England vs New Zealand: Home side in danger in decider at Trent Bridge

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

New Zealand 438 (Conway 157, Latham 151; Stokes 4-70) &120-3: Ravindra 60*

England 354: Duckett 113, Bethell 74; Smith 4-91

New Zealand lead by 204 runs

scorecard

After a dramatic and volatile third day at Trent Bridge, England’s decision against New Zealand, and perhaps the future of the home management, remains uncertain.

As the previously flat pitch began to break up and play, England first surrendered the initiative with the bat, then tried to join the contest by making plays with the ball.

By the end of it all New Zealand had risen to 120-3; There was a significant difference of 204 points on Saturday, considering the irregularities of the surface.

The Black Caps were 12-2 and 51-3, but Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 60 and Daryl Mitchell’s not-out 26 ensured the tourists remained in the driver’s seat.

England started the day with an opportunity to approach New Zealand’s first innings tally of 438, but lost three crucial wickets for 10 runs in the first six overs.

Joe Root was dismissed for 21 and Jacob Bethell for 74 – neither added to the tally on the night – while Jamie Smith managed just one goal.

Harry Brook made a calm 58, but the home team were 354 all out and 84 all out in the first innings as England lost their last three wickets for four runs.

New Zealand seamer Zak Foulkes, who came on Friday as Blair Tickner’s concussion reliever, dropped three wickets on Saturday, including Brook and England captain Ben Stokes.