Cricket

Pitch might get some stick if it does nothing on day 5. Ideally you want it to be 50/50 or 60/40 in that I mean giving the bowlers something day 4/5. Maybe the balance wasn't quite right in the first test. England might now bat past lunch tomorrow and then it could fizzle out as a contest.

that was just a great days test match cricket thoroughly enjoyed it. Whoever made Joe stay on as a batsman deserves credit the England Captaincy weighs heavy on some people.

I'm in work the savvy and all day tomorrow so I'll miss most of the last two days.

Hopefully today's morning session and tomorrow's last last hour or two can be exciting for me to watch.

That six from Root was F***ing insane. How Test match cricket has changed over the years

50 up for Foakes.

Played positively and extremely well this morning. Starting to become a real keeper/batsman.

Root out for 176.

Lashed one through the covers straight into Southee's hands.

Still a bit of life in this test. England will need to bat well either until lunch today or on the last day tomorrow.

We are ahead in the series so no need to be gifting them wickets despite the Stokes mantra of being 'positive'.

Edit: seems like the plan is to whack out and give NZ hope.

Broad gone.

Cracking catch by Mitchell at slip off Bracewell's bowling.

Still 26 behind.

Not sure about this tbf. 7 down and time to dig in and get a small lead. Don't want to be batting for 70 overs to save this match on a day 5 Turner with men around the bat.

Undoing some sensational work from the top order. Don't leave Foakes stranded cheaply lads.

Wanted to see Harry Brook in this test. Very attacking player, sees it very early. Plenty of Cricket to come so Brook will get a chance.

He will take his club team mates place Bairstow soon enough I think.

Jonny a fine white ball player but not great at this code.

Foakes just been run out.

Absolute joke of an attempted run there.

Potts like a f**king cat on a hot tin roof worrying about getting himself 1 run. Shocking call and Foakes should have carried on and stayed in himself.

Just not playing the scenario I'm afraid here. Put ourselves back in trouble with this 'positive' crap. Only 1 side who needs to be positive and its the one losing.

These 2 now have to dig in, I'm sure Leach will at least try too.

Boult just bowled Potts.

Great ball, crashing into leg stump.

23 behind.

NZ well and truly back in business. Not sure Stokes has got the mentality right here.

And the Burnley Lara is off the mark!

What a couple of shots by Jimmy.

Sweeping Bracewell for four. Then a reverse sweep for four.

Right approach for Jimmy though

They're reviewing a LBW appeal here.

If it's not bat first then it's gotta be out.

But clearly inside edge.

Jimmy has been stumped.

Comes running down the wicket, misses it and Blundell whips the bails off.

Kiwis are 14 runs ahead. Interesting couple of days ahead.

Bit of cloud cover , hopefully will suit jimmy and co

Jimmy bowls Latham in the opening over.

Poor leave by the New Zealand captain. Crashing into middle and off.

650 Test wickets for Jimmy Anderson. F***ing incredible.

Jimmy has been stumped.

Comes running down the wicket, misses it and Blundell whips the bails off.

Kiwis are 14 runs ahead. Interesting couple of days ahead.

You'd think only we can win now. Skittle them 2nd innings and knock the runs off. Can't see them trying to set a chase and declare. But who knows ... they are losing 1-0

Balls certainly moving around early on.