Dominant England edge closer to victory in Christchurch Test
Despite flashes of brilliance, New Zealand face an uphill battle on day four, with England firmly in control and poised to secure an emphatic victory.
A dominant display with bat and ball has put England within touching distance of victory in the opening Test against New Zealand.
At the close of day three in Christchurch on Saturday, New Zealand were struggling at 155-6, trailing by just four runs with only four wickets in hand.
Daryl Mitchell remained unbeaten on 31, with Nathan Smith offering him company on one.
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England set the tone with the bat
England's commanding first-innings total of 499, built on Harry Brook's scintillating 171, gave them a formidable lead of 151.
Brook's innings, bolstered by contributions from Ben Stokes (80), Ollie Pope (77), Gus Atkinson (48), and Brydon Carse (33), helped the visitors recover from an early wobble at 71-4.
Resuming on 319-5, England raced along at six runs per over on the third morning before being bowled out shortly after lunch.
Brook, reprieved five times by New Zealand's fielders, made the most of his chances. His 150 was brought up in emphatic style, advancing on Tim Southee and dispatching a delivery to the cover boundary.
The applause for Brook's dismissal – caught behind off Matt Henry – seemed as much for New Zealand finally holding a catch as for the batter's exceptional knock, which included 15 fours and three sixes. Henry was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, finishing with 4-84, while Smith claimed 3-141.
Woakes and Carse dismantle New Zealand's response
England's seamers then took control as New Zealand's top order faltered under pressure. Chris Woakes struck early, removing Tom Latham for one in just the third over, caught at slip by Brook.
Brydon Carse soon added to New Zealand's woes, dismissing Devon Conway for eight with a mistimed pull to mid-on. Reduced to 23-2, the hosts turned to Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra to steady the innings.
The pair added 41 before Ravindra, attempting an ill-judged pull, was caught at mid-wicket off Carse for 24.
Williamson, who had looked assured while compiling his second half-century of the match, fell for 61. Woakes trapped him lbw with a delivery that straightened, and followed it up by removing Tom Blundell for a golden duck.
Glenn Phillips offered brief resistance, scoring 19 before Carse trapped him lbw with a delivery that nipped back. New Zealand reviewed the decision, but replays upheld the on-field call, leaving Carse with figures of 3-22. Woakes ended the day with 3-39, underscoring England's dominance.
England's strong position owed much to New Zealand's missed opportunities in the field. The hosts spilled eight catches over the course of the innings, five of which came during Brook's match-defining knock.
Phillips dropped the final chance, allowing Brook to add 24 more runs to his total before falling shortly after reaching 150.
