Day 3 saw NZ adding to England's woes and insult to injuries by plundering runs which seemed more like day light robbery. The lead kept burgeoning and was pricked before stumps on day 3. The target set for England was a daunting 658. The pressure and tiredness showed on the batters. England were reduced to two down in no time and stumps brought about a pause to their dismal show. Time to push the play button now!
10:30 Local Time, 21:30 GMT, 03:00 IST: Day 4 might turn out to be the last day of the tour. England have been superb and dominating but they have been dominated in this Test. Tim Southee's final Test might well be the perfect farewell gift to someone who has done yeoman service for the Kiwis. But 8 wickets are still left. England are known to throw some sharp punches and expect them to come out all guns blazing. Once the umpire says play ball, expect bazball else this will peter towards a tame end for the visitors. NZ came into this doing what no team has even dreamt of by whitewashing India. But England exploited their loopholes and pocketed the first Two Tests.
Southee: It was a strange feeling. Never felt so much pressure coming into bat. But no, it was good fun. Been a great couple of days for the lads. He (McCullum) said something - didn't quite hear him. But he's obviously been there for a long part of it and been a great mate. Nice that he's here for this final time as well. Any moment you take a wicket for NZ is a special time. Like I've said before, as a kid growing up, to take one wicket - every time you get that feeling. It's a feeling I'll certainly miss. It's been such a good part of my life. Such an honour to do what I've been able to do. Next couple of days will hopefully be a good couple of days, but I'm sure an emotional couple of days as well. Sorry to disappoint (missing out on 100 Test sixes).
Two more days of Test cricket left.
19:27 Local Time, 06:27 GMT, 11:57 IST: A day dominated by New Zealand once again, and it is the sort of day that is only going to fuel all those critics of Bazball.
5.6
William ORourke to Jacob Bethell, no run, back of length delivery angling onto off, defended
Last ball of the ball, only one short mid-on in place, everyone else behind the wicket!!
5.5
William ORourke to Jacob Bethell, no run, good length and much wider, left alone. Gets steep bounce again as Blundell collects a long way over his head.
5.4
William ORourke to Jacob Bethell, no run, on a length and a bit closer to off, defended into the pitch
5.3
William ORourke to Jacob Bethell, no run, that ball was too good to not be getting a wicket!!
5.2
William ORourke to Jacob Bethell, no run
5.1
William ORourke to Jacob Bethell, no run, back of length and shoots up a long way as Blundell collects well over his head. Past the outside edge as well