England vs New Zealand: Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes haul hosts back into third Test

Third Rothesay Test, Trent Bridge (second day of five)

New Zealand 438: Conway 157, Latham 151; Stokes 4-70

England 223-2: Duckett 113, Bethel 74*

England 215 runs behind

scorecard

Ben Duckett’s dazzling century built on Ben Stokes’ inspired spell to take England back to the decisive third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

England made a remarkable comeback with the Black Caps reaching 317-0 on the opening day, taking all 10 wickets for 121 runs to send the tourists out for 438, then closed the second day 223-2 – 215 behind.

Captain Stokes, sidelined after the nightclub altercation that caused him to miss the second Test, was the catalyst for a typically tireless campaign in the sweltering heat.

After England failed to take a wicket in the first 40 minutes, Stokes’ eight overs resulted in three wickets and a catch.

Shoaib Bashir took two, Jofra Archer took one and Blair struck Tickner for a blow which eventually left the seamer out of the match with a concussion. Overall, New Zealand lost six wickets for 77 runs in an overnight 361-4 on Friday.

Given the conditions and flat pitch, it was a superb effort from England as they looked to reduce the deficit despite losing Emilio Gay for a duck.

Duckett, with a brace from Jacob Bethell, capped a difficult year on and off the field with his first Test hundred since last June.

New Zealand were virtually powerless to prevent England’s rapid progress as the second-wicket pair added 179.

Duckett was eventually dismissed for 113, taking Bethell to an unbeaten 74 – his first half-century at home and in the first innings of the Test. Joe Root is not 21 years old in one of his most prolific venues.