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

OUT! STUMPED! This one is bowled quicker and flatter, outside off. Brydon Carse premeditates stepping out of the crease but gets beaten on the outside edge as he fails to reach it. Tom Blundell behind the stumps does the rest of the job. That is that for England as Ben Stokes will not come out to bat. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 423 RUNS!

Slower through the air, outside off, turning away. Brydon Carse��pulls it from outside off stump towards cow corner. Does not take the run.

Ends with a full ball, on the pads, Shoaib Bashir flicks it to mid-wicket for no run.

BEATEN! Hard length, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Shoaib Bashir gets beaten on the outside edge in trying to defend it with the full face of the bat as the ball zips past the off stump.

A good yorker at the toes, Shoaib Bashir digs it out back to the bowler.

This time he connects it and takes a couple of runs! Good length, around middle, angles in, Shoaib Bashir lofts it with the straight bat over the head of mid on for two runs.

A swing and a miss! Short of a length, around middle, nips back in, Shoaib Bashir comes down the track to heave it with the horizontal bat but misses it as the ball goes to the keeper.

Good length, outside off, from over the wicket, Brydon Carse makes room to slice hard wide of cover for a single.

Flighted, full and around off, Shoaib Bashir pushes it towards covers.

Shoaib Bashir walks out to bat now. He is the last man in as Ben Stokes will not come out to bat due to his injury.

OUT! CAUGHT AT LONG OFF! Matthew Potts departs in just two balls! Mitchell Santner gives flight to the full ball, around off, from around the wicket, turns away. Matthew Potts wants to go for a lofted shot down the ground but doesn't get the elevation. The ball goes in the air high and Tim Southee takes an easy catch at long off. Eight down for England and New Zealand is just two away from a mighty win.

Full and outside off, turning away. Matthew Potts looks to drive but is beaten on the outside edge.

Matthew Potts comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Gus Atkinson's vigil ends finally. This one is bowled short and slower through the air. Gus Atkinson moves back and tries to punch it away but slices this one up in the air towards sweeper covers where Glenn Phillips runs in a slight bit to complete that catch. Atkinson departs after a quick-fire knock and England are seven down now.

FOUR! Where did that come from? Bowled full and on middle stump. Gus Atkinson premeditates the reverse sweep and plays it past slip fielder as the ball races towards deep third fence for a boundary.

Floated up, outside off, turning away. Gus Atkinson takes a shy at it with a horizontal bat but misses.

A litlle bit of mix-up in running between the wickets but both are safe! A slower loopy ball, wide outside off, Brydon Carse reaches out to play wide of cover and runs off for a quick single. The fielder is quick enough to jump onto that and throws at the striker's end in no time. Carse just comes back in time.

A play and a miss! Good length, around leg, Brydon Carse swings again hard but misses the line as the ball goes to the keeper.

FOUR! EDGED AND A BOUNDARY! Back of a length, around middle and leg from over the wicket, nips back in sharply as the ball climbs onto the batter. Brydon Carse comes down the track to heave it down the ground but gets a thick outside edge that flies over the head of the first slip fielder for a boundary.

Hard length, around off, angles in, Brydon Carse goes deep in the crease and blocks it with ease to off side.

Short of a length, around leg, Brydon Carse is taking the guard of leg stump and he makes room to defend it with the full face of the bat to cover.

Hard length, around middle, nips back in, Gus Atkinson tucks it wide of deep fine for a single on the first ball.

SIX! Brydon Carse deposits it straight back. Bowled full and on off stump. Brydon Carse goes forward and lofts it handsomely over the long on fence for a biggie!

Flighted, full, outside off, turns away, Brydon Carse goes on his knees to slog sweep it but misses it completely as the ball goes to the keeper who dislodges the bails but the batter is inside in the crease.

In the air...but lands safely in the middle! Bowled full and slower through the air. Gus Atkinson slices it up in the air as fielders run in from all side, halfway of sweeper cover. The batters run through for a single.

Change up. Quicker, flatter, on middle, goes on with the arm. Gus Atkinson defends it off the front foot back towards the bowler.

Floated up again, wide outside off, turning away. Gus Atkinson plays it towards cover.

Slower, fuller and outside off, turning away. Gus Atkinson looks to reach at it, takes the bottom edge and drops short of the slip fielder.

OUCH! That must have hurt quite a bit. Banged in short, angled towards Brydon Carse as he looks to sway away but hits him on the arms.

Dropped short, angled towards the batter. Brydon Carse looks to charge at it first up but has to sway away from the line at the end.

Brydon Carse walks to now.

OUT! BOWLED! GONE! Matt Henry has his man this time! He serves this on a good length, around middle, nips back in from over the wicket, Ollie Pope sets up to play a reverse scoop but gets beaten on the line of the ball. The ball sneaks through the outside edge of the bat and shatters the stumps. Sixth down for England in this long chase. Matt Henry is pumped up and so are his teammates.

BEATEN! Hard length, just outside off, straightens up off the deck, Ollie Pope gets beaten on the outside edge in trying to block it out.

Short of a length, around off, Ollie Pope comes down the track to keeps it down to cover with ease.

Comes from over the wicket, back of a length, sticks to the surface, and takes an extra bounce, Ollie Pope gets surprised in trying to defend it as the ball hits him on the shoulder of the bat and goes nowhere.

On a nagging length, around middle, turns away, from around the wicket, Gus Atkinson fends it to mid-wicket from the front foot.

Quicker, flatter outside leg, goes straight on. Gus Atkinson looks to flick it but misses and tries to balance himself as the keeper collects.

FOUR! And another! Full and outside off, turning away. Gus Atkinson leans on and plays a lofted drive towards the sweeper cover fence as it goes on the bounce for a boundary.

FOUR! Gus Atkinson turning it on. Bowled full and outside off, goes on with the arm. Gus Atkinson lofts it over long off fence as it goes on the bounce for a boundary.

SIX! That is a lusty blow! Goes fuller, on middle, goes straight on. Gus Atkinson muscles it over the long on fence for a biggie!

Full and outside off, turning away. Gus Atkinson stands tall and defends it back towards the bowler.

BEATEN! Hard length, around middle, seaming in sharply, Ollie Pope takes a step forward to slice away in the cover region but gets beaten on the bottom edge as he plays with the horizontal bat. The ball sails through to the keeper. Just a single off the over.

Goes fuller this time, around middle, nips back in, Ollie Pope comes forward and plays out to mid on.

Back of a length, around middle and leg, angling in, Gus Atkinson tucks it to square leg for a single.

Good length, around off, Gus Atkinson keeps it to cover with the straight bat.

Hard length, around middle, nips back in, Gus Atkinson blocks it with the full face of the bat to cover.

Starts from over the wicket, back of a length, around off, angles in, Gus Atkinson comes forward and fends it back to the bowler with ease.

Matt Henry to bowl from the other end.

Tossed up, around off, Ollie Pope comes forward and flicks it to mid on for no run.

Floated up, on off, drifting in. Ollie Pope lunges forward to defend.

FOUR BYES! Beats everyone. Drifting onto leg stump, goes straight on. Ollie Pope misses his shot and blinds the keeper as well as it goes through towards the boundary cushions. 200 up for England!

Fuller and on off stump. Gus Atkinson drives it down towards mid on.

Full and on the off stump. Gus Atkinson defends if back towards the bowler.

Starts off with a full and wide one, outside off, drifting in, turns away. Gus Atkinson leans on and drives it towards point and picks up a brace as the fielder just pulls it back in right at the ropes.

We are back for the second session! The Kiwis are in a huddle just outside the circle and this could be the last-ever huddle for Tim Southee with his team. Gus Atkinson and Ollie Pope will resume the batting for England. New Zealand going with spin as Mitchell Santner will start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

New Zealand had to work hard in the morning session as England kept scoring briskly while chasing the massive target. Mitchell Santner broke through by dismissing Root, who had earlier been dropped by Tom Latham, while William O'Rourke's fiery spell accounted for Harry Brook. Jacob Bethell attacked with intent, but a smart bowling change saw Tim Southee use his experience to lure him into a false shot. While England remains relentless, the Kiwis will look to capitalize on chances and wrap things up before the final day. Join us at 12.40 am GMT for the post-Lunch session!

England made rapid progress in the morning session, with overnight batters Joe Root and Jacob Bethell showcasing both resilience and a keen eye for scoring opportunities. Both players brought up their half-centuries, but Root fell shortly after the drinks break, followed soon by Harry Brook. Bethell, however, continued his aggressive approach, even weathering a fiery spell from William O'Rourke. His attacking intent ultimately proved costly, as he was dismissed for a well-made 76. After, that, Ollie Pope and Gus Atkinson scored a flurry of boundaries towards the end of the session and managed to get through it unscathed.

SESSION SUMMARY - 175 runs and 3 wickets in 33 overs! An extended session was played to make up for the overs lost on Day 3. While England scored at a brisk pace, the Kiwis will be pleased with their efforts, having sent half of England’s lineup back to the pavilion. The visitors have managed to cut the target down to 465 runs but now rely heavily on Ollie Pope, the only recognised batter left and the tail, especially with Ben Stokes likely unavailable due to the injury he sustained on Day 3.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Ollie Pope is right behind it and defends it back towards the bowler. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 4!

FOUR! Driven beautifully. On a good length, outside off, inviting the drive. Ollie Pope goes confidently to the front foot and drives it past cover as it races towards the sweeper cover fence.

On a length, way outside off. Ollie Pope chops it down towards backward point.

Banged in short, angled towards the batter. Gus Atkinson is not able to control his pull as it goes on the bounce towards the long leg fielder. The batters come through for a single.

On a length, just outside off. Ollie Pope drives it towards the left of mid on for a single.

Fuller and on off, nips in. Ollie Pope flicks it off his legs towards mid-wicket

Loopy, full and on middle and leg, Gus Atkinson knocks it towards mid on.

Flighted, full and on middle, Gus Atkinson blocks it out.

BEAUTY! Flatter, full and on off, drifts in and then turns away. Gus Atkinson plays down the wrong line as the ball sneaks past the outside edge and just goes over the off pole.

On a good length, on off peg. Gus Atkinson gets his head over the ball and defends it back down onto the ground.

Flatter, quicker on middle. Gus Atkinson goes forward to defend it back towards the bowler.

Fuller and pushed through on middle. Gus Atkinson misses his flick off his pads.

Full and outside off, angling in. Gus Atkinson chops it down towards mid-wicket for a single.

On a length, just outside off. Gus Atkinson defends it back down.

Fuller and outside off stump. Gus Atkinson drives it towards mid on.

Good length, outside off. Gus Atkinson chops it on his thigh guard.

FOUR! That went very close to the leg stump. Full and outside off, goes straight on. Gus Atkinson goes for a drive, takes the inside edge and french cuts it towards deep fine leg as it just goes inches away from leg stump.

On a length, just outside off. Ollie Pope gets towards the line of the ball and cuts it towards deep point for a single.

FOUR! Dropped short and given full treatment. Short and on middle, goes straight on. Gus Atkinson rocks back and pulls it deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

FOUR! Now to the other side of the cover fielder. Bowls it full and outside off, turning away. Gus Atkinson drives it towards the right of cover fielder and picks up another boundary.

Quicker and flatter, sliding on the off stump. Gus Atkinson it from inside his crease back down.

FOUR! Bit uppish but goes in the gap! Bowled full and outside off, turning away. Gus Atkinson drives it towards the left of cover fielder as the ball races towards the sweeper cover fence.

Floated up, on middle, drifting in. Gus Atkinson tucks it towards mid-wicket.

Full and outside off, turning away. Ollie Pope drives it towards cover-point and is off for a quick single.

Almost another for Tim Southee! He lands this on a good length and on off, jags back in sharply. Gus Atkinson gets cut in half as he slashes his bat at it. The ball whizzes past the inside edge and just over the stumps.

Pitched up and around off, Ollie Pope pushes it through covers for a run.

Short of length and outside off, Ollie Pope cuts it to point.

Back of a length and on middle, Gus Atkinson pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller and on middle, Gus Atkinson knocks it towards the bowler.

No signs of Ben Stokes as Gus Atkinson comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Tim Southee comes back and strikes immediately! This one is bowled full and way outside off, and goes straight on. Jacob Bethell premeditates stepping out of his crease and looks to slash it over deep backward point fence. However, he has to reach out for it and gets no control over the shot. He ends up slicing it in the air towards Glenn Phillips who just runs towards his left a couple of yards and swallows it comfortably. England lose half their side now!

Tim Southee comes back into the attack now.

Goes short and outside off, Ollie Pope cuts it towards deep point where a rare midfield from Glenn Phillips allows the second run.

Slows it up, full and on off, Jacob Bethell strides out and taps it to the off side for a quick run.

Tossed up, full and around off, Ollie Pope lunges and pushes it through covers for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, Ollie Pope strides out to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Floated, full and on middle, Ollie Pope tucks it towards mid-wicket.

Flatter, short and on leg, Ollie Pope misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

FOUR BYES! Banged in short a bit too much. Jacob Bethell gets away from the line of the ball. Tom Blundell jumps up, tries his best to get at it but to no avail. The ball flies over him and goes onto the fine leg fence.

FOUR! Full and on middle, nips in. Jacob Bethell picks it off his pads and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

Bowled back of a length, just outside off. Ollie Pope guides it towards backward point.

Banged in short, angled towards the batter, goes inward further. Jacob Bethell is cramped up for room as he swivels and looks to pull and lobs up towards backward square leg. The batters come through for a single.

FOUR! And again! Goes short again, outside off. Jacob Bethell gets on top of the bounce and cuts it past point this time and picks up another boundary. 150 up for England!

FOUR! Coming in from around the wicket, bowled back of a length, nips away. Jacob Bethell guides it off the full face of the bat past gully and picks up another boundary.

Sliding onto off, from outside off. Ollie Pope goes forward to defend it firmly.

Full and outside off, drifting in. Ollie Pope takes it on the full, leans on and drives it towards sweeper cover boundary.

Fuller and outside off, turns away. Ollie Pope lunges forward to defend.

Beaten! Full and outside off, grips and turns away. Ollie Pope lunges forward to defend as it goes past the outside edge.

Pulls back the length a bit. Ollie Pope taps it towards backward square leg.

Full and on off stump, goes straight on. Ollie Pope drives it square towards point.

Hard length and on the sixth stump line, shapes away, Jacob Bethell guides it off the outer half of the bat towards third slip again. Maiden over!

Back of a length and on middle, angles into the body of the batter with pace. Jacob Bethell fails to work it away and takes one on his ribs.

Goes fuller this time, on middle, angles in sharply, Jacob Bethell misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. A stifled appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Good length and just around off, holds its line, Jacob Bethell stays back to play at it but gets an outside edge. It rolls wide of third slip where Tim Southee dives to his right to make a good stop.

Short of a length and outside off, Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.

Some chin music! William O'Rourke bangs in a bouncer at 146.3 clicks, on middle, angling in. Jacob Bethell sways away from it well.

Looped up, full and on off, Jacob Bethell drives it towards extra covers where Kane Williamson dives to his right but fumbles a bit. It allows the batter to steal a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ollie Pope reaches out for it and pushes it with one hand towards extra covers for a run.

Flighted, full and around off, Ollie Pope strides out and guides it towards point.

FOUR BYES! That beats everyone! Quicker, short and on middle, drifts into the leg side. Ollie Pope leaves it alone and Tom Blundell also fails to stop it as the ball runs to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Flatter, short and on leg, angling in. Jacob Bethell moves back to play at it but gets an inside edge just past short leg for a single.

Floated, short and on off, Jacob Bethell stays back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Oh..that's nasty! William O'Rourke steams in and bangs this one into the pitch, does not bounce that much. Ollie Pope ducks under very early and takes his eyes away from the ball. He takes a hard blow on his biceps and looks a bit shaken up here.

Touch fuller and around off, keeps low, Ollie Pope leaves it alone.

A big shout for LBW, but turned down! This one looks close but New Zealand take the review here. William O'Rourke lands this on a good length and on middle at 153 clicks. angles in too. Ollie Pope steps across to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that it is just clipping the leg pole. The umpire's call saves Pope!

Ollie Pope walks out to bat now.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! William O'Rourke strikes! He deserved this wicket and the in-form Harry Brook falls cheaply again in this Test. This is back of a length and just on off, takes off viciously. Harry Brook tries to ride the bounce but fails to do so. He loses his bottom hand and only manages to fend it straight into the hands of Daryl Mitchell at first slip who makes no mistake. England four down now and still needs 525 runs to win!

Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Harry Brook knocks it towards mid on.

Rash shot! Back of a length and around off, Harry Brook backs away and slashes hard at it but misses.

Floated and on leg, Jacob Bethell goes down, takes it on the full and paddles it. It goes aerially but over short leg. The fielder in the deep runs to his left to cut it out as the batters take two.

Flighted, full and on off, Jacob Bethell pushes it towards covers.

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Mitchell Santner drags his length back and around off. Jacob Bethell this time moves back on the back foot and cuts it away wide of deep point for another boundary.

FOUR! Nice shot! Flatter, full and on off. Jacob Bethell gets down low and transfers his weight on the front foot to drill it through extra covers for a boundary.

Harry Brook avoids the dreaded pair! Floated, full and on off, Harry Brook steers it towards point for a quick single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Harry Brook prods forward and blocks it out.

Ends the over with a bouncer, on middle, Jacob Bethell ducks under it. Maiden over!

Good length and just outside off, holds its line, Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.

Beaten again! William O'Rourke bowls this on a hard length and around off, shaping away. Jacob Bethell once again tries to play at it away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Swing and a miss! Fuller and well outside off, Jacob Bethell goes chasing after it and throws his bat but fails to connect.

Goes a bit fuller, on middle, angling in, Jacob Bethell knocks it down the pitch.

BEATEN! William O'Rourke lands this on a back of a length and just around off, takes off. Jacob Bethell pushes at it with hard hands and the ball zips past the outside edge.

Fires one full but down the leg side, Harry Brook misses his flick. 4 runs and a huge wicket from the over.

Harry Brook is the next man in and he is on a king pair.

OUT! LBW! That is one heck of a review! This one is bowled way fuller and on middle stump, turns away a shy bit, inviting a sweep. Joe Root obliges, leans on and looks to sweep, goes underneath the blade and thuds onto the front pad. Massive and a long appeal from men around the bat. The umpire isn't convinced. Tom Latham has a chat with the keeper and the bowler and opts for a review. UltraEdge comes up and from the side on view, it looks like the ball just sneaks underneath the bat and goes on to hit the pad. Ball Tracking shows that it hits in line and the impact is dead on the middle stump. New Zealand will be happy that they took this chance for a review and it is rewarded. Joe Root walks right after his half-century and New Zealand have their first breakthrough of the morning.

Quicker and fuller on the off stump. Joe Root rocks back to defend it towards mid on.

Full and outside off, turns away. Joe Root looks to pull it from outside off but misses. Good take by the keeper.

Floated up, on middle stump. Joe Root defends it off the front foot.

FOUR! Full and on off. Joe Root leans on and meets it on the full and sweeps it towards deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

Goes short, outside off. Joe Root swipes across the line towards mid-wicket. And that brings up his FIFTY! He can't even raise his bat as he is still feeling the pain from the previous ball.

OUCH! That is absolutely nasty. Bowled back of a length, in-ducker angling towards the batter. Joe Root looks to defend as it misses the inside edge and wears it on the box. He is down on his haunches and looks in some discomfort.

Short outside off. Joe Root looks to pull but the ball skids on, takes the inside edge and ricochets onto the thigh guard.

Back of a length, outside off. Joe Root looks to guide it over the slips but misses his shot as it flies over the bat.

Back of a length, just outside off, nips in big time. Joe Root stands ball and taps it towards point.

Fuller and down the leg side. Joe Root looks to flick it but misses his shot.

Shorter and quicker outside off. Jacob Bethell defends it back down.

Drifting down leg again. Joe Root flicks it towards wide of mid on as the batters come through for a triple. With that, he becomes the highest individual run-scorer in Tests against New Zealand going past Javed Miandad.

Full and on off stump. Joe Root defends it firmly back towards the bowler.

FOUR! Sweeps again and it goes again! Bowled full and on middle stump. Joe Root goes down on his knees and sweeps it again towards mid-wicket this time and picks up another boundary.

FOUR! Connects it this time! Fuller and on middle, goes on with the arm. Joe Root gets down on his knees and sweeps it all along the ground towards deep backward square leg and picks up a boundary.

Drifting down leg does Mitchell Santner.Full and on middle, goes straight on. Joe Root  goes down on one knee, looks to sweep but misses.

Drinks! England have batted well in this first hour or so and added runs at a good rate. Jacob Bethell has already notched up a half-century while Joe Root is not far away. They will hope to continue like this and if possible, see it through Lunch while chipping away into the lead. New Zealand have tried a few different things but except for that one chance that Tom Latham spilled, they haven't been able to create many clear-cut chances. The Kiwis will hope that their bowlers exploit the conditions better and expose the middle order before the end of the session.

Wayward down leg, goes straight on. Jacob Bethell misses his flick of the hips by a long margin.

Back of a length, just outside off, nips away. Jacob Bethell looks to push at it as it nips away and just beats past the outside edge.

Banged in short, angled towards the batter. Jacob Bethell sways away from the line. Great take from Tom Blundell.

Back of a length, from around the wicket. Jacob Bethell flicks it off the hips towards mid-wicket.

Short of a length, just outside off, nips in. Jacob Bethell defends it firmly back down towards mid on.

Back of a length, angling in. Jacob Bethell works it down towards mid on.

FOUR! A bit too full from Mitchell Santner outside off. Joe Root leans on and drives it past cover as it races towards the boundary cushions.

Back of a length, just outside off. Joe Root gets behind the line and defends it back down.

Fuller and outside off, turning in. Jacob Bethell goes forward and defends it, takes the inside edge and rolls over towards square leg. Jacob Bethell brings up his his FIFTY with that single.

Full and outside off, turning in. Jacob Bethell leans on, head over the ball and defends in back down.

Floated up, outside off. Jacob Bethell leans on and meets it on the full and works it back towards the bowler.

Full and on middle, goes straight on. Joe Root rocks back to tap it towards square leg for a single.

A slight appeal there from the slip cordon. Think that they heard something. Bowled fuller and outside off, just around that probing channel, nips away. Jacob Bethell is caught inside his crease as he prods at it and it beats past the outside edge. Tom Latham goes against taking the review for that and rightly so.

Banged in short, angled towards the body. Jacob Bethell comfortably ducks underneath it.

Fuller and on off stump, goes straight on. Jacob Bethell drives it off the full face of the bat towards mid off.

Coming from around the wicket, bowls it just around the off stump line, nips away. Jacob Bethell prods at it as it beats past the outside edge.

Ouch, that looked nasty! Bowled back of a length, angling in towards the batter. Jacob Bethell looks to defend, beats the inside edge and wears it on the back pad.

Wayward down leg, on a good length. Jacob Bethell tucks it off the pads towards square leg for a brace. 100 up for England!

Another short delivery, on off, Joe Root stays back and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Short again and around off, Jacob Bethell punches it through covers for a single.

Goes a bit short and on off, Jacob Bethell stays back and keeps it out well.

Flighted, full and on off, Jacob Bethell defends it on the front foot.

Is that a chance? It doesn't look like it. Floated, full and on off, turns in. Jacob Bethell goes down to revere sweep but misses. The ball lobs up off his pads and falls in front of Daryl Mitchell at first slip.

Tossed up, full and on off, Jacob Bethell prods forward and blocks it out.

Time for some spin now as Mitchell Santner comes into the attack for the first time in this innings.

Short of a length and around off, Joe Root tries to cut again but this one is too close to his body and he ends up chopping it down to second slip.

Excellent bowling! William O'Rourke goes wide of the crease and bowls this touch fuller, on off, nips back in sharply. Joe Root tries to push it away but misses and it does not miss the off pole by much.

FOUR! Gets lucky there! Back of a length and on off. Joe Root stays firmly in his crease, sways away and tries to cut it but gets an inside edge that goes past the stumps and to the fine leg fence for another boundary.

FOUR! Uppish but in the gap! William O'Rourke bangs this one short and on middle and off. Joe Root swivels and pulls but is not in full control. It goes aerially but well wide of deep square leg. Rachin Ravindra runs to his right and dives feet first but the ball wins the race for boundary.

On a length and just around off, Joe Root strides out and steers it towards gully.

Hard length and on off, angling in, Joe Root stays back and pats it to short covers.

William O'Rourke replaces Matt Henry now.

Pitched up but angling down the leg side, Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.

Good length and on off, angles in, Jacob Bethell looks to block it out but gets a bottom edge onto his boots as the ball rolls towards covers.

Tim Southee replies with a sharp bouncer, on middle, bounces a bit higher, Jacob Bethell sways away from it.

FOUR! Pulled away with disdain! Tim Southee bangs this one short and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter. Jacob Bethell gets on top of the bounce and hammers it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Back of a length and on off, angling in, Jacob Bethell hops up and dabs it down towards gully.

Good stop! Fuller one and just outside off, Jacob Bethell uses his feet and flays it wide of point where the fielder dives to his left to save a boundary.

Goes back to his fuller length, on the sixth stump line, Joe Root takes a half-stride out to push it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. A stifled appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Good comeback from Matt Henry! He lands this on a good length and on middle, holds its line. Joe Root stays back to defend but gets squared up and the ball goes off the outside edge rolling towards backward point.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Matt Henry goes a bit too full this time, on off. Joe Root leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Full again and on off, Joe Root taps it towards covers.

Fuller one and on the pads, Jacob Bethell clips it through square leg for a run.

Hard length and on middle, takes off a bit, Joe Root adjusts well and works it towards square leg for a single.

DROPPED! The Kiwi skipper spills out a regulation catch! Tim Southee lands this one on a hard length and on off, jams back in with extra bounce. Joe Root gets cramped up in his crease as he tries to guide it away and gets a thick outside edge. Tom Latham at second slip moves to his left, gets both hands on it but fails to hold on to it. A single is taken. Root gets a life and it could prove to be costly for the hosts.

Pitched up and around off, Joe Root strides out and steers it to point.

Good effort in the deep! Full again and on middle, angling in. Joe Root comes forward and across and clips it away wide of fine leg. Matt Henry runs to his right and dives to flick it back inside in two attempts. Two runs taken.

Touch fuller and on off, Joe Root gets behind the line of it and fends it away towards short covers.

Back of a length and on middle, Joe Root stays back and blocks it out well.

Good length and around off, Joe Root steps across and guides it to gully.

Pitches it up again, on middle, angles in sharply, Joe Root works it off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket for one more.

Goes fuller this time on middle, shaping in, Jacob Bethell looks to defend but gets an inside edge towards square leg for one.

FIVE WIDES! Free runs! Matt Henry tries another bouncer on middle, but this one shoots up a long way. Jacob Bethell has no chance of reaching that nor does Tom Blundell behind the stumps as ti goes to the fence for a boundary.

Oh! Matt Henry lands this short of a length and on middle, angles away and takes off a bit as well. Jacob Bethell winds up for the hook shot but withdraws his bat at the last moment.

SIX! 'Catch it' is the call but this one goes over! Matt Henry bangs this short and around middle. Jacob Bethell takes it on and looks to pull it away to the shorter side. It hits him high on the bat but just have enough power to go over the deep mid-wicket fielder for a biggie. Henry won't mind that. Also, the 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Full again and on off this time, Jacob Bethell knocks it towards mid off.

Fuller in length and on middle, Jacob Bethell drives it with a straight back towards the bowler.

Back of a length, just outside off, seams in. Joe Root guides it towards gully.

Goes short and angled towards the batter. Jacob Bethell sets himself up for the pull and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. Turns back for another but there isn't the second one.

Coming from around the wicket, bowls it full and outside off. Comes inward massively. Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.

FOUR! And another. Elegance personified! Full and outside off, inviting the drive. Jacob Bethell obliges, goes forward and drives it in the best of a left-hander's elegance and past cover as it goes on towards the boundary cushions.

Back of a length, on off. Jacob Bethell gets nicely behind it and defends it back down.

FOUR! Tim Southee is welcomed to the crease with a grand gesture! Bowled from around the wicket, bowls it back of a length, just outside off, angling in. Jacob Bethell waits inside his crease and pulls it over mid on and picks up another boundary.

Tim Southee comes into the attack from his own end.

Back of a length and outside off, nips in. Joe Root chops it back down off the toe end off the bat.

Back of a length, on off stump. Joe Root stands tall and defends it right underneath his eyes.

Fuller and on the stumps, nips in. Jacob Bethell flicks it off the pads towards mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! A shot of real authority from Jacob Bethell. Bowled on a length, on leg stump, nips in. Jacob Bethell steps out at the sight of it and smacks it back past the bowler towards the long on fence for a boundary. 50 up for England!

Back of a length, nips inward. Jacob Bethell looks to push at it as it misses the inside edge and wears it on the pads.

Full and outside off, nips away. Jacob Bethell guides it towards gully.

Full and outside off, nips away. Joe Root chops it towards cover of the front foot.

FOUR! That flies away from close to the keeper! Bowled back of a length, on off, angled in. Joe Root swivels and tries to pull but only manages to glove it behind. It flies past a diving Tom Blundell and onto the boundary cushions at fine leg.

Back of a length, just outside off stump, nips in. Joe Root tentatively goes forward and defends it back down.

Fuller and on middle, nips in. Joe Root gets his bat down in time to defend, takes the inside edge and rolls over towards square leg.

Ouch! That must have hurt! Bowled back of a length, slightly quicker, angled in. Joe Root is cramped up for room as he wears it on the box!

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Joe Root stands up to defend it off the toe end.

Full again and around off, Jacob Bethell gets forward and steers it towards point.

FOUR! Jacob Bethell is living dangerously here! Matt Henry pitches it up, on off, gets it to nip back in again slightly. Jacob Bethell goes for the big booming drive but gets an inside edge that just goes past the stumps and races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

On a length and on leg, Jacob Bethell stays in his crease and pats it back to the bowler.

Matt Henry hits the hard length and on middle and leg, nips back in. Jacob Bethell stays back to work it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads as the ball rolls towards slip cordon.

Touch fuller and on off, Jacob Bethell drives it nicely but straight towards mid off.

That's a beauty! Matt Henry lands this on a good length from 'over the wicket, on the fifth stump line, angles away. Jacob Bethell has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full and outside off, nips in. Joe Root looks to tuck it, but misses his shot and wears it on the pads. There is slight appeal from everyone but dies down immediately.

FOUR BYES! Banged in way too short as Joe Root sways out of the line of the ball. Tom Blundell stretches his arm above his head but isn't able to reach it as the ball flies over to the fence for a boundary.

Fuller and outside off, goes straight on. Joe Root goes forward to defend it towards cover.

FOUR! Fuller and right up there, on middle. Joe Root brings his bat down in time and drives it back past mid on and picks up another boundary.

Full and outside off, nips in. Joe Root goes forward and defends it with soft hands towards cover.

Back of a length, just outside off, nips in. Joe Root nudges it towards square leg.

Full and on middle, nips in. Jacob Bethell flicks it off the pads towards mid-wicket for a brace.

Slight appeal there but the umpire isn't interested. Bowled full and on middle, nips in. Jacob Bethell looks to flick it but misses the inside edge and wears it on the front pads.

FOUR! Streaky there but Jacob Bethell will take that. Bowled full and outside off, nips away. Jacob Bethell goes forward and offers his bat with soft hands, takes the healthy outside edge and flies past the left of the diving gully fielder for another boundary.

Pitched up, on middle, shaping in. Joe Root series out to defend but gets an inside edge through square leg for one.

Much fuller this time, directed on leg stump, goes straight on. Jacob Bethell flicks it off his pads towards square leg for a single.

Full and on middle, angling across. Jacob Bethell defends it firmly under his eyes.

Fuller and outside off, nips in. Joe Root chops it on back onto his body.

FOUR! Classic Joe Root! Bowled back of a length, outside off, seams away. Joe Root waits on the backfoot and opens the face of the bat and guides it past gully to pick up the first boundary of the day.

On a good length, just outside, nips in. Joe Root goes forward to defend and it takes the inside half of the bat and goes towards mid-wicket.

Fuller and outside off, seaming in. Joe Root taps it on its head towards point.

Goes short again, on middle, seams in further. Joe Root takes his hands off the bat as he looks to tuck it off the hips, instead wears it on the thigh guard.

Starts off with a back of a length, outside off, nips in. Joe Root leaves it alone.

William O'Rourke to share the attack.

Beaten! Fuller and on off stump, angling across. Jacob Bethell prods at it as just beats past the outside edge.

Full and on middle, angling away. Jacob Bethell defends it firmly back towards the bowler.

Full and wide outside off, nips away. Joe Root pushes forward and drives it square but uppishly for a second there. Mitchell Santner gets a bad bounce at point and that lets the batters come through for a single.

On a length, on middle, goes straight on. Joe Root defends in right underneath his eyes.

Fuller and on the middle stump. Joe Root leans on and flicks it towards mid on.

Joe Root is up and running! Bowled back of a length, just outside off. Joe Root gets on top of the bounce and cuts it towards cover-point for a brace.

We are all set to start Day 4! The sun is out and is shining brightly and the conditions are completely different from Day 3. New Zealand players make their way out to the middle and spread out to take their respective field positions. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell are the overnight batters for England. Matt Henry to start proceedings with the ball. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Mark Richardson is pitchside. He says that the wicket still looks pretty good and the warm conditions will bake it even further. Mentions that there is still a lot of grass holding it together, but there's this slight, thin enough patch to get it through to hit the cracks. Further says that there is a big dent around that good-length spot which the spinners might exploit. Concludes by saying that if England applies themselves, they might get somewhere but New Zealand will still have to bowl well today.

Weather forecasts indicate clear skies and a dry pitch for Day 4, so England may have a brief window to counterattack. However, the pitch has shown to favour the bowlers, with Matt Henry and Tim Southee likely to cause trouble, especially with New Zealand's aggressive fielding and tactics. The game is finely poised with New Zealand in the driver's seat and England desperately fighting to make a game of it. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting Day 4!

England, on the other hand, will have a mountain to climb. After being dismissed for just 143 in their first innings, the batting is giving signs of a collapse again in the second innings, with both openers - Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley falling early. England finished the day at 18/2, with Joe Root and Jacob Bethell left to rebuild. England's aggressive style, often referred to as 'Bazball' has seen them dominate in the past, but with such a large target, they will need to find a balance between attack and defense.

For New Zealand, Day 3 was a showcase of their depth and skill. Kane Williamson's 156 was the standout, further cementing his place as one of the game’s greats. Daryl Mitchell's 60 and Mitchell Santner's rapid 49 were invaluable, while Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra also chipped in. Their innings of 453, was built on solid partnerships, and it was clear that New Zealand's patience and consistency would be key in this match. On Day 4, we can expect more of the same from the hosts. With a large lead, they will be aiming to continue putting pressure on England, forcing them into mistakes. Given their strong bowling attack, the Kiwis will focus on taking quick wickets and closing out the game as swiftly as possible.

Hello and welcome to Day 4 of the third Test match between New Zealand and England at Seddon Park, Hamilton. After a rain-impacted start to Day 3, it was a day dominated by New Zealand. Their batting line-up piled on a massive 453 runs in the second innings, with Kane Williamson's majestic 156 at the helm. Despite a brief fightback from England in the field, the match sees them trailing by 640 runs with only two days left. England’s bowlers, though tiring, gave their best, but the New Zealand middle order, including Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, and Mitchell Santner, provided crucial contributions. As we head into Day 4, the Kiwis are firmly in control.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

Right then, that is it from a rain-affected but no short-of-action Day 3. New Zealand have further solidified their position in the game and it is very much possible that we get a result on the fourth day if the weather permits. As we lost a lot of time and overs on the 'Moving Day', we will have an early start on Day 4. It will begin at 9.30 pm GMT, but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!

Tim Southee is up for a quick chat. He says that it is a strange feeling to experience pressure to bat. Mentions that it is always good to walk out with the boys for New Zealand. Adds that it is always nice to take a wicket for New Zealand on any given day. Further adds that it is obviously going to be an emotional couple of days ahead but will look to do the job to help them secure the win.

In the final session, the Kiwis shifted gears and went on an all-out attack. Regardless of who was at the crease, every batter followed the same aggressive approach, smashing runs at will. Quick-fire contributions from Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, and Tom Blundell helped the hosts set a mammoth target of 658 runs. After a long stint in the field, England began their daunting chase but stumbled early, losing both openers cheaply and sinking further into trouble.

Day 3 began with an extended second session, completely dominated by New Zealand. Kane Williamson scored a magnificent century - his fifth in a row at Seddon Park - while Rachin Ravindra fell just short of a fifty. The Kiwis piled on 138 runs, pushing their lead close to 500 by Tea. Despite their efforts, England struggled to make inroads, with Matthew Potts emerging as the standout wicket-taker in the session.

Despite losing the entire first session to rain, the game has progressed rapidly, tilting firmly in favor of the hosts. The Kiwis extended their substantial lead to an imposing one, while England labored tirelessly for wickets but found little success. They now need something extraordinary to turn this game around with 8 wickets remaining and needing 640 runs.

Hard length, around off, nips back in sharply, Jacob Bethell fends it right under his eyes with the full face of the bat. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3!

Short of a length, wide outside off, shapes away, Jacob Bethell doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Back of a length, outside off, angling in, Jacob Bethell fends it to cover with ease from the front foot.

BEAUTY! Goes fuller this time, just outside off, angles in, and then a hint of outswing. Jacob Bethell carves out his front leg and wants to play the line of the ball but gets beaten on the outside edge. The ball zips past the off stump by an inch. Lucky for him he survives.

A solid defense this time! Good length, on off, seaming in, Jacob Bethell comes forward and blocks it out with ease.

Beaten! Comes from around the wicket, Hard length, just outside off, angles in, straightens out off the deck, Jacob Bethell looks to defend it with the full face of the bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Joe Root comes out to the middle now.

OUT! LBW! Matt Henry gets Zak Crawley for the sixth time in this series. This one is bowled full and on middle, scrambled seam, nips in just a slight bit. Zak Crawley pushes at it as it beats past the inside edge and thuds onto the front pads just under the knee roll. The New Zealand slip cordon goes up along with the bowler and the umpire obliges to the appeal. Zak Crawley challenges the decision. UltraEdge shows that it misses the bat. Ball Tracking comes up with two reds and shows it is just kissing the leg stump. Crawley is absolutely fuming as he walks off but he can do nothing about it here.

Is that out? The umpire has given it out LBW but Zak Crawley takes the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that it is just clipping the leg stump. Crawley is not happy with the decision but has to walk back now.

Full and way outside off, nips in. Zak Crawley covers his line of the stumps and lets it go through.

Fuller and outside off, nips away. Zak Crawley leaves it be.

Full and outside off, nips in a slight bit. Zak Crawley walks towards it but shoulders arms in the end.

Full and on middle, angling away. Jacob Bethell taps it towards cover-point and is off for a quick single. Had to scamper there at the end.

Coming from over the wicket, bowled full and angling across. Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.

A play and miss! Hard length, well outside off, Zak Crawley goes to slice away from the front foot with no feet movement and he misses the line as the ball goes to the keeper.

Back of a length, outside off, a hint of inswing, Zak Crawley goes for a cut but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Lucky for him that it doesn't go to hit the stumps.

Goes slightly fuller this time, around middle and off, angles in, Zak Crawley flicks it to mid on from the front foot.

Hard length, around middle, straightens out from the deck, Zak Crawley nudges it to mid-wicket for no run.

A repeat of the last ball! Good length, around middle, nips back in, Zak Crawley keeps it down to mid-wicket from the front foot.

Comes from over the wicket, good length, around off, angles in, Zak Crawley tucks it to mid-wicket with ease.

FOUR! And again! Similar line and length from the previous one. Jacob Bethell gently punches it off the front foot and drives it back past the bowler as it goes onto the long off fence for a boundary.

FOUR! Bowled from around the wicket, full and angling in. Jacob Bethell punches it from underneath his eyes as it goes past the mid off fielder from his left as it races towards the boundary cushions.

Fuller and outside off, angling in. Jacob Bethell defends it towards cover.

Coming from around the wicket, bowled back of a length, outside off, angling in. Jacob Bethell defends it right underneath his eyes.

On a length, just outside off, angling away. Jacob Bethell defends it firmly back onto the ground.

Full and outside off. Zak Crawley drives it down the ground towards wide mid off for a single.

Goes fuller this time, outside off, angles away, Jacob Bethell comes forward and blocks it to cover with ease.

On a good length, around off, Jacob Bethell fends it to cover from the front foot.

Jacob Bethell walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! BOLWED! Tim Southee has his man! Wicket Number 390 in Tests for him! Bowls on a good length, just outside off, from over the wicket, with a hint of inswing. Ben Duckett comes down the track to heave it over cover but only manages to get an inside edge that shatters the stumps. First down for England in this long chase.

Good comeback by Tim Southee. He bowls on back of a length, just outside off, the ball climbs onto the batter, as it inswings after hitting the deck. Ben Duckett gets surprised by the extra bounce and he gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! WOW! Tim Southee serves this full, around middle, from over the wicket, slower in pace. Ben Duckett comes down the track and punches it down the ground right to the bowler for a boundary. First one for him in this innings.

Starts from over the wicket, fuller, around middle, a little bit of inswing, Ben Duckett keeps it down to mid-wicket with ease.

Tim Southee to share the attack.

Ends with a good length, wide outside off, Zak Crawley shoulders his arms as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Massive appeal there from everyone, including the bowler and the umpire gives it straight up. Bowled full and on the off stump, seams in off the wicket, and skids through. Zak Crawley goes forward to defend but get beaten on the inside edge and it thuds onto the front pad. Zak Crawley challenges the decision. UltraEdge shows there is no nick. Ball Tracking comes up and it hits him in line but goes on to miss the leg stump as it goes over. Zak Crawley takes a successful review.

Goes short, outside off, nips away. Zak Crawley leaves it alone.

FOUR! A reply straight away from Zak Crawley. Bowled full and outside off, nips away. Zak Crawley leans on and drives it back down the ground as the ball races towards the long off fence and picks up a boundary.

On the outside edge this time! Full and outside off, just around that probing channel. Zak Crawley goes forward and prods at it as it zips past the outside edge.

Cuts him in half straight up! Bowled full and outside off, nips in just that slight bit. Zak Crawley adjusts to the line of the ball as it beats past the inside edge.

OUT! BOWLED! And that's it for New Zealand! Finally, their batting comes to an end! Jacob Bethell drops it short, around leg, quick, angles in from around the wicket. Matt Henry goes for a flick shot but misses it. The ball hits him on the pads and goes further to dislodge the stumps.

Matt Henry is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Tim Southee departs for the final time in Test cricket. Bowled fuller and quicker, outside off, turning away. Tim Southee opens up and swings through the line of the ball with a horizontal bat but instead takes the top edge and sits up straight in the air towards long off. Zak Crawley settles himself underneath it and completes the catch. Tim Southee walks back amongst thunderous applause.

Full and on middle, turning away. Tom Blundell rocks on the backfoot and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Full and on the off stump. Tom Blundell looks to heave it over mid-wicket but misses.

Drags his length, wide outside off, Tim Southee cuts it lately straight to point for no run from the back foot.

Tossed up, outside off, Tim Southee tries to heave it down the ground but only manages to get a thick inside edge to mid-wicket.

Goes fuller, outside off, quick, Tom Blundell shimmies and pushes it along the ground to long on for a single.

SIX! BOOM! This time, he connects it. Shoaib Bashir gives flight to full ball, around off, angles in from over the wicket, Tom Blundell goes on his knees and plays a slog sweep shot over the cow corner for a biggie.

Tossed up, around off, angles in, Tom Blundell swings it hard along the ground but straight to mid-wicket.

Comes from over the wicket, a low full toss, around off, Tim Southee comes down the track and pushes it to long on for a single.

Drops it short, quick, around off, Tim Southee pulls it to deep square leg for a single. A big over for New Zealand as their lead has shoots up to 648 runs.

Tim Southee walks out to bat for one last time for New Zealand. England gives him another guard of honor. The crowd was waiting for this moment. Also, Tim Southee needs 2 more big hits to reach 100 Test sixes.

OUT! CAUGHT! Quicker and flatter outside off stump. Mitchell Santner swings hard through the line but is a bit late on the shot, gets a thick outside edge and it flies towards backward point in the hands of Shoaib Bashir. Mitchell Santner falls one short of his half-century!

SIX! Carved Out! Joe Root bangs in short, arm ball from around the wicket, angles in sharply, around middle. Mitchell Santner stays deep in the crease and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Second of the over.

FOUR BYES! That has gone through everyone. Full toss, outside off. Mitchell Santner swings and misses and the keeper has nowhere to go as it races towards the deep fine leg boundary.

FOUR! Bowled full again, outside off. Very similar to the previous one. Mitchell Santner swings across the line as it goes one bounce towards long on boundary. Rehan Ahmed puts in a dive but to no avail.

SIX! Mitchell Santner welcomes Joe Root to the middle. Bowled full and outside off, goes straight on. Mitchell Santner swings across the line and hard, over deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Joe Root comes into attack now.

Quicker and flatter, following the batter on leg stump. Mitchell Santner adjusts his shot and taps it towards mid off for a single.

Again bangs in short, quick, around off, angles in, Mitchell Santner goes for a big heave but misses it as he loosed the shape and is in no control for that shot.

Uff! Short ball, angles in sharply, around off, Mitchell Santner goes for a pull shot but he misses it because of the pace and wears it on the shoulders.

Tossed up, around middle, from around the wicket, angles in, Mitchell Santner fends it back to the bowler from the front foot.

Goes fuller again, but down the leg, Mitchell Santner sweeps it to square leg.

Gives flight to the full ball, around middle, Mitchell Santner comes down the track to heave it down the ground but gets a thick inside edge onto the pads.

Drinks! Still no signs of declaration from New Zealand and their lead is now 626 runs. Tom Blundell and Mitchell Santner have played some lusty blows and they will look to do more of the same until they get out or their skipper calls them back. England are having a really hard time in this game and it looks like they know their fate.

Short of a length, outside off, seams away. Mitchell Santner looks to punch it, instead takes an inside edge and rolls over towards deep backward square leg for a single. The lead is now up to 626 runs!

On a good length, around off stump. Mitchell Santner look to guide it towards deep third, instead chops it back down towards cover-point.

SIX! Mitchell Santner at it again. Bowled back of a length, just outside off. Mitchell Santner pulls it away, flat and over the mid-wicket fence as it sails over the ropes for a biggie.

Full and on off stump. Mitchell Santner stays inside his crease and slaps it back towards the bowler. Matthew Potts gets his hands towards the ball into his follow-through and stops it then and there.

FOUR! Mitchell Santner is collecting those boundaries at a brisk pace. Bowled fuller and outside off, nips in. Mitchell Santner stays inside his crease and lofts it over mid on as it goes on the bounce towards the boundary cushions.

Coming in from around the wicket, bowled full and on off stump. Mitchell Santner goes forward to defend it back towards the bowler.

Slightly short, angles in, around off, Tom Blundell goes deep in the crease and wants to defend it but he misses it as the ball hits him on the pads and lobs up in the air in front of him only. New Zealand's lead is 615 now.

Short, quick, around off, Mitchell Santner opens up and cuts it wide of point for a single from the back foot.

Goes fuller, around off, turns in, from over the wicket, Tom Blundell punches it wide of mid off for a single.

Short, around middle, Tom Blundell tucks it to mid-wicket from the back foot.

Tossed up around middle, turns in sharply, Tom Blundell comes down the track to heave it down the ground but misses it and wears on the pads.

Starts from around the wicket, loopy full around leg, Mitchell Santner comes down the track and dabs it wide of cover for a single.

Full and outside off, inviting the drive. Tom Blundell leans on and drives it towards cover. A maiden over after a very long time. The lead is 612 for New Zealand as of now.

NCuts him in half, that one. Bowled from outside the crease, full and outside off, angling in. Tom Blundell is caught inside his crease as he adjusts his hands to the line of the ball as it beats him on the inside edge and goes over the stumps.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Tom Blundell leaves it off the front foot.

Full and outside off, nips in. Tom Blundell drives it back to the bowler. A bit of mouthful from Potts there in the end.

Full and outside off, goes inward. Tom Blundell leaves it alone.

Coming from over the wicket, bowled full and outside off, skids on. Tom Blundell looks to cut but it just sneaks underneath the bat.

Ends with a short ball, around leg, angles in, Mitchell Santner tucks it to mid-wicket from the back foot.

On a nagging length, around off, turns away, Mitchell Santner dabs it to cover with ease.

Short, around middle, turns in, Tom Blundell pulls it from the back foot to long on for a single.

Goes fuller this time, around off, turns in, from around the wicket, Mitchell Santner nudges it for a single to square leg.

Short, well outside off, angles in, Tom Blundell cuts it wide of deep cover for a single.

Starts from over the wicket, short, just outside off, Tom Blundell goes deep in the crease and fends it with the full face of the bat.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Tom Blundell taps it towards cover for a single.

FOUR! The second new ball is taken and is shown its way to the boundary straight up. Bowled full and outside off stump, swinging away through the air. Tom Blundell pushes forward and drives it towards sweeper cover fence for another boundary.

400 up on the board for the Kiwis! Fired in full and on the pads. Mitchell Santner tucks it away towards mid-wicket for a single.

Looks to heave it away but misses completely. Full and outside off, this one grips and turns away and just goes over the bat of Mitchell Santner.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Mitchell Santner goes forward to defend it firmly.

Goes short, outside off. Tom Blundell stands tall and pulls it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, down the leg, Mitchell Santner doesn't offer any shot at it.

FOUR! Crunched! Shoaib Bashir gives air to the full ball, outside off, angles in, Mitchell Santner comes forward and punches it down the ground wide of long off for a boundary.

Quicker, full, around middle, from around the wicket, turns in, Mitchell Santner tucks it to mid-wicket.

Goes fuller than previous one, on leg, angles in, Tom Blundell misses the flick as he gets hit on the pads and they take a single for leg bye from short fine leg.

On a nagging length, around off, turns away, Tom Blundell fends it back to the bowler from the back foot.

Short, around middle, angles in, Tom Blundell pushes it to point from the back foot.

Full and outside off, angling in. Mitchell Santner gets behind it to defend it firmly back towards the bowler.

SIX! Mitchell Santner looks to gather runs quickly. Bowled full and outside off, nips in. Mitchell Santner lofts it straight over the bowler, high up in the sky as it sails over the long off boundary for a biggie.

Bowled full and angled in. Mitchell Santner works it away towards mid on.

Full and outside off, comes inward. Mitchell Santner shuffles towards the line of the ball and comfortably behind it.

Full and outside off. Mitchell Santner pushes it towards cover.

Harry Brook has been introduced into the attack now. England trying something different here.

Starts off with banging one short angling towards the batter. Mitchell Santner gets on top and defends it back down.

Short and on leg, Mitchell Santner nudges it wide of mid-wicket for one.

SIX! Wow..what a way to get off the mark! Shoaib Bashir gives this some air, full and on middle. Mitchell Santner skips down the track and with the full face of the bat dispatches it cleanly over the long off fence for a biggie. New Zealand lead by 591 runs now!

Looped up, full and on off, Mitchell Santner defends it on the front foot.

Flighted, full and on middle, Mitchell Santner blocks it out.

Mitchell Santner walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Shoaib Bashir floated it up, full and on middle. Glenn Phillips goes down for the slog sweep but gets too much underneath it. He gets the height as it goes way up in the air but not the elevation. Brydon Carse at deep mid-wicket settles under it nicely and takes a good catch. New Zealand seven down now!

Tossed up, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips strides out and blocks it out.

Another shorter one, on off, Glenn Phillips punches it through covers for one.

Quicker, short and on off, Glenn Phillips stabs it to covers.

Flighted, full and on off, Glenn Phillips keeps it out.

Drags his length back and outside off, Tom Blundell cuts it to deep point for a single.

Floated, full and on off, Tom Blundell defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Tom Blundell blocks it out.

Shorter again and on middle, Tom Blundell works it towards mid on for a single.

Short once more, on off, Tom Blundell dabs it to point.

Flatter, full and on off, Tom Blundell stays back and pats it to covers.

Half-tracker, on middle, Glenn Phillips heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short again and on middle, Glenn Phillips flicks it to square leg.

Short and around off, Glenn Phillips punches it to short covers.

Short and on off, Glenn Phillips punches it towards covers for a single.

Glenn Phillips comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN! Jacob Bethell gets his maiden Test wicket! Daryl Mitchell tries to go big again but holes out instead. Flighted, full and around leg, turns away. Daryl Mitchell moves to the leg side and tries to slog it over long off but due to the spin away fails to get the elevation. It goes miles up in the air towards long off where Matthew Potts backtracks and pouches it safely over his head tumbling behind as well. Daryl Mitchell falls for 60 off 84!

Full and outside leg stump, turning in. Daryl Mitchell sweeps it along the ground towards short fine leg.

SIX! BANG! Flighted, full and on middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell backs away to get inside the line of it and launches it high and handsomely over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Floated, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Tom Blundell reverses sweep it to deep point for a single.

Looped up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell uses his feet and drills it straight to extra covers.

FOUR! Nice shot! Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell goes down and paddles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Quicker, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell taps it to covers.

Short and on middle and leg, turns in, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Floated, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell backs away and drills it hard but straight to extra covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Short again and on leg, Tom Blundell keeps it out well.

FIFTY FOR MITCHELL! A good knock and he will look to add more runs to his tally. Shortish and on leg, Daryl Mitchell flicks it through square leg for one.

Quicker, full and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell misses his reverse sweep and gets hit on the pads.

Flighted, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell turns it to the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Tom Blundell plays the reverse sweep towards deep point for a single.

Close! Floated, full and around leg, Daryl Mitchell goes down for the reverse sweep but gets a bottom edge. It just rolls past the stumps and the keeper who moved across very early. The batters get a single.

Flatter, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it through covers for one.

SIX! BOOM! Daryl Mitchell gets into the act now! Shoaib Bashir gives this one some more air, on middle. Daryl Mitchell puts on his dancing shoes on and tonks it over the bowler's head for another biggie.

Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell moves across and keeps it out.

Tossed up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell steps across and pushes it to short covers.

Goes short again and outside off, Tom Blundell cuts it to sweeper covers for a run.

Short and around off, Daryl Mitchell punches it through covers for a single.

Another short delivery, on off, Tom Blundell keeps it out to the off side.

Short and on off, Tom Blundell punches it towards cover-point.

SIX! STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW! Floated, full and around middle. Tom Blundell skip down the track to get to the pitch of it and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie. New Zealand lead by 556 runs now!

Goes short and around off, Daryl Mitchell punches it through covers for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, dips in, Daryl Mitchell taps it to short covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

Drinks! New Zealand are clearly in the driver's seat with a whopping lead of 549 runs. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell are looking to add quick runs and probably they are looking for that 600-run mark before asking the visitors to bat again. England have looked a bit out of sorts and they need something really special to get back in this game.

SIX! Down the ground! Shoaib Bashir gives flight to the full ball, around middle, turns in from over the wicket, Tom Blundell comes down the track and whacks it over long on fence for a biggie. First one for him and it is a big over for New Zealand.

Short and outside off, goes straight on. Tom Blundell goes back to tap it towards mid-wicket.

FOUR! Tom Blundell takes it on. Bowled full and outside off, quicker through the air. Tom Blundell steps out of the crease to smother the spin and lofts it towards long leg as it goes on the bounce towards the boundary ropes.

Flatter, quicker outside off. Tom Blundell rocks back to tuck it towards mid-wicket.

Tossed up, outside off. Daryl Mitchell leans on and works it away towards mid-wicket.

Bowled full and outside off. Tom Blundell steps down and hits it towards long on for a single. He has to scamper there in the end.

Tossed up, around off, from around the wicket, Tom Blundell comes down the track and heaves it down the ground to long off for a single.

Drags his length, wide outside off, turns away, Tom Blundell cuts it lately from the back foot wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Goes fuller this time, around middle, Tom Blundell tucks it to mid-wicket from the front foot.

Gives flight to the ball, full around leg, Tom Blundell comes down the track and defends it.

Drops it short, around middle, angles in, Tom Blundell pushes it to cover from the back foot.

Slower through the air, full, around middle, Tom Blundell blocks it right under his eyes.

Ends with a full ball, around middle, turns in, from over the wicket, Daryl Mitchell sets up for reverse sweep and plays out straight to point for no run.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Daryl Mitchell pads it away.

Edged and taken! But hold on, the umpires want to check for a clean catch. Shoaib Bashir tosses it up, full and on off, goes straight. Daryl Mitchell strides out to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where it looks like Harry Brook grabs it low to his front. However, upon further inspection, we can see that the ball bounces on the ground before going into his hands. Mitchell survives!

Quicker and flatter, outside off. Tom Blundell tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Full and outside off, turning in. Tom Blundell goes forward to defend.

The Second New Ball is available now. However, England have decided not to take it.

Did that come off the bat or glove? Bowled full and outside off, turning in. Tom Blundell premeditates the reverse sweep, misses it completely, goes off the toe and lobs up towards first slip. There is a slight appeal from the bowler but the umpire is unmoved. They challenge the decision as Harry Brook, the catcher thinks it is out. The replays show that it misses the inside edge of the bat and goes up in the air after ricocheting off the foot towards the slip. England wastes a review!

On a nagging length, around off, Daryl Mitchell works it off with ease.

Short, around off, angles in, Tom Blundell goes deep and pushes it wide of cover for a single.

A low full toss, outside off, Daryl Mitchell leans and drives out to long off for a single.

Goes fuller this time, around middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to mid-wicket from the front foot.

Drops it short, around middle, turns away, Daryl Mitchell goes deep inside of the crease and blocks it out with the full face of the bat.

Pitches up, around off, angles in from around the wicket, Daryl Mitchell fends it back to the bowler with soft hands.

Tossed up, outside off, Tom Blundell reaches out and plays it to point for no run.

Floated, full and on middle, Tom Blundell blocks it out.

On a nagging length, outside off, Tom Blundell doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball goes to the keeper.

Tom Blundell walks out to bat now.

OUT! Caught at deep fine! Kane Williamson departs at 156 after playing a masterful innings! Shoaib Bashir gives flight to the full ball, around middle, turns in from over the wicket, sticks to the surface, and takes an extra bounce after pitching. Kane decides to go for a slog sweep shot but only manages to get a top edge wide of deep fine where Rehan Ahmed takes a good catch moving to his left. End of a classy knock from the former captain as he walks off to a round of applause from the crowd.

On a nagging length, around off, angles in, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it on his knees to deep fine for a single.

Starts with a full ball, just outside off, Kane Williamson tucks it to long on for a single.

Goes fuller, around off, Daryl Mitchell fends it back to the bowler from the back foot.

Flighted, full around middle, Kane Williamson comes ahead of the crease and pushes it to long on for a single.

Tossed up around off, Kane Williamson leans and blocks it out from the front foot.

Again a full ball, around middle, angles in, Daryl Mitchell comes down the track and heaves it down the ground to long on for a single.

Goes fuller, around off, from around the wicket, Daryl Mitchell drives it left of bowler for no run.

Fuller, around middle, Kane Williamson strides out and drives it to long off for a single.

Again short, around middle, slower in pace, Daryl Mitchell defends it back to the bowler with the full face of the bat.

Short, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell keeps it down to mid off.

Drags his length, around middle, turns in, Kane Williamson tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, around middle and off, angles away, Kane Williamson drives it to cover from the front foot.

Short, wide outside off, from around the wicket, Kane Williamson stays deep in the crease and cuts it lately wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Drops it short, around leg, turns in, from over the wicket, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to square leg for a single.

FOUR! 150 UP FOR WILLIAMSON! He gets to it with another perfectly hit inside-out shot! Tossed up, full and on off. Kane Williamson uses his feet nicely to open up the off side and lofts it over extra covers for yet another boundary.

Shortish and on leg, Kane Williamson blocks it out.

FOUR! Brilliant shot! Flighted, full and on middle and off. Kane Williamson once again goes inside out and lifts it with a high elbow. The ball races away wide of long off where Brydon Carse runs to his left and dives but fails to stop it from going to the boundary.

Short and on off, turns away, Kane Williamson guides it to point.

Floated, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it through covers for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kane Williamson drives it towards long off for a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Shoaib Bashir bowls this quicker and shorter but down the leg side. Daryl Mitchell just as to get some bat on that and he tickles it away nicely to the fine leg fence for four more runs. 13 runs off the over!

Flighted, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell clips it to mid-wicket.

Goes short and on middle, Kane Williamson pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

FOUR! Great placement! Flighted, full and around off. Kane Williamson goes inside out again, extends his arms to reach for it and drives it along the carpet through extra covers for another boundary. 300 up for New Zealand!

Short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a single.

FOUR! THE LEAD GOES PAST 500 NOW! Tossed up, full and on middle and off, Daryl Mitchell goes down and plays the reverse sweep to perfection through backward point for a boundary.

Quicker, short and outside off, Kane Williamson cuts it straight to point. Brydon Carse fumbles a bit but no harm done.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Jacob Bethell gives this some more air, full and on middle and off. Kane Williamson uses his feet to go inside out and lofts it beautifully over extra covers for a boundary.

Flatter, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell uses his feet and drives it to long off for a run.

Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell strides out and fends it away.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

Floated, full and around off, Kane Williamson pushes it through cover-point for a single.

Loopy delivery, full and on off, Kane Williamson drives it through covers for one.

Short and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell stays back and nudges it through square leg for a run. New Zealand lead by 491 runs!

Flatter, full and on middle, Kane Williamson drills it to long on for a single.

Flatter, short and on middle, Kane Williamson stays back and pats it to the leg side.

Floated, full and around off, Kane Williamson reaches out and drives it to extra covers. Daryl Mitchell wants the run but is sent back.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Slows it up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell taps it to short covers.

Looped up, full and around off, turns away, Daryl Mitchell reaches for it and stabs it to the off side.

Back of a length and around off, Kane Williamson punches it through covers for a run. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

Floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards covers for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell knocks it down the pitch.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to mid-wicket.

More flight, full and on off, Kane Williamson steers it towards point.

Slows it up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it through covers for one. He gets a warning for running down the danger area.

Fires one full and on off, Daryl Mitchell stays deep inside his create and fends it away.

Flighted, full and on middle, Kane Williamson eases it towards long on for a run.

Flatter, full and on off, turns in sharply, Kane Williamson stays back to guide it away but bunts it onto the ground.

Quicker, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it through covers for a single.

Oh..nearly! Jacob Bethell sees the batter advance and drags his length back and around off, this one grips and turns away with extra bounce. Kane Williamson almost gets beaten but somehow manages to get some bat on it to guide it towards backward point. The fielder parries it away and the batters take two.

Gives some more air, full and around off, Kane Williamson pushes it towards covers.

Flatter, full and on leg, Kane Williamson uses his feet and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and on off, Kane Williamson prods forward and blocks it out.

Floated, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it wide of extra covers for a run.

Tossed up and on off, Kane Williamson uses his feet to take it on the full and drives it towards long off for a single.

Jacob Bethell to share the attack.

A bit short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out well.

Flatter, full and around middle, Daryl Mitchell goes for a reverse sweep but hits it towards point.

Looped up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell defends it on the front foot.

Flighted, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kane Williamson drives it wide of mid off for a single.

A big shout for LBW, but turned down! However, England takes the review here. This is floated, short and on for, turns in. Daryl Mitchell steps across to play it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. UtraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates that impact is outside off. England lose a review!

We are back for the final session! The players are just waiting outside the ropes and now they make their way out to the middle. Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson to resume the batting for New Zealand. Shoaib Bashir to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...

As the teams head into the Tea break, New Zealand's position of dominance raises the question of when they will declare. They are well-placed to dictate terms with a lead of 478 runs and a three-hour final session ahead. England, meanwhile, appear resigned to their fate, seemingly waiting for the declaration to know their monumental target. Join us at 3.30 AM GMT for the final session, which promises more drama as New Zealand looks to press home their advantage and England tries to salvage some pride.

For England, it was another session of toil with little reward. Their bowling lacked consistency, with several deliveries being pitched short or back of a length, offering little threat to the settled New Zealand batters. Matthew Potts was the only bowler to make a breakthrough, dismissing Ravindra, but overall, the English attack seemed ineffective and bereft of ideas. The injury to Ben Stokes did not help them as well and it remains to be seen whether he will be taking any more part in this game.

Kane Williamson once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the best in the game, notching up his 33rd Test century in style with a six down the ground. His masterful innings of 123 runs were marked by effortless strokeplay and supreme composure. Rachin Ravindra contributed significantly with a gritty 44, forming a crucial 107-run partnership with Williamson. However, Ravindra fell to a loose shot while trying to accelerate, handing Matthew Potts his solitary wicket of the session. Daryl Mitchell joined Williamson towards the latter part of the session and looked positive from the get-go, already finding the boundary with aggressive strokes.

SESSION SUMMARY - 138 runs and 1 wicket in 36 overs! New Zealand dominated the extended afternoon session with a good performance, losing just one wicket while adding 138 runs to their tally in 36 overs. They have now got a commanding lead of 478 runs at the score of 274/4, leaving England with a mountain to climb in this Test match. Starting the session at 136/3 after 32 overs and a rain-marred morning, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra resumed their innings with New Zealand already leading by 340 runs. The duo played cautiously in the initial hour, patiently waiting to settle in and lay a solid foundation for an aggressive push later.

Short again and outside off, Kane Williamson punches it through covers for a brace. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 3!

FOUR! That goes very fine! Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Kane Williamson sits on one knee and tries to paddle again. It goes off the inside half of the bat and past the keeper to the third man fence for a boundary.

Looped up, full but down the leg side, Kane Williamson goes down again for the sweep but miscues it off the bottom half of the bat towards short fine again.

Floated, full and on leg, Kane Williamson goes down and paddles it to short fine.

Floated, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell goes down and reverse sweeps it through backward point for a run.

Quicker, short and on off, takes off a bit, Kane Williamson backs away and stabs it towards extra covers for a single.

Floated, full and around off, Kane Williamson drills it towards extra covers for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Kane Williamson defends it on the front foot.

Pushed through quicker, short and on off, skids through. Kane Williamson goes to cut again but misses.

Goes short again and outside off, Kane Williamson moves back and cuts it wide of deep point for a brace.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kane Williamson taps it towards covers and calls for the run but is sent back just in time.

FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Shoaib Bashir drags his length back and around middle. Kane Williamson picks up the length early, rocks back and pulls it with disdain to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Pitched up and in that channel outside off, Daryl Mitchell is not interested in playing at that.

Good length and on the sixth stump line, holds its line, Daryl Mitchell lets it go to the keeper.

Hits the length hard and on middle, Daryl Mitchell stays back and pats it to the leg side. He wants the run but is sent back.

Back of a length and outside off again, Daryl Mitchell offers no shot at it.

On a length and around off, Kane Williamson guides it towards deep third for a single.

Fuller in length and just outside off, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Quicker, full and well outside off, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Slows it up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell strides out and blocks it out.

Looped up, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell drives it towards covers.

Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Just over! Floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell goes down but this time tries the reverse sweep. He gets a bit of a top edge that just goes over the leaping point fielder for another boundary. New Zealand lead by 462 runs now!

FOUR! Nice shot! Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell goes down across and paddles it away in front of square on the leg side. The fielder in the deep dives to his right but the ball wins the race tot he fence.

Short of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. 250 up for New Zealand!

Swing and a miss! Matthew Potts goes a bit fuller and outside off, shapes away. Daryl Mitchell has a wile heave across the line but misses.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Daryl Mitchell pats it to mid-wicket.

On a length and around off, Kane Williamson guides it through point for a single.

Full again and on middle, angling in, Kane Williamson uses his feet and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Uppish but safe! Fuller in length and on off, holds up in the surface. Kane Williamson goes through his drive early and fails to keep it down. It just goes wide of the bowler and Brydon Carse at mid off dives to his right to make a fine one-handed stop.

Shorter in length and outside off, Kane Williamson cuts it to deep point for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, Kane Williamson defends it on the front foot.

Full and outside off, turning away. Kane Williamson lunges forward to work it away towards mid-wicket.

Bowled full and on off, goes straight on. Kane Williamson stands tall and defends it back down.

Flatter, quicker outside off. Kane Williamson rocks back and slaps it towards sweeper cover for a brace.

Floated up, around off stump. Kane Williamson taps it towards short mid-wicket.

Touch fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out solidly.

Good length and around off, Daryl Mitchell watches it through and fends it right under his head.

Pitched up, on middle again, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to short mid-wicket.

On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell nudges it towards mid-wicket.

That's a bit overambitious! Fuller in length and on middle, straightens a bit after hitting the deck. Daryl Mitchell backs away and tries to loft it through the line but misses as the ball just goes over the stumps.

FOUR! Nicely played! Matthew Potts hits the hard length and angling into the pads. Daryl Mitchell glances it off his hips and wide of leg slip for a boundary.

Tossed up, outside off. Kane Williamson goes on the front foot and works it towards mid on.

Flatter and quicker, outside off. Kane Williamson cuts it towards point.

Anticipation has cost that chance. Bowled short and outside off, quicker through the air, grips and turns in. Kane Williamson rocks back but the ball turns in sharply, takes the batter by surprise and ricochets off the gloves towards the left of first slip. Jacob Bethell moves towards his right very early and cannot change direction quickly to grab the ball. The batters come through for a brace.

Full and on middle. Kane Williamson tucks it towards mid-wicket off the backfoot.

Floated up and outside off, turning in. Kane Williamson lunges forward to defend it back towards the bowler.

Bowled short and outside off, goes on with the arm. Kane Williamson stands tall to defend it back down.

Full and on middle. Daryl Mitchell taps it towards short mid-wicket. Looks for a run but there isn't any.

FOUR! New Zealand is surely looking for a declaration here! A dominant shot down the ground! Hard length, outside off, from over the wicket, angles in, Daryl Mitchell waits for that length as he punches it over the head of mid off for a boundary.

Comes from over the wicket now, hard length, around off, straightens off the deck, Daryl Mitchell defends it right under his eyes.

Daryl Mitchell is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Rachin Ravindra departs at 44 in trying to up the ante! Matthew Potts gets the breakthrough in this new spell. He bowls on fuller length, around off, from around the wicket, nips back in. Rachin Ravindra comes down the track to flick it wide of mid-wicket but as the ball gets stuck to the surface, it comes a little bit slower to the bat. The ball flies to mid off after taking the outside edge and Brydon Carse takes a simple catch. Fourth down for New Zealand but they have a huge lead of 439 runs!

Back of a length, just outside off, nips back in, Rachin Ravindra plays lately with the open bat to point for no run.

Starts from around the wicket, hard length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it to cover from the back foot.

Matthew Potts comes into the attack now.

Ends with a short ball, outside off, Rachin Ravindra stays deep in the crease and cuts it wide of cover for a single.

Full and outside off, turning away. Rachin Ravindra lets it go through.

Cunningly bowled in the end. Goes short again outside off, turning away as soon as the bowler sees Rachin Ravindra step down the track. Rachin Ravindra immediately adjusts to the length and fends it towards short cover.

Short and outside off, turning in. Kane Williamson rocks back and nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full and outside off, turning in. Kane Williamson stands tall to defend it back down.

Smartly bowled there by Shoaib Bashir. Bowled flatter, and quicker, on middle as heRachin Ravindra stepping down the crease. Rachin Ravindra adjusts his shot and taps it towards cover for a single.

A low full toss, around off, Kane Williamson again comes off the crease and steers it to cover for no run.

Tossed up, outside off, Rachin Ravindra leans and drives it wide of cover for a single.

Drops it short, around middle and leg, Kane Williamson keeps it to long on for a single.

FOUR! Powerfully hit! Jacob Bethell gives flight to this full ball, at off, turns away, Kane Williamson judges the line and comes down the track. He punches it down the ground right to the bowler for a boundary.

Tossed up around middle, Kane Williamson tucks it to mid-wicket from the front foot.

SIX! Down the ground! What a way to get to a HUNDRED! His 33rd Test ton comes in style! Jacob Bethell gives air to this full ball, around off, from around the wicket, Kane Williamson comes down the track and slogs it to the long on fence for a biggie. This is his 7th Test century at this venue and he raises his bat and helmet to soak in all the applause.

Ends with full ball, around off, Rachin Ravindra fends it to cover from the front foot.

Tossed up wide outside off. Rachin Ravindra does not poke at it.

Full and outside off, turning away. Rachin Ravindra pushes forward to defend.

SIX! Rachin Ravindra is turning it on. Bowled quicker and flatter, fuller on middle. Rachin Ravindra goes down on one knee and sweeps it flat in front of square and deposits it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Floated up, on middle, drifts in. Rachin Ravindra goes forward to defend it towards cover.

FOUR! Short and wide and Rachin Ravindra is all over it. Bowled short and outside off, slightly quicker, goes straight on. Rachin Ravindra picks up length in an instant, rocks back and cuts it in between backward point and cover-point and picks up another boundary.

Comes over the wicket, full, around middle, Rachin Ravindra drives it wide of cover for a single.

Tossed up, around middle, Kane Williamson sweeps out to square leg for a single.

Goes fuller this time, around leg, turns in from around the wicket, Kane Williamson goes on one knee and paddles out behind the square for a couple of runs.

On a nagging length, from over the wicket, turns in, Rachin Ravindra strides out and takes a single through the covers.

Oh..no! Ben Stokes felt his hamstring just as he delivered the previous ball. He is walking straight off the field and it does not look good for him. We hope that it is not something serious and he recovers quickly. Also, Ollie Pope will be the stand-in skipper now and he gives the bowl Jacob Bethell to finish this over.

FOUR! Pulled down to the ground! A tennis shot from Rachin Ravindra. Short of a length, around off, angles in from around the wicket, Rachin Ravindra goes deep in the crease and swats it wide of mid on for a boundary.

Starts from around the wicket, hard length, well outside off, Rachin Ravindra cuts it to point from the back foot.

Beaten! Bowled full and pushed through, outside off. Kane Williamson goes forward to what he should have been on the backfoot for. He somewhat manages to keep it out.

Drops it short, turns in, around middle, Kane Williamson defends it back to the bowler from the back foot.

FOUR! Beautifull carved away, but uppishly. Flatter, quicker, outside off, goes straight on. Kane Williamson rocks back and guides it uppishly past the right of slip fielder as it races towards the deep third fence for a boundary.

Tossed up, just outside off, turning in. Kane Williamson goes forward to defend.

Floated up, outside off, turning in. Kane Williamson lunges forward to defend it firmly.

Bowled flat and short, on off. Kane Williamson stands tall to defend it back onto the ground.

DROPPED! A good effort though! Ben Stokes bangs this short and angling down the leg side. Kane Williamson looks to hook it away but gloves it behind. Ollie Pope, the keeper flies to his left and tries to grab it with his outstretched left hand. The ball hits the webbing but pops out. They cross.

On a length and on off again, Rachin Ravindra pushes it towards extra covers for a single. THE LEAD TOUCHES 400 RUNS NOW!

Short of a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra dabs it to point.

Good length and around off, Rachin Ravindra stabs it towards cover-point.

Touch fuller and well outside off, Rachin Ravindra does not get tempted and lets it go to the keeper.

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

Flighted, full and on leg, Rachin Ravindra swipes it towards deep square leg for a run. 8 runs off the over!

Flatter, short again and outside off, Rachin Ravindra cuts it wide of point. The fielder dives to his right but only manages to parry it away which allows the batters to get the second run.

FOUR! Put away! Shoaib Bashir bowls a half-tracker begging to be hit. Rachin Ravindra rocks back quickly and heaves it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Quicker, short and on off, Kane Williamson backs away and punches it towards covers for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kane Williamson drills it down the pitch where Shoaib Bashir makes a good stop diving to his left.

Floated, short and on middle, Kane Williamson stays back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Loose shot! Ben Stokes bangs this one short and outside off, Rachin Ravindra slashes hard at it but fails to connect.

Goes a bit fuller and on off, Rachin Ravindra drives it well on the up but straight to short covers.

On a length and around off, Rachin Ravindra steers it towards point.

Good length and on middle, nips back in sharply, Kane Williamson clips it through square leg for a single.

Short of a length but angling down the leg side, Kane Williamson tries to swipe it away but misses.

Back of a length and on off, Kane Williamson stays back and dabs it to gully.

Drinks! New Zealand are playing the long game here. They are not attacking but their lead now stands at 390. It will be on the back of their minds what would be a good target and whether they should declare or not. Kane Williamson is closing in on yet another Test hundred while Rachin Ravindra has looked solid. The duo will want to continue extending the lead. For England, there were some nearly moments but they haven't got anything to show for that. They need to change some plans and they are doing that as Ben Stokes will bowl after the break.

Flighted, full and on leg, Kane Williamson clips it through mid-wicket for one more.

Drags his length back, on middle, Rachin Ravindra stays back and flicks it through square leg for one.

Short again and on off, Kane Williamson punches it towards covers for a single.

Just over! The luck is just not on England's side! Flighted, full and on middle, turns in a bit. Kane Williamson uses his feet to loft it over extra covers but gets an inside edge. The ball loops up and just goes over the stretching Ben Stokes at mid-wicket. A single is taken.

Goes short and on middle, Kane Williamson stays back and pats it to backward short leg.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra goes down and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

On a length and on leg, Rachin Ravindra nudges it through backward square leg for one.

Short again and well outside off, angling away, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Third bouncer of the over from Brydon Carse, on middle, but this one is too high. Rachin Ravindra once again ducks under it. Wided.

Short of a length and on middle, Kane Williamson gets inside the line of it and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Bangs this short and once more, on middle, angling away, Kane Williamson ducks under it.

Back of a length and around off, Rachin Ravindra stabs it towards cover-point for a quick single.

Brydon Carse bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Rachin Ravindra ducks under it.

Full and outside off, turning in. Kane Williamson lunges forward to defend it right underneath his eyes.

Quicker, flatter, outside off. Rachin Ravindra rocks back, gets on top of the bounce to cut it towards backward point for a single.

Floated up, slower through the air on middle. Rachin Ravindra lunges forward to defend it back towards the bowler.

Full and on middle, turning in. Kane Williamson lunges forward to work it away towards mid on for a single.

Short and on middle, goes straight on with the arm. Rachin Ravindra stands tall and taps it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Floated up, outside off, turning in. Kane Williamson rocks back to punch it towards cover for a single.

FOUR! Boundary to end the over! Brydon Carse bowls a short ball, just outside off, nips back in from around the wicket, Rachin Ravindra is waiting for that length, as he covers the line and pulls it hard to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Good length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra keeps it off from the front foot with ease.

Back of a length, on off, nips back in, Rachin Ravindra defends it to cover from the back foot.

Goes fuller this time, around off, Rachin Ravindra comes forward and drives it to mid off from the front foot.

Short of a length, above the shoulders, the ball climbs onto the batter as Rachin Ravindra ducks it.

Starts from around the wicket, hard length, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra stays deep in the crease and cuts it to point.

Flatter, quicker, outside off. Kane Williamson rocks back to cut it towards backward point.

FOUR! Use of the feet from Kane Williamson.  Bowled quicker and flatter on middle. Kane Williamson premeditates stepping down the track and lifts it just over the short mid-wicket fielder as he stretches his hands far up to reach it but it just beats him to go over and races towards the boundary cushions.

Full and drifting onto leg. Rachin Ravindra lines him up for a sweep and sweeps it all along the ground towards backward square leg for a single.

Full and on middle, goes on with the arm. Rachin Ravindra rocks forward to defend.

Floated up, on middle, goes straight on. Rachin Ravindra lunges forward to defend it dead.

Quicker, flatter, on off, goes straight on. Rachin Ravindra opens up his off side to cut it towards backward point.

Full and outside off, nips in. Kane Williamson lunges forward, head over the ball to defend it towards cover.

A big shout for LBW by Brydon Carse but the umpire turns it down. Ben Stokes takes the review here. Hard length, around middle and leg, nips back in sharply from over the wicket. Kane Williamson gets beaten on the inside edge as he looks to defend it with the full face of the bat. The Ball Tracking shows that it is the umpire's call at the ball hitting the top of the stumps. Kane Williamson survives.

Hard length, just outside off, Kane Williamson doesn't offer any shot at it.

Back of a length, outside off, Kane Williamson gets enough room to cut it wide of point for no run.

Short of a length, around middle, nips back in, Kane Williamson blocks it with the full face of the bat.

Starts from over the wicket, good length, around off, angles in, Kane Williamson drives it wide of mid off from the front foot.

Ends with a flighted full ball, around middle, Rachin Ravindra fends it with ease back to the bowler from the front foot.

Full and on middle, goes on with the arm. Rachin Ravindra lunges forward to defend it firmly back onto the ground.

Slightly on the shorter side, turning away. Rachin Ravindra goes back and cuts it towards backward point but to no avail.

Fuller and quicker, on middle. Rachin Ravindra rocks back to defend it back towards the bowler.

Shorter and quicker on middle, goes straight on. Rachin Ravindra stands tall to defend it back down.

Floated up, outside off, turning in. Kane Williamson goes forward to work it away towards mid-wicket for a single.

Good length, well outside off, shapes away, Rachin Ravindra looks to cut it but only manages to get the bottom edge to short leg. No harm! Just one off the over!

Goes fuller this time, well outside off, Rachin Ravindra knows his off stump as he leaves it to the keeper.

Short of a length, around off, angles in from around the wicket, Rachin Ravindra keeps it down from the front foot.

Back of a length, just outside off, Kane Williamson remains deep in the crease and pulls it wide of deep square leg for a single.

Drags his length, on off, jags off the surface, Kane Williamson blocks it to cover from the back foot.

Starts from over the wicket, fuller on off, angles in, Kane Williamson defends it with the full face of the bat right under his eyes.

Drops it short, around off, turns away a little bit, Rachin Ravindra defends it to cover from the back foot.

Fuller and on off stump, turning away. Rachin Ravindra lunges forward to defend, takes a decent outside edge and goes towards wide of slip as the batters run through for a brace.

Full and on leg stump, slightly quicker, goes straight on. Rachin Ravindra hops towards the line of the ball to smack it towards the leg side, instead he wears it on the thigh guard.

Floated up on middle, goes straight on. Rachin Ravindra lunges forward to defend it right underneath his eyes.

Shorter and quicker, outside off, turning away. Rachin Ravindra rocks back to punch it towards point.

Slower through the air, drifting towards leg stump. Rachin Ravindra follows the line of the ball with his hands and defends it back towards the bowler.

Lucky for Kane Williamson that it doesn't hit the stumps! Short of length, on the fourth stump, angles in, Kane Williamson looks to cut it as he only manages to get an inside edge that could have shattered the stumps but misses it by an inch.

Back of a length, way outside off, seams away. Kane Williamson looks at go right into the hands of the keeper.

Back of a length, outside off, Kane Williamson dabs it to gully with ease.

FOUR! Sliced! Short of a length, well outside off, shapes away from over the wicket, Kane Williamson waits on the back foot and cuts it late in the gap between the gully and point for a boundary.

Goes fuller this time, well outside off, straightens up off the deck, Kane Williamson drives it to cover from the front foot with ease.

Good length, just outside off, seaming in sharply, Kane Williamson doesn't offer any shot as he watches the ball go to the keeper.

Change from both ends. Brydon Carse comes into the attack now.