England vs New Zealand 3rd Test Day 4 Highlights: Half-centuries from Ollie Pope and Joe Root kept England on track at stumps on the fourth day of the third Test as they chased down a target of 296 after bowling out New Zealand for 326 in their second innings. England ended the day on 183/2, needing 113 runs on the final day to complete a series sweep. At the end of the day’s play, while Pope scored 81 runs, Root remained unbeaten on 55.
New Zealand had earlier got the wickets of openers Alex Lease and Jack Crawley. Crowley was caught on cover by Michael Bracewell when Lees was run out. For New Zealand, Tom Latham scored 76 while Kane Williamson made 48. Tom Blundell, who was stranded on 88, was New Zealand’s highest scorer in the second innings, while Daryl Mitchell scored another half-century for a scintillating series.
England vs New Zealand 3rd Test: Earlier, heroics from Jonny Bairstow and Jamie Overton helped England take a 31-run lead against New Zealand on the third day of the ongoing third Test in Leeds. Bairstow (162) and Overton (97) put on 241 runs for the seventh wicket before Stort Broad’s 46-run knock put England ahead of New Zealand’s total.
Stump on Day 4 and England are on course to complete a 3-0 whitewash. 296 sets for victory, England lost both openers cheaply but have been one-sided since then. Pope and Root have enjoyed batting on this pitch, yes, there is something for the spinners in it, but New Zealand have looked helpless and helpless with the removal of their first choice spinner Ejaz Patel.
England vs New Zealand 3rd Test: Boult and Southee were excellent with the new ball, a run out lifted their spirits and then Bracewell struck early to get rid of Jack Crawley. But this was as good as it got – Pope and Root didn’t have to wait out bad balls, especially those consistently supplied by Bracewell and meant the guests could never put pressure on the batsmen.
The pressure on the fast bowlers increased and they also started offering runs in the plate. On Pope 81, on Route 55, the partnership is on 132. They still have Bairstow and Stokes to come, and need 113. All this points to a victory for England, unless New Zealand can do something special.
We should get the result tomorrow, the 15th and last day of the Test series. It has been an enjoyable one, especially if you are an English fan, but from New Zealand’s point of view, you would expect a small miracle on the final day of the series. Join us at 11am for the first ball of Day 5.
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