Leeds (England): England are 113 runs away from completing a series whitewash against New Zealand by the hosts, putting themselves in good shape with eight wickets in the final innings of the third Test on Sunday.
Chasing 296 for the win, Ollie Pope and Joe Root were at the crease at stumps when the pair made light work of a competitive target as England ended the fourth day at 183-2.
The pair set up what promises to be an interesting final day, with Headingley hoping to have a packed house as they try to replicate the atmosphere of the Trent Bridge Test by giving away free tickets.
England lost Alex Lees to a run-out after a mix-up in the fifth over, while their opening partner Zac Crawley (25) was caught in cover-off. Michael BracewellBoth were involved in the dismissal, along with captain Kane Williamson.
But Pope (81) and Root (55) stabilized the ship with an unbeaten 132-run partnership as they looked at the pacers and targeted spinner Bracewell, who went for more than six per over.
New Zealand also lost two reviews in successive deliveries when Root was rapped on the pads. The former England captain survived on both occasions, giving Williamson plenty to consider every time he shouted for a leg-before wicket.
Blundell and Michelle Frustrate England
Earlier, New Zealand were bowled out for 326 after Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell disappointed the hosts again.
England’s streak of three wickets late on the third day seemed to fade in the morning as Mitchell and Blundell continued their stellar form in the series.
The pair batted in the first session, negotiated early swing in stormy conditions and saw some new balls as they completed their half-century after lunch.
But Matthew Potts finally broke the 113-run stand when he trapped Mitchell (56) leg before.
That wicket opened floodgates as the tourists lost their half for 52 runs, while Jack Leach became the first England spinner since Derek Underwood in 1974 to claim two five-wicket hauls in a home Test.
Blundell was in good form and tried his best to reach his century with unconventional shots, but he remained unbeaten on 88 as he did not have partners.
The hosts were dealt a blow before the start of the game when wicketkeeper Ben Fox was ruled out for the remainder of the game after testing positive for COVID-19, with Billings brought in as a substitute.
England, 2–0, are bidding to win every match of the home series with at least three Tests for the first time since their 4–0 loss to India in 2011.
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