Third Rothesay Test, Trent Bridge (day three of five)
New Zealand 438 (Conway 157, Latham 151; Stokes 4-70) & 120-3: Ravindra 60*
England 354: Duckett 113, Bethell 74; Smith 4-91
New Zealand are 204 runs ahead
England’s deciding Test against New Zealand – and perhaps the future of the hosts’ management – hangs in the balance after a dramatic and fluctuating third day at Trent Bridge.
As a previously flat pitch began to break up and play tricks, England first surrendered the initiative with the bat, then tried gamely with the ball to hang in the contest.
At the end of it all, New Zealand moved to 120-3, a lead of 204 looking sizeable given the unevenness in the surface that became apparent on Saturday.
The Black Caps had been 12-2 and 51-3, but Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 60, alongside 26 not out by Daryl Mitchell ensured the tourists remain in the driving seat.
England began the day with an opportunity to get close to New Zealand’s first-innings 438, only to lose three crucial wickets for 10 runs inside the first six overs.
Joe Root was out for 21 and Jacob Bethell 74 – neither man adding to his overnight score – before Jamie Smith managed only one.
Harry Brook made a calm 58, but when England lost their last three wickets for four runs, the home side were left 354 all out and 84 behind on first innings.
New Zealand seamer Zak Foulkes, who only came into the game on Friday as a concussion sub for Blair Tickner, took three of the wickets to fall on Saturday, including Brook and England captain Ben Stokes.
