square leg.

Short and on off, Pope punches it down to long off for one.

Tossed up, full and on off, Pope knocks it back to the bowler.

Full and on middle, goes straight on. Joe Root punches it down towards long on for a single.

Floated up and outside off stump, turning in. Joe Root works it towards mid on where the fielder puts in a dive and sends Root back into his crease.

Ends with a length ball, around middle, Joe Root looks to defend it but gets a thick outside edge to deep point for a single

On a good length, outside off, Ollie Pope cuts it wide of deep point for a single.

Goes shorter this time, outside off, Ollie Pope doesn't offer any shot as the ball goes to the keeper.

Slightly fuller, around off, Ollie Pope drives it to cover from the front foot.

On a hard length, around off, Ollie Pope gets forward and steers it to cover for no run.

Starts from over the wicket, on good length, wide outside off, Ollie Pope lets it go to the keeper.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Root jabs it to mid-wicket.

Floated up, full and on off, Pope pushes it down to long on for one.

FIFTY for Joe Root! Flatter, quicker and on off Joe Root stands tall and pulls it all along the ground towards mid-wicket for a single. Another feather in the cap for Root as he gets to his 100th 50-plus score in Test cricket.

Quicker and flatter, just outside off. Ollie Pope stands tall and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Full and outside off, turning in. Ollie Pope pushes forward and prods at it towards cover.

Ollie Pope walks out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! Harry Brook holes out! Glenn Phillips comes in from over the wicket, bowls it full and slower through the air, turning into the batter. Harry Brook premeditates stepping out and tries to whack it over the long off boundary. He gets more height than distance on it and it goes only as far as long off where William O'Rourke settles under it and does the rest. Brook goes for 55 (61). England are now 306/4, leading by 461 runs.

Ends with a full ball, on off, Joe Root blocks it out back to the bowler.

FOUR! Smart batting! Tim Southee serves this on a length, outside off, from over the wicket, with a little bit of outswing. Joe Root waits and opens up the bat face to glide it to the left of deep backward point for a boundary. Root moves to 49.

Goes fuller this time, outside off, Joe Root tucks it to mid on from the front foot.

On a good length, outside off, Harry Brook guides it to deep point for a single.

BEATEN! On a good length, just around off, Harry Brook moves across and tries to scoop it behind the stumps but misses it as he falls over. The ball goes to the keeper.

Starts from over the wicket, on a hard length, outside off, Joe Root pushes it to deep point for a single.

Tim Southee (10-0-53-2) returns to the attack.

Goes full again, on middle this time. Joe Root steps out as well and drives it towards long on for a single.

Floated up and outside off, turns into the batter. Harry Brook steps down to the pitch of the ball and slaps it towards long on for a single.

Slower through the air and on middle. Joe Root goes back and clips it towards backward square leg for a single.

Full and way outside off, goes straight on. Harry Brook carves it away towards backward point for a single.

Full and on middle, turns in. Joe Root flicks it off the pads towards fine leg for a single.

Floated up, outside off, turning in. Joe Root works it away towards short mid-wicket.

Drinks break! At the start of the session, the curiosity centred on how England would approach their innings. Well, we have our answer as Harry Brook and Joe Root have batted with intent yet sensibly. The pair has ticked along at a good clip and have extended the lead to 450 runs. For New Zealand, it’s been a tough grind in the field, with little happening to trouble the batters as England continue to pile on the misery.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR BROOK! Short of a length, outside off, from over the wicket, Harry Brook plays an upper cut deftly over the slip cordon and gets a boundary towards the deep third fence to reach his fifty. Another good innings by the centurion of the first innings.

Hard length, around middle, Harry Brook cuts it late and well wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

A rising bouncer, around off, Joe Root pulls it down to deep fine leg for a single.

Hard length, just outside off, Harry Brook goes deep inside of the crease and guides it to deep point for a single.

Drags his length, around middle, Harry Brook defends it under the eyes with the full face of the bat.

Starts with a fullish delivery from over the wicket, around middle, Joe Root flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Full and outside off, turning in. Joe Root leans on and taps it towards long on for a single.

Quicker through the air, skids onto the leg stump. Harry Brook flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up again, just around off. Harry Brook prods at it and defends it off the front foot towards cover.

Flatter and quicker, on off, goes straight on. Harry Brook stands tall and defends it straight back onto the ground.

Full and on the off stump, turning into the batter. Joe Root drives it towards mid on for a single.

Floated full and outside off, turning into the batter. Joe Root goes on one knee and deftly reverse paddles it towards deep third for a brace.

Ends with a good length ball, outside off, Joe Root cuts it to deep point for a single.

A low full toss, on middle, Harry Brook pushes it to mid on and takes a quick single where the fielder hits the stumps but Brook is in.

Slightly fuller, on middle, straightens up, Harry Brook gets opened up but manages to defend it under the eyes.

On a good length, on off, Harry Brook tucks it to mid-wicket from the front foot.

Short of a length, on off, Joe Root goes deep inside of the crease and pulls it wide of deep square leg for a single.

Starts with a fullish ball, around off, from over the wicket, Joe Root leans and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Shorter and quicker, on middle, Brook keeps it out off the back foot.

Gives the ball air, full and on middle, Brook defends it out off the front foot.

Short and around off, Root dabs it down late and towards deep backward point for one more.

Tossed up, full and on off, driven through cover for a single by Brook.

Floated up, full and on middle, Root clips it wide of mid-wicket for a run.

Short and wide on off, Brook rocks on the back foot quickly and cuts it through point. Devon Conway runs and sprints to his right. Cuts it off with a tumble to save a run for his side.

On a length, on middle, clipped straight to mid-wicket by Root.

A confident shout for caught behind but turned down! Matt Henry is convinced and he convinces his captain to take the review. The ball did brush something on its way to the keeper and the front-on replays suggest that it could have brushed the back thigh. The UltraEdge confirms that it has made no contact with the bat. This was a length delivery, around off, Joe Root switched his stance and tried to play the reverse scoop but the ball went past the edge of his bat. New Zealand have no reviews left.

Keeps it in the channel on off, on a back of a length, this stays low. Root punches it off the back foot to cover.

This is on a short of a length, over off, Root rides the bounce and stabs it down onto the deck.

On a back of a length, around off, Brook steers it late towards deep backward point for a single.

Play and a miss! Short and wide on off, going away off the wicket, Brook flays at the delivery but gets beaten as the ball goes over the horizontal bat.

Flighted delivery again, fuller in length, Brook pushes it through mid off for a single.

Loops it up as he slows it down, full and on off, Brook defends it off the front foot.

Short again, on middle and leg, Brook pulls it hard but straight to the man at backward square leg.

Shorter and quicker, on middle, jabbed straight to mid-wicket by Brook.

FOUR! Up and over! Glenn spills it down leg, on a length, Harry Brook gets underneath it nicely and scoops it well over short fine leg. Matt Henry gives it a chase and puts the dive in but in vain. England lead by 425 runs.

A hint of turn into the pads, short in length, Brook nurdles it straight to backward square leg.

At 130.8 kph, angling in, on a good length, at the hips, Root gets on his toes and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Serves it on a hard length, on off, Brook opens the bat face and glides it past gully for one more run.

At the stumps, on a length, Brook defends it out from the crease.

This is on a short of a length, on off, Root pushes it wide of point and gets to the other end.

On a back of a length, around off, Brook runs it down to deep third for a single.

Miscued but safe! Banged in short, over off, Root goes for the pull but fails to ride the bounce. Gets a top edge but it lands safely well in front of the man at deep backward square leg. They cross.

Flatter and shorter, on middle and leg, Root crouches and helps it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Short and turning down leg, Root rocks on the back foot for the pull but misses.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Root wrists it straight to mid-wicket.

Drifting down leg, fractionally short, Root misses the tickle.

Too straight, on the pads, on a length, turned past mid-wicket for a single by Brook. The 50-run stand comes up.

Floated up, full and turning into the pads, Root pulls out the reverse and hits it through point for a single.

From wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle, on a length, on off, Root flicks it through square leg for one more.

Full and a hint of away shape, around off, Root goes for the cover drive but ends up miscuing the shot in front of mid off.

Tailing back in, on a good length, on middle and leg, Root clips it towards mid-wicket where Tom Latham dives to his right to make the stop.

Smith serves a bumper, over off, Root swivels and gets on top of the bounce. Pulls it to the left of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

Good-length delivery, around off, Brook taps it in front of gully and gets to the other end quickly.

Full, in and around the off-stump line, defended solidly by Brook.

At 142.4 kph, O'Rourke bashes the hard length, on off, Root gets on his toes and defends it out.

Play and a miss! O'Rourke pitches it up, outside off, Joe Root gets drawn forward in defence. The ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge.

Slanting in, on a back of a length, over off, Root pats it back to the bowler off the back foot.

A bit too full and too straight as well, full and on the pads, Brook knocks it through the vacant mid on region. Tom Latham gives it a chase and slides to cut it off. Three runs taken.

O'Rourke digs it in short, at 139.3 kph, around off, Harry Brook backs away and goes deep in the crease. Rises and slaps it over mid off for a couple of runs.

Banged in short, on off, Root swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.

Fuller in length, on off, Root firms the drive to the right of mid on for one more.

Attacking the front pad, on a length, Joe Root tries to get his bat out in front to keep it out. The ball comes back in off the wicket and catches the inside edge of the bat.

Good running! At 135.9 kph, on off, on a length, Harry Brook plays it right under his eyes and dabs it down late beside the pitch on the off side. Calls Root through for a quick single.

Short and on off, Brook tries to work it away on the leg side. Ends up miscuing the shot back to the bowler.

Length delivery, around off, Root presses forward and eases it through backward point for a single.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Root clips it straight to mid-wicket.

Short and wide on off, cut away to deep backward point for a run by Root.

O'Rourke goes short, around off, Root does not quite get it from the middle of the bat but manages to clear the man at mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs. England's lead is now 400.

This is on a back of a length, on off, Root gets on top of the bounce and steers it to gully.

On a shortish length, on off, Root hangs back and defends it down onto the deck.

O'Rourke slips in a slower one, into the deck but down leg, Brook looks to go for the pull but he is early into his shot. The ball comes off the back of Brook's bat and goes along the ground to deep third for one.

FOUR! Not in complete control but Brook still manages to find the fence! On a back of a length, over off, Brook sets up for the pull by staying deep in the crease. The ball does not rise as much as Brook expected. He stays low with the bounce and pulls it to the right of deep square leg for a boundary.

In the air...but safe! Nathan bangs it into the deck, over off, Brook looks to jab it away in front of square on the leg side. Miscues it and it lobs and drops in front of the rushing mid on fielder for a single.

FOUR! Class written all over it! Nathan delivers it on a length, on off, Harry Brook presses forward and stays balanced to drive it between cover and mid off with ease for a boundary. The lead is now 392.

A bit of extra bounce, on off, on a nagging length, Harry Brook gets squared up and the ball hits the splice of the bat as Brook stays back to defend.

In the channel on off, on a good length, Joe Root goes deep in the crease and eases it wide of cover for one.

Straying on the pads, on a good length, Joe Root plants his front foot across and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Attacking the front pad, on a length, Joe Root keeps his bat close to the front pad and defends.

A bit too straight, full and on the pads, Harry Brook wrists it in front of deep mid-wicket and comes charging back for the second run.

Lands it on a good length, on off, Harry Brook plays it off the front foot but straight to cover.

FOUR! The first sign of intent after the break from Brook! Length delivery, outside off, Harry Brook skips down the track and stays leg side of the ball to carve it up and over cover. The ball flies off a thickish outside edge and it flies over the slip cordon for a boundary.

Slanting in, on a good length, on middle, Joe Root hurriedly drops his bat down on the ball and works it in front of mid on for a quick single.

On a good length, angling in, outside off, Joe Root hangs his bat out there to defend. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Short and around middle and leg, Harry Brook gets inside the line and pulls it along the ground to the left of deep fine leg. Nathan Smith gets around and mops it up. A single taken.

Banged in short, over off, Harry Brook pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a run.

On a shortish length, on off, Brook blocks it out off the back foot.

An enthusiastic shout for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Nathan Smith does not look interested but Tom Latham gets the support from the men behind the stumps to take the review. Nipping in, on a good length, around the fourth stump line, Harry Brook gets half a stride forward to defend. The bat stays behind the front pad as Brook looks to defend. The ball hits Brook on the front pad. UltraEdge confirms that it is pad first and the Ball Tracking shows that it is crashing into the off stump but the impact is umpire's call. It will stay NOT OUT but New Zealand keep their review.

On a good length, on off, Brook defends it right under his eyes.

Another full delivery, on off, Root whips it to the right of mid on and gets to the other end.

Hurls it full, on off, played back to the bowler by Root.

Jagging back in, on middle and leg,  on a nagging length, Joe Root gets tucked up for room and ekes out an inside edge onto the pads. They cross as the ball rolls on the leg side.

Swing and a miss! O'Rourke bends his back and bangs it in short, Joe Root sees the width on off and gets airborne as he tries to flay it away but misses.

On a hard length, on off, Root stays back and steers it down to gully.

Beaten! Angling in, on a nagging length, on off, Joe Root hangs back to defend it right under his eyes. The ball holds its line to zip past the outside edge.

Good effort in the deep! Dug in short, down leg, Harry Brook swivels and pulls it along the ground wide of deep fine leg. Nathan Smith sprints and dives to his left there and parries the ball to the incoming Rachin Ravindra from deep backward square leg. The batters cross for one.

Sprayed down leg and it goes further away after going past the stumps. Brook lets it go. The keeper Tom Blundell tumbles to his left to make the stop.

Who will operate from the other end? It will be William O'Rourke (11-0-55-0).

Fuller in length, around off, Root is drawn into the drive and ends up playing away from his body. Plays it along the ground to wide mid off.

Nathan drags the length back and slants it in, on the off stump, Joe Root plants his front foot across and stabs it down the deck.

FOUR! Lovely shot! At 135.2 kph, overpitched on off, Joe Root strides ahead and drives it back past the bowler. Beats mid on to his left for a boundary.

Very full, on off, Harry Brook jams it out to the left of mid on for a run.

Closer to the off-stump line, angling in, on a good length, Harry Brook gets his bat close to the front pad and defends it out.

Bowls it in the channel on off, on a nagging length, Harry Brook makes the leave.

We are all set for the start of the third and final session of the day. The two umpires and players make their way out to the centre. Harry Brook and Joe Root are all set to resume their innings. Nathan Smith will resume things with the ball for New Zealand. Away we go...

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

As Duckett and Bethell approached their respective centuries, the scoring rate dipped slightly, with Duckett looking notably tentative in the nervous nineties. Both batters ultimately missed out on their hundreds, something New Zealand will take some solace in, as they managed to deny the milestones. However, it was still another challenging session in the field for the hosts, with England firmly in control and stretching their lead to 370 runs. True to their proactive style, it wouldn’t be surprising if England put their foot on the gas after the break, looking to accelerate and possibly have New Zealand batting before the day’s end. Back in a bit for the third session.

SESSION SUMMARY - 28 overs, 133 runs and 2 wickets. Another session bossed by England in this Test! Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell continued their impressive partnership after the Lunch break, scoring at a brisk pace. It wasn’t all about aggressive shot-making as the duo also displayed smart cricket by rotating the strike with well-judged singles and twos. New Zealand desperately needed someone to contain the scoring, but they couldn’t entirely stem the flow of runs.

Ends with a short ball, just outside off, Harry Brook clears his front leg and gets enough room to slap it wide of cover for three runs. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2!

Slightly short, around middle, Harry Brook goes to defend it with the full face of the bat but the ball climbs onto him and it drops down the deck off the splice of the bat.

Short, well outside off, Joe Root cuts it hard from the back foot to deep third for a single.

Lucky escape for Joe Root! William O'Rourke bowls a hard length, nips back in around off, Joe Root gets a thick inside edge as he looks to cut it away late. The ball lands near his feet and goes over the stumps.

Back of a length, just outside off, Joe Root dabs it to point from the back foot.

Starts from over the wicket, on good length, around middle, Joe Root opens up and fends it with the full face of the bat back to the bowler.

On a length and on off. Harry Brook defends it off the front foot to cover.

Back of a length, on off. Harry Brook gets his hands high up and defends it back onto the ground.

In-ducker bowled full and on middle. Harry Brook flicks it towards mid-wicket.

Wayward! Full and outside leg goes away. Harry Brook tries to flick it but misses.

Harry Brook walks in next.

OUT! BOWLED! Another one goes in the nineties! Tim Southee comes in from around the wicket, on a length, nips inward off the pitch. Ben Duckett looks to guide it behind square on the off side with an open bat face. The inward movement results in the ball catching the inside edge of the bat and Duckett chops it down onto the stumps. Duckett falls for 92 (112). England are now 211/3, leading by 366 runs.

Goes short, angled in towards the body. Ben Duckett pulls it along the ground wide of backward square leg for a brace.

Ends on a good length, just outside off, Joe Root pats it to cover from the back foot.

FOUR! Good shot! William O'Rourke goes shorter again, outside off, Joe Root gets enough room to slice away nicely wide of deep third where the fielder can't save the boundary despite the dive.

Slightly short, on off, Joe Root guides it to gully for no run.

On a good length, outside off, Joe Root fends it to cover from the front foot.

FOUR! Nice flick! William O'Rourke serves it full, down the leg, nips back in from over the wicket, Joe Root flicks it from the front foot to deep square leg for a boundary. First one for him.

Starts with a hard length ball, wide outside off, Ben Duckett gets enough room to slice it away wide of deep point for a single.

Full and outside off stump, stops just that bit coming off the wicket. Ben Duckett drives it uppishly towards cover. It falls short of Kane Williamson at cover.

Swing and a miss. On a length and outside off, goes straight on. Ben Duckett throws his hands at it and it whizzes past the horizontal bat.

Full and outside off, moving away through the air. Joe Root taps it on its head towards point for a single.

On a length, just outside off, swinging away. Joe Root makes a watchful leave from inside his crease.

Pitched in short, angling in towards the body. Ben Duckett takes it on and pulls it towards backward square leg for a single.

Full and just outside off, seams in. Ben Duckett defends it back towards the bowler.

Ends with a fullish ball down the leg side, from over the wicket, nips back in, Joe Root goes for a flick but misses it and the ball goes to the keeper.

Change of shoe for William O'Rourke. We are all good to go now.

Good short ball, with pace, outside off, Joe Root doesn't offer any shot as the ball climbs onto him and goes to the keeper who takes it with a leap.

Hard length, outside off, a little bit of inswing, Joe Root lets it go to the keeper.

Oh, that cut Root in half! Jagging back in sharply, on a back of a length, on off, Joe Root gets taken aback by the sharp movement as the ball jags back in and kicks up a bit to go past the inside edge. There is a noise as the ball passes Root and it is taken by the keeper moving to his left. However, the UltraEdge shows that it clipped the jumper worn by Root on its way through to the keeper. New Zealand lose their 2nd review.

Is that out? William O'Rourke is not overly excited but Tom Blundell thinks that they should have a look. Tom Latham takes the review with a couple of seconds left on the timer. The front-on replays show that the ball seems to have brushed the jumper worn by Root. The UltraEdge confirms that there is no bat involved.

Slightly short, around off, Ben Duckett tucks it wide of mid on for a quick single.

Starts from round the wicket, on a back of a length, just outside off, Ben Duckett taps it to cover.

Joe Root walks in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Bethell's entertaining inning comes to an end and misses out on what could have been his maiden Test century. Bowled full and just outside off, nips just that slight bit away off the wicket. Jacob Bethell is drawn into the drive, goes for it and takes a faint outside edge. The keeper, Tom Blundell does the rest behind the wicket. New Zealand are ecstatic. Bethell falls 4 runs short of a hundred. The 187-run stand is broken. England are 196/2, leading by 351 runs.

FOUR! Skillfully done! On a back of a length, over off, Jacob Bethell hangs back and steers it between the slip cordon and gully for a boundary. Bethell moves to 96.

Almost dragged it on! On a back of a length, on off, Jacob Bethell looks to cut it away but gets an inside edge back onto the pads.

Miscued but safe! Pitched on a back of a length, angled towards the batter. Jacob Bethell takes it on and gets it high on the bat. It gets skied but luckily for Bethell, it clears the backtracking mid-wicket fielder who puts in a slide but fails to get there. Two runs taken.

Back of a length, outside off. Jacob Bethell tries to cut it but chops it down on the off side.

Serves it full and outside off, nips in. Ben Duckett rocks on the front foot and drives it confidently past cover as the man at deep point gets across to collect it and the batters run three.

On a back of a length, around middle, Jacob Bethell tries to pull it away but the ball does not rise as much as he expected. Bethell wears it on the left elbow.

Short of length, at chest height, Jacob Bethell gets into a tangle while trying to clip it away on the leg side. Gets a leading edge that balloons and falls right in front of William O'Rourke charging ahead in his follow-through.

A sharp bouncer, outside off, Jacob Bethell tries to take on the short ball but then changes his mind and doesn't offer any shot.

Hard length, wide outside off, Jacob Bethell moves across and cuts it straight to point.

Back of a length from around the stumps, outside off, angles in, Ben Duckett keeps it down and gets a single to deep fine leg.

Starts with a short ball, around off, Ben Duckett ducks it and the ball goes to the keeper.

Back of a length, angled in towards the batter. Jacob Bethell opens up and tucks it towards backward square leg.

On a length and on middle, nips in. Ben Duckett tucks it off the hips towards mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length, outside the off stump, Jacob Bethell rises with the bounce and cuts it towards backward point for a single.

Full and outside off, coming inward. Jacob Bethell punches it towards mid on.

Fuller and wide outside off, goes straight on. Ben Duckett flays his hands towards the ball and drives it behind square towards backward point for a single.

Coming in from around the wicket, bowls it full and outside off, nips in. Ben Duckett defends it right underneath his eyes.

Ends with a flighted ball, outside off, Ben Duckett tries to push it to the leg side but the ball goes wide of cover after taking the outside edge. They get a single.

Much fuller and outside off, Jacob Bethell pushes it down the ground to long off for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, played back to the bowler by Jacob Bethell.

Tossed up, outside off, Ben Duckett drills it wide of cover for a single.

A swing and a miss! Tossed up ball, from round the wicket, around off, Ben Duckett goes for a big sweep on one knee but misses.

Turn and bounce! Starts with a flighted ball around leg, Ben Duckett tries to tuck it to the leg side but the ball grips and turns away. Duckett gets a soft leading that drops beside the pitch on the off side.

Back of a length, on middle, comes inward off the wicket. Ben Duckett swipes it across towards backward square leg for a single.

On a length again, nips away. Jacob Bethell tucks it towards backward point for a single.

Full and on the stumps, nips in. Ben Duckett flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

On a length and on the off stump. Ben Duckett defends it right back onto the ground.

Fuller and outside off, goes away off the wicket. Jacob Bethell punches it towards cover-point for a single.

On a length, outside off, nips in. Jacob Bethell drives it off the inside half of the bat, miscuing it towards mid on.

Ends with a full ball, on the pads, Ben Duckett tucks it to mid-wicket.

Fuller, outside off, Jacob Bethell steers it to wide of cover for a single.

SIX! DOWN THE GROUND! Glenn Phillips drops it short and around middle, Jacob Bethell goes deep inside of the crease and flat bats it over wide long on for a biggie. Third one for him and he is into 80s now.

Flighted ball, around middle, Ben Duckett knocks it to long on for another single.

Again tossed up, around middle, Jacob Bethell comes forward and pushes it to long on for a single.

Starts with a fullish ball, around middle, from round the wicket, Ben Duckett drills down the ground to long on for a single.

Full and on off, Jacob Bethell pushes it to cover.

Full and outside off, comes inward. Jacob Bethell drives it towards cover.

Fuller this time and on the off stump, nips in. Jacob Bethell drives it towards mid off.

Back of a length, outside off, nips away. Jacob Bethell fends it towards backward point.

Pitched on middle and on length, goes inward further. Ben Duckett flicks it off the pads towards square leg for a single.

Bowled full and outside off, nipping in. Jacob Bethell taps it towards backward point for a single.

Short and around off, Jacob Bethell punches it to deep cover for a run.

Speared in, on a nagging length, on middle, Jacob Bethell goes back and taps it back to the bowler.

Short and on the pads, Ben Duckett tucks it through square leg and crosses over.

Floated up, full and on off, Ben Duckett eases it back to Glenn.

Drifting in, full and on middle, Jacob Bethell knocks it down to long on for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Jacob Bethell pushes it back to the bowler.

Drinks break! England continue to pile on the runs, adding 79 runs in just 15 overs since the Lunch break, extending their lead to 316 runs. The partnership has not been solely about boundaries, as both batters have cleverly rotated the strike with well-placed singles and twos. For New Zealand, it is imperative that someone steps up to stem the flow of runs and maintain control from one end.

On a good length, on off, Ben Duckett plays it away from his body towards cover.

Slanting in, on a back of a length, over middle, Ben Duckett stabs it down on the leg side.

Angling into the left-hander, on a hard length, on off, Jacob Bethell punches it to deep backward point for a single.

On a short of a length, on off, Jacob Bethell stays leg side of the ball and glides it down to gully.

In and around the off-stump line, on a length, Ben Duckett guides it through point and gets to the other end.

At 134.4 kph, full and on off, Jacob Bethell gets his weight on the front foot and drives it to the right of cover. Devon Conway from deep point runs around to his left and cuts it off. Three runs taken and that brings up the 150-run stand.