ENG vs NZ Ball by Ball Commentary

288/9(D) 438/10

ENG

212/10354/10

Day 5Session 2

New Zealand beat England by 160 runs

Commentary

England 2nd Innings

2:17 PM IST Time to close the door - Latham walks up to collect the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy to a warm reception, then makes his way back to his teammates who are waiting eagerly to get the skipper in frame. These are the photographs that will grace the front pages tomorrow morning. This brings this highly entertaining series, which had plenty of drama, on and off the field, to a close. New Zealand claim it 2-1. Moving forward, the Kiwis will take their trip to the Caribbean shores as they prepare for a five-ODI series against West Indies, starting from Sunday, 12th July, 2026. As for England, they have very little time left for their next assignment as they host India for a five-match T20I series followed by a cracking three-ODI series which starts from Wednesday, 1st July, 2026 with the first T20I. Until then, you can follow and enjoy all the updates from the Women's T20 World Cup, 2026 and the One-off Test between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. But for now, we sign off, only to meet again. Cheers!

2:29 PM IST Well done, New Zealand - They beat India 3-0 in India, and now, they have triumphed over England 2-1 in the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy 2026 through some inspirational performances. They showed the hunger, they showed the resilience under pressure and more importantly, underlined the importance of discipline in bold and capital. And just as this England side cannot be spoken about without mentioning Stokes, for New Zealand, every conversation begins and ends with their own legend, Kane Williamson. He announced his retirement after the first Test at Lord's in this very series, but gave New Zealand countless memories to be proud of. He was also given a deserved token of thanks at the post-match presentation ceremony.

2:04 PM IST Thank you, Benjamin Andrew Stokes - The English dressing room went absolutely dumbstruck when Stokes gave his final speech about hanging up his boots. A true fighter, to the very last word. Where does one even begin with Ben Stokes? A lad from Christchurch who became the heartbeat of English cricket, who dragged a battered and bruised Test side off the canvas more times than anyone had the right to expect. He was an event. Every time he walked to the crease or marked his run-up, something in the ground shifted. The journey was never clean or straightforward, with whatever happened on and off the field. But Stokes never stayed down. That was always the thing about him. He got up, dusted himself off, and came back harder. His 258 in Cape Town remains the highest Test score ever made by a number six batter, the second fastest double hundred in Test history. Headingley 2019 will be told and retold for as long as cricket is played in this country. Chasing 359, with England nine down, Stokes produced an unbeaten 135 to win the match by a single wicket. It was not just an innings. It was a statement about character, about will, about the sort of stubbornness that cannot be coached or manufactured. That same year, he was named Player of the Match in the 2019 World Cup final as England lifted the trophy for the first time. And then came the next chapter. When Stokes took the captaincy in 2022, English Test cricket was on its knees. He and Brendon McCullum ripped up the rulebook, built something audacious and alive, and called it Bazball. He finishes among only three men in history, alongside Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis, to have scored 7,000 Test runs and taken 200 wickets. He also holds the record for the most sixes hit in a Test career, surpassing even his own coach, McCullum.

2:33 PM IST The victorious captain of New Zealand - TOM LATHAM walks up to Michael Atherton with a broad smile. He calls it a really special moment, one the squad has been building towards since the first ball of the series. He says that it has been a collective effort throughout, with the group sticking to a style of cricket that suits them. Old school, disciplined, and something he is genuinely proud of. On the comeback from 1-0 down, Latham feels New Zealand did plenty of good things at Lord's even in defeat, pointing to a tricky surface and a few moments that could have gone either way. From there, they came to The Oval, played their brand of cricket, and individuals stood up when the team needed them. Looking back, he says, they won the key moments, and that made the difference. On the defining moments of this Test, Latham points to the opening partnership on Day 1 as a strong foundation, even if he felt they could have pushed on further from that position. Adds that the burst of four to five quick wickets on Day 3 was equally crucial, shifting the momentum firmly in New Zealand's favour. He singles out the third innings partnership between Mitchell and Ravindra as the moment that settled it. Says they were under enormous pressure when that pair came together and the way they batted was simply outstanding. Mitchell, in particular, gets special mention. Latham calls him the man New Zealand want in the middle when situations get difficult, and he thrived on the battle. On the chaotic final session on the fourth day, with the crowd reacting to news of Stokes' retirement and England sending him out to open the innings, Latham mentions it is exactly the kind of situation this group prides itself on handling. Latham then turns to Stokes directly with a message on behalf of the entire New Zealand side. He congratulates him on an extraordinary career, calling him a once-in-a-generation player. Latham acknowledges that the battles between the two sides over the years have been fierce, but on behalf of everyone in the New Zealand camp, he wants Stokes to know he has had a fantastic career and to enjoy every moment of his retirement.

2:43 PM IST The captain of England - BEN STOKES gets a huge round of applause from his teammates and the crowd as he walks to have a chat for one last time. Ben Stokes keeps it measured in his farewell remarks, acknowledging it has been a good couple of days in many ways, even if the result was not the one he wanted. He calls it an incredibly hard-fought game by both sides and notes that the tough conditions played their part in the way the pitch behaved across the five days. For him, that is one of the things that makes Test cricket what it is. He is generous in his praise for New Zealand, and for Ravindra and Mitchell in particular, crediting the way they operate and the character they showed. On the chase, Stokes is honest, saying it was always going to be a difficult target to get on that surface. The only thing he would change, he adds with typical candour, is being on the winning side of it. But, he says, you cannot have everything your way. On his decision to retire, Stokes is reflective but firm. He says he did not take it lightly and spoke to people he trusted before arriving at his conclusion. He details that he tried to picture himself going beyond this week and could not. Admits that there is sadness, but also a deep sense of contentment in everything he has been able to contribute, and in the happiness he has brought to fans around the world. When asked about why he announced his retirement mid-match, Stokes reveals he told his closest teammates the night before and the rest of the squad on the morning of the final day. Looking back at the last two and a half weeks, he calls them interesting, the best word he can find for a period that had its share of controversy. Hit and miss, he says, much like his career at times, but something he has thoroughly enjoyed every step of the way. On being asked about his best memories as an England cricketer, he details how it is not the personal milestones he reaches first, but the moments shared with others, having played alongside some of the finest cricketers England has ever produced. He adds that while he knows he has done some decent things on the field himself, it is those shared experiences that he will carry with him the longest. He mentions how fortunate he feels to have watched Root operate up close for so long, a player still going at the highest level. He adds the names of Broad, Anderson, and Cook, giants of the game who defined an era, saying he counts himself lucky not just for what he contributed, but for everything he got to witness standing alongside them. In the end, he concludes by saying that it has been some ride, and one he will always look back on with the fondest of memories.

2:39 PM IST PLAYER OF THE SERIES FOR NEW ZEALAND - NATHAN SMITH receives the award for being the leading wicket-taker of the series. He picked up 16 wickets in three Tests. He says he is really pleased with how his series has gone, and takes pride in his ability to adapt to whatever the team needs, whether that is with the new ball or the old. He acknowledges the injury setbacks New Zealand suffered but feels it only highlighted the depth within the squad, with players coming off the bench and doing a fine job when called upon. On bowling in England, Smith says it presents a different challenge altogether. Notes that bringing the stumps into play becomes far more important here, and the key word throughout has been ruthlessness with line and length. He singles out Tom Blundell's decision to stand up to the stumps at The Oval as a moment that changed the series, calling it a huge tactical shift. On whether that was planned well in advance, Smith is candid, saying it was more of a conversation that developed during travel, a feeling that it could work, backed up by the skill to execute it.

2:39 PM IST PLAYER OF THE SERIES FOR ENGLAND - JOFRA ARCHER wins the medal for displaying outstanding skills with the ball. He finished as England's highest-wicket taker throughout the series, picking up 11 wickets to his name. He says it has been a really good series and one he has put a lot of work into. The rewards are not just his, he adds, every member of the side put a shift in and this belongs to all of them. On the transition from IPL cricket back to Tests, Archer points to mindset above everything else. Aches and pains are part of the game, but knowing that the batter at the other end is trying just as hard keeps him going. There is also a responsibility to his fellow fast bowlers. If he goes down, the workload shifts onto the other three, and that thought alone is enough to keep him pushing through discomfort. He also speaks about the mental demands of fielding for long stretches after bowling spells, saying staying locked in and not drifting is as hard as anything the game throws at you physically. On whether the workload ever gave him doubts, his answer is simple. Not for him. On Ben Stokes, Archer is warm and candid and gets a bit emotional as well. He gathers himself and says he values him not just as a captain but as a friend, someone he can always turn to for advice and reassurance. The thought of a dressing room without Stokes is something Archer admits he does not want to think about. Every game, Stokes has been there, Root has been there, and adjusting to that absence, he says, is going to take some time.

2:36 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - DARYL MITCHELL wins the award for his marvellously constructed 100* (241) in the third innings. He calls it a special Test match for the group. They came over with the goal of winning the series, he says, and they did it in style. On his century, Mitchell admits he had some unfinished business from the previous series and is simply proud of every member of the group who stepped up over the last few days. He adds that it is nice to get the job done. About the turnaround from going 1-0 down, Mitchell says the key was how calm the group remained. Says they went back to basics at The Oval in the second Test and started fresh again at Trent Bridge. Details that different surfaces demanded different skills and different mindsets, and he feels the group adapted well to each challenge. When asked about his bruised fingers and ribs after taking several blows on the body while batting, Mitchell mentions that there a couple of bruises here and there, but adds with a smile that it was worth it. On the batting partnerships, Mitchell shares that the dressing room conversation was always about building them, and Rachin Ravindra, in particular, did a fabulous job. Adds that everyone who came in chipped away and contributed, and those partnerships proved crucial in the end. On the fielding, Mitchell acknowledges it is an area the team has focused on heavily. Notes that it does not always come off, but the two run-outs on the final day were outstanding and showed how engaged and committed every player in the group has been.

1:36 PM IST ... It is time for the post-match Presentation ...

1:36 PM IST Beaten by their own strength - Set 373 to win, England made a blazing start, with Ben Stokes opening the batting in what turned out to be the final on-field act of his 15-year international career. A 50-run stand off just 7.2 overs gave them a platform, but New Zealand quickly seized back control. Stokes fell for 30, Bethell went for a duck, and Brook threw his wicket away with a reckless flick to fine leg, leaving England tottering at 50/3. The surface, breaking up since day three, made any meaningful resistance increasingly difficult, and Ben Sears found devastating lift to snare Duckett late on day four, leaving England four down and well short. Smith and Atkinson then did something curious. They knuckled down, played basic cricket, and made New Zealand work hard for every wicket. Which did make you wonder, watching this pair build quietly together, why England had gone hammer and tongs the day before. The tail offered little once Atkinson fell, and New Zealand crossed the line to seal the series.

2:35 PM IST Depleted, but not talentless - With Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, the heroes of the second Test, both ruled out due to injuries, along with Tickner who was subbed out due to a concussion mid-Test, New Zealand lost some of their most experienced pacers and with them, a significant amount of know-how in English conditions. The cutting edge looked blunted on paper. But Nathan Smith, finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the series, and Will O'Rourke, not far behind on 10, sincerely filled that void with moments of genuine brilliance. Between them and Foulkes, it was a collective bowling effort that kept New Zealand firmly in command throughout this Test. The depth of New Zealand's seam bowling has been nothing short of remarkable throughout this series. Remember, these are the same group who knocked India over three-nil in their own backyard less than two years ago. And now they have gone and given England their first series defeat on home soil in a series of three or more matches since 2012. Not bad at all from the Black Caps.

1:28 PM IST Oh, Mitchell, the saviour - There was something almost poetic about it. On the day Ben Stokes announced his farewell to Test cricket, Daryl Mitchell quietly went about playing one of the innings of this series. 100 not out off 241 balls, Nottingham surface that spared nobody. He took his share of blows on a wicket that had become a landmine for batting by Day 4, absorbed every difficult spell, and when New Zealand declared on 288, walked off unbeaten. A hundred that arrived without fanfare, on a day that already had more than enough of it. But Mitchell did not do it alone. When New Zealand were reduced to 51/3 on a dying pitch, Rachin Ravindra walked in and held firm. Their 129-run stand was the spine of the innings, the partnership that pushed the lead beyond England's reach. Tellingly, no other Kiwi batter crossed 20 in the second innings. That says everything about how much those two knocks mattered.

1:27 PM IST Blow for blow, punch for punch - New Zealand's overnight advantage did not last the morning session. The middle order nicked and nudged without conviction, the tail offered nowt, and the innings subsided for 438, just 121 added after the openers fell. Stokes had them in all sorts, bagging four wickets and finally ending 72.1 overs of English suffering with the first breakthrough. England smelled blood and went after it. Duckett was absolutely ruthless, clobbering 100 off 88 balls as if the pitch had no business being anything other than a batting paradise. Bethell was no passenger either, knuckling down for a composed fifty as the pair put on 179 together in a partnership that barely paused for breath. England rattled to 223 for 2 in 45 overs by stumps. A proper battering. Brook kept the carnage going on Day 3, but New Zealand steadied themselves with the second new ball and England's lower order had no stomach for a fight. From 322 for 6 they were skittled for 354, handing the Kiwis an 84-run lead.

1:25 PM IST Batter’s paradise - Under extreme heat on a flat Trent Bridge track, the all-important toss went New Zealand's way and they made England toil for almost four and a half sessions. History was made on the very first day, as Devon Conway (157) and Tom Latham (151) constructed a mammoth 317-run opening partnership, now the highest for any wicket by a New Zealand pair against England. They bettered the 276-run stand between Stewie Dempster and Jackie Mills, set way back in 1930 at Wellington in only New Zealand's second ever Test match. And there was more. That partnership is now also the joint-second highest opening stand in WTC history, with the highest of 323 runs belonging to this very same pair. However, England made a slight comeback at the climax of Day 1 by reducing New Zealand to 361/4.

1:25 PM IST Domination at its very best - Bazball has been buried where it began its journey, says Michael Atherton on air. Disappointment for England, joy and history for New Zealand. The Kiwis have done something they last managed 27 years ago, claiming a series win in England in a series of three or more Tests for the first time since 1999. And the curtain falls on Ben Stokes' England career, not in the blaze of glory he would have wanted, but in defeat. This is England's seventh Test match defeat in their last nine matches, which makes them think plenty about moving forward under a new captain, in a new era. New Zealand, on the other hand, were simply brilliant. What stood out most was how they stepped up with a depleted bowling attack, never flinching, never losing shape. Sharp in the field, composed under pressure, and there when it mattered most, with someone or the other taking the responsibility. Tom Latham walks off with a stump in hand with a proud smile, and his team follows him behind. The Nottingham crowd inside gives them a warm applause for a well-deserved series win.

51.2

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

70.0kph

OUT! CAUGHT! That will do. A brilliant catch from Nathan Smith to finish things off. Mitchell Santner bowls a slightly slower one, on off, Jamie Smith winds up and tries to go big over long on. The ball hits the upper part of his bat and carries towards long on. Nathan Smith runs forward and to his left, dives to his left and completes a magnificent low catch. New Zealand beat England by 160 runs.

Jamie Smith

60 (91b 8x4 1x6)SR: 65.93

c Nathan Smith b Mitchell Santner

51.1

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

85.0kph

Tossed up, full and on off, Jamie Smith pushes it to cover.

End of over 510 run

ENG: 212/9CRR: 4.16

Ball

Shoaib Bashir:0 (5)

Jamie Smith:60 (89)

Nathan Smith:16-4-64-2

50.6

Nathan Smith to Shoaib Bashir, no run

135.0kph

A tad fuller, on off, Shoaib Bashir pushes it to the cover fielder.

50.5

Nathan Smith to Shoaib Bashir, no run

131.0kph

Bangs it short, on leg, Shoaib Bashir ducks under it.

50.4

Nathan Smith to Shoaib Bashir, no run

130.0kph

Angling in, on top of off, Shoaib Bashir blocks it back to the bowler.

50.3

Nathan Smith to Shoaib Bashir, no run

136.0kph

On the stumps, fuller in length, Shoaib Bashir flicks it to mid-wicket.

50.2

Nathan Smith to Shoaib Bashir, no run

133.0kph

Back of a length, on off, Shoaib Bashir blocks it to the gully fielder.

1:09 PM IST So New Zealand are just one step away. Shoaib Bashir is the last man in for England.

50.1

Nathan Smith to Josh Tongue, no run

OUT! TONGUE IS RUN OUT! What a fantastic piece of fielding by Santner. New Zealand have been absolutely spot on with their ground fielding in this Test match. Back of a length, over the wicket, angling into middle and leg. Tongue works it with soft hands to the right of Santner at mid-wicket, and fancies a cheeky single. Santner swoops across, picks up cleanly, and fires at the striker's end. One stump to aim at. Hits it. Tongue, first runs casually, but gets sent back by Smith. He turns around, dives full stretch but he is short. The on-field umpires send it upstairs to have a check and the replay confirms that Josh is short of his crease. Tongue's jersey is covered in dirt as he makes a slow walk back to the dressing room. New Zealand have their ninth.

Josh Tongue

2 (14b 0x4 0x6)SR: 14.29

run out (Mitchell Santner)

End of over 5012 runs

ENG: 212/8CRR: 4.24

Ball

Jamie Smith:60 (89)

Josh Tongue:2 (13)

Mitchell Santner:14-1-54-1

49.6

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

FOUR AGAIN! Three in a row from Jamie Smith! Mitchell Santner bowls a slower one, on off, Jamie Smith takes a step forward and drills it past mid on for the hat-trick of boundaries.

49.5

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

82.0kph

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries for Jamie Smith! Seems like he is going to take the aggressive option now. Short, on off, Jamie Smith stays back and slogs it over mid-wicket for yet another boundary.

49.4

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

77.0kph

FOUR! Fifty up for Jamie Smith! It's been a highly watchful knock so far. That is his 8th Test half-century. He hasn't been reckless but has respected the conditions and shown that you can survive on this surface if you get the basics right. Slightly shorter, outside off, Jamie Smith rocks back and punches it through the diving cover fielder for a boundary. An important half century for Smith to improve his own credentials.

Jamie Smith

Runs: 52(87)SR: 59.77

49.3

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

85.0kph

Keeps it full, on the stumps, Jamie Smith eases it to point.

49.2

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

Nice and full, on off, Jamie Smith lunges and blocks it to cover.

49.1

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

Flatter, just outside off, Jamie Smith drives it to cover.

End of over 490 run

ENG: 200/8CRR: 4.08

Ball

Josh Tongue:2 (13)

Jamie Smith:48 (83)

Nathan Smith:15-3-64-2

48.6

Nathan Smith to Josh Tongue, no run

Past the edge! Back of a length, outside off, Josh Tongue looks to punch it but misses.

48.5

Nathan Smith to Josh Tongue, no run

130.0kph

A tad fuller, on off, Josh Tongue blocks it to cover.

48.4

Nathan Smith to Josh Tongue, no run

130.0kph

That's another beauty from Nathan Smith! Similar delivery, outside off, Josh Tongue looks to block it but misses again.

48.3

Nathan Smith to Josh Tongue, no run

128.0kph

Beaten! Hard length, just outside off, shaping away. Josh Tongue looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

48.2

Nathan Smith to Josh Tongue, no run

136.0kph

Good length, on off, Josh Tongue blocks it back to the bowler.

48.1

Nathan Smith to Josh Tongue, no run

133.0kph

Just short! A tad fuller, on off, Josh Tongue looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball folds away from the batter. It carries low behind the stumps and lands just short of Daryl Mitchell at slip, who dives to his left and takes it on the bounce. The ball in fact yorks his fingers.

End of over 481 run

ENG: 200/8CRR: 4.17

Ball

Josh Tongue:2 (7)

Jamie Smith:48 (83)

Mitchell Santner:13-1-42-1

47.6

Mitchell Santner to Josh Tongue, 1 run

82.0kph

Much fuller, on leg, Josh Tongue flicks it to short mid-wicket and calls for a quick single. Mitchell Santner runs to his right and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. 200 up for England!

200 Runs for the teamEngland

Runs: 200/8

47.5

Mitchell Santner to Josh Tongue, no run

75.0kph

Geez, that turned a mile! Spinning away very sharply, full and outside off, Josh Tongue looks to block it but misses. That's a prodigious turn as Daryl Mitchell collects it at first slip.

47.4

Mitchell Santner to Josh Tongue, no run

83.0kph

Short, on leg, Josh Tongue tries to block it but hits his high on his pads.

47.3

Mitchell Santner to Josh Tongue, no run

Another one down leg, Josh Tongue looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and lobs over the short leg fielder. Dot.

47.2

Mitchell Santner to Josh Tongue, no run

Down the leg side, Josh Tongue looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.

47.1

Mitchell Santner to Josh Tongue, no run

82.0kph

Turn and bounce, outside off, Josh Tongue leaves it alone. That was a huge turn.

End of over 471 run

ENG: 199/8CRR: 4.23

Ball

Josh Tongue:1 (1)

Jamie Smith:48 (83)

Nathan Smith:14-2-64-2

46.6

Nathan Smith to Josh Tongue, 1 run

135.0kph

Angling in, on leg, Josh Tongue flicks it to backward square leg for a single.

12:55 PM IST New Zealand get one more step closer to the finish line. Out goes Archer. In walks Josh Tongue at number 10. How long before we see Jamie Smith turn into white-ball mode?

46.5

Nathan Smith to Jofra Archer, no run

133.0kph

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! That is the end of Jofra Archer. A bit of a tame way to go. Nathan Smith sees Jofra Archer coming down the track and bowls a back-of-a-length delivery, on off. Archer tries to get himself and his bat out of the way but gets very late in doing so. The ball nips in, grazes the outside edge of Jofra's dangled bat and goes towards the keeper, Tom Blundell, who makes no mistake. He takes a good low catch. England are 198/8, needing 175 runs to win. New Zealand now just need two wickets.

Jofra Archer

2 (19b 0x4 0x6)SR: 10.53

c Tom Blundell b Nathan Smith

46.4

Nathan Smith to Jofra Archer, no run

130.0kph

Fullish, on off, Jofra Archer stabs it to point.

46.3

Nathan Smith to Jofra Archer, no run

131.0kph

On the stumps, a tad fuller, Jofra Archer blocks it back to the bowler.

46.2

Nathan Smith to Jofra Archer, no run

Hard length, on off, Jofra Archer punches it to cover.

46.1

Nathan Smith to Jofra Archer, no run

133.0kph

Angling in, on middle, Jofra Archer hops a bit and tucks it to mid-wicket.

End of over 465 runs

ENG: 198/7CRR: 4.30

Ball

Jofra Archer:2 (14)

Jamie Smith:48 (83)

Mitchell Santner:12-1-41-1

45.6

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, 1 run

Much fuller, outside off, Jofra Archer drives it to cover for a single.

45.5

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

90.0kph

Flatter, on off, Jofra Archer stabs it to the off side.

45.4

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

83.0kph

Nice and full, on off, Jofra Archer blocks it to the fielder at silly point.

45.3

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

80.0kph

Quicker, on middle, Jofra Archer flicks it to mid-wicket.

45.2

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, 4 runs

83.0kph

FOUR BYES! Bonus runs! Fired in, down leg, Jofra Archer looks to flick it but misses. The keeper fails to stop it as the ball races away to the fine leg fence.

45.1

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

82.0kph

Flatter, on off, Jofra Archer blocks it to the left of the bowler.

12:48 PM IST UPDATE - Michael Atherton on air informs that Will O'Rourke will take no further part in this Test because of a left hamstring strain. That's another blow to New Zealand's pace attack. So now, they have Nathan Smith, Zakary Foulkes and Mitchell Santner along with Ben Sears as their proper bowling options. Mitchell Santner will bowl from the other end.

End of over 452 runs

ENG: 193/7CRR: 4.29

Ball

Jamie Smith:48 (83)

Jofra Archer:1 (8)

Nathan Smith:13-2-63-1

44.6

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

135.0kph

Nice and full, outside off, Jamie Smith steers it to point. The fielder dives to his left and makes a good stop. A dot to end the over.

44.5

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

Much fuller, on middle, Jamie Smith blocks it back to the bowler.

44.4

Nathan Smith to Jofra Archer, 1 run

133.0kph

Hard length, on middle, Jofra Archer tucks it to square leg for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the batter's end but misses. A direct hit would have been close.

44.3

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, 1 run

131.0kph

On the stumps, on a length, Jamie Smith looks to block it but miscues it to backward square leg for a single.

44.2

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

136.0kph

Keeps it full again, on off, Jamie Smith pushes it to short cover.

44.1

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

135.0kph

Nathan Smith starts with a fuller one, on leg, Jamie Smith blocks it to the on side.

12:43 PM IST You lose one, you lose another, and then another. New Zealand's bowling attack has been whittled down by injury and misfortune throughout this Test. Henry and Jamieson not even here, Tickner gone mid-match due to concussion, O'Rourke potentially done for the game due to a hamstring issue, Sears bowling on a dodgy hand. Virtually, they have three fit bowlers, and yet, here they are, three wickets away from a famous win. That is because of the kind of discipline and character they have shown throughout. Right, welcome back for the post-Lunch session at Trent Bridge. The umpires and players punctually make their way out to the middle. Jamie Smith has kept the fight on for England, and Jofra Archer walks out with him to resume their batting. Nathan Smith (12-2-61-1) will get things rolling with the ball. Off we go again...

12:40 PM IST ... DAY 5, SESSION 2 ...

12:23 PM IST Smith stands, Kiwis smell blood - Santner finally cracked that budding stand, pinching Atkinson's wicket just minutes before Lunch. The pressure now sits squarely on Jamie Smith. And there was a glimpse of the aggressive Smith just before that wicket fell, which makes you wonder even more. Why did England go hammer and tongs yesterday, only to play it so cautiously today? Watching Smith and Atkinson build that partnership playing basic cricket rather than going for glory shots, that question will keep nagging. They added 75 runs together, which is also England's second-best partnership in this match. Well, New Zealand are just three wickets away, but England did shrink the target below the 200-run mark and managed to drag this into the second session, which could well be the last of the series. Unless, unless there's some more resistance on the way. Smith is still there, Archer is no mug with the bat either. The Kiwis will aim to get the job done come the afternoon session. Play is expected to resume at 12.40 pm GMT. Stay tuned.

12:18 PM IST Fight and resistance - However, Jamie Smith refused to kneel under the pressure, stepping up with admirable resilience alongside Gus Atkinson, who held firm at the other end with equal determination. It was Smith who carried the greater burden, facing the bulk of the deliveries and shouldering the responsibility of keeping England's chase alive. Captain Tom Latham brought on a spinner-pacer combination in an attempt to unsettle the partnership, and while the ploy has created uncomfortable moments for the batters, a breakthrough remained elusive as Santner was a bit all over the place initially.

12:20 PM IST Lunch on Day 5 - Session summary - 88 runs, 29 overs and 3 wickets. The start of Day 5 was far from the one England would have scripted. The ball was moving considerably more than it had the previous day, and the New Zealand bowlers seized on the conditions with purpose and precision, asking relentless questions to the English batters from the very first over. The breakthrough came in the third over of the day, as Nathan Smith removed Gay to strike the first blow, and then, in the very same over, a moment of exceptional fielding from Henry Nicholls sent Joe Root back to the pavilion before he could add to his overnight score. Two wickets in a single over, and England's hopes were already wobbling.

End of over 440 run

ENG: 191/7CRR: 4.34

Ball

Jofra Archer:0 (7)

Jamie Smith:47 (78)

Mitchell Santner:11-1-40-1

43.6

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

78.0kph

And that will be LUNCH ON DAY 5! A touch short and outside off. Jofra Archer looks to cut it away, only to miss as the ball nestles in the keeper's glove. The session ends with a plenty of ooohhs and aaahhs!

43.5

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

86.0kph

Slides one far down leg, on a length. Jofra Archer tries to whip this dreadful delivery but misses. Blundell again makes a sharp grab to his left.

43.4

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

77.0kph

Quicker one on the stumps, short in length. Jofra Archer goes deep in the crease and blocks it in front.

43.3

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

86.0kph

Dropped short and quick. Jofra hangs back and nudges it to square leg.

12:05 PM IST The leg umpire walks towards Tom Latham who is stationed at first slip, to have a chat. Not sure what it is about though. But there are as many as five fielders behind the batter waiting to gulp a catch.

43.2

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

Beauty! Angles in and then turns away from off, full in length. Jofra Archer is sucked forward to block but the ball spins across the bat face and gets absorbed in the keeper's gloves.

43.1

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

An in-angler full on the pads. Jofra Archer leans forward to clip it away, but the ball beats the inside edge and rolls off the front pad.

11:59 AM IST Should be the final over before Lunch. Mitchell Santner will bowl.

End of over 430 run

ENG: 191/7CRR: 4.44

Ball

Jamie Smith:47 (78)

Jofra Archer:0 (1)

Ben Sears:6-2-12-1

42.6

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

128.0kph

Slams it short on off, Jamie Smith rocks back to pull it hard across to the leg side, but bottom edges it on the bounce to first slip.

42.5

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

135.0kph

Sprays one down leg, full in length. Jamie Smith misses the flick. Blundell grabs it to his left.

42.4

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

This one lands right on one of the footmarks and spits up, nips away sharply. Jamie Smith looks to cut it square, but it beats the bat by a long way.

42.3

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

133.0kph

On a back of a length, outside off. Jamie Smith hang back and dabs it to the right of the gully fielder.

42.2

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

On a length, Jamie Smith tucks it off the pads to mid-wicket.

42.1

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

136.0kph

Full and on middle, Jamie Smith drills it to mid on.

End of over 422 runs

ENG: 191/7CRR: 4.55

Ball

Jofra Archer:0 (1)

Jamie Smith:47 (72)

Mitchell Santner:10-0-40-1

41.6

Mitchell Santner to Jofra Archer, no run

83.0kph

Full ball on the stumps, 83 kph, Archer leans forward and blocks it into the leg side off the inner half.

11:55 AM IST Well, that was a hard-earned wicket for Santner. He looked to be all over the shop but gets one to his name eventually. With six minutes to go for Lunch, Jofra Archer is in at number 9.

41.5

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

77.0kph

OUT! LBW! Santner strikes now and breaks the budding 75-run partnership. Bowls an arm ball that drifts in naturally, a touch fuller and stays low. Gus Atkinson goes back in the crease and looks to cut it away, but is late on the shot and is undone by the lack of bounce and the ball thuds the front pad at shin height. Massive confident appeal for LBW and up goes the finger without any hesitation. Gus Atkinson has a chat with Jamie Smith before he opts to take the review, challenging the on-field decision. Looks stone-dead and there's a flat line on UltraEdge. Ball Tracking shows the impact is umpire's call, and the ball is projected to crash into the middle stump. Gus Atkinson makes a slow walk to the dressing room and England are 191/7.

Gus Atkinson

19 (70b 2x4 0x6)SR: 27.14

lbw b Mitchell Santner

41.4

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

80.0kph

Slides it onto the pads, on a length. Gus Atkinson steers it on the bounce to Rachin Ravindra at short leg.

41.3

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

86.0kph

Oh, a close leave! Fires it in, fuller and just outside off. Gus Atkinson opts to leave.

41.2

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 1 run

74.0kph

Flights above the eyeline and lands it short, outside off. Jamie Smith waits for the ball to dip and crunches it to deep cover for a single.

41.1

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

82.0kph

The in-drifter on a length, on off. Gus Atkinson backs away and punches it down to long off for an easy single.

End of over 411 run

ENG: 189/6CRR: 4.61

Ball

Jamie Smith:46 (71)

Gus Atkinson:18 (66)

Ben Sears:5-1-12-1

40.6

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

133.0kph

Hits the deck hard on that bail-trimming length. Jamie Smith hops back and blocks it solidly.

40.5

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

138.0kph

Full on the stumps. Gus Atkinson again uses his wrists and whips it across to deep square leg for a single.

40.4

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, no run

136.0kph

Fuller one, on the stumps, nipping in. Gus presses forward and pushes it to mid on.

11:49 AM IST Interesting stat from Mark Butcher on air. He informs that Gus Atkinson has faced the most number of balls than any other English batter in this Test.

40.3

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, no run

138.0kph

Keeps attacking the stumps, on a length, on off. Gus Atkinson gets squared up and dabs it to the cover-point area.

40.2

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, no run

133.0kph

Bangs it short and outside off. Gus Atkinson stands tall and pulls it off the toe end towards the mid-wicket fielder.

40.1

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, no run

130.0kph

Hammers it on a good length, stays low, on middle. Gus Atkinson hops off, drops the bat down and stabs it to the right of the bowler.

End of over 406 runs

ENG: 188/6CRR: 4.70

Ball

Gus Atkinson:17 (61)

Jamie Smith:46 (70)

Mitchell Santner:9-0-38-0

39.6

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

85.0kph

Short, on middle, Gus Atkinson works it to mid-wicket and gets across for one run.

39.5

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

A touch fuller, around off, Gus Atkinson tries to block it, but induces a thick outside edge. The ball rolls away to point.

39.4

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 1 run

Short, on middle, Jamie Smith tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

39.3

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

88.0kph

Fullish, outside off, Jamie Smith walks across the stumps and dabs it to short extra cover.

39.2

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

86.0kph

FOUR! Oh, some aggressiveness from the English batter. Tossed up, fuller, on middle. Jamie Smith clears his front foot and launches it beautifully over the head of the bowler for four runs.

39.1

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

83.0kph

Full, on off, Jamie Smith defends it down.

End of over 395 runs

ENG: 182/6CRR: 4.67

Ball

Gus Atkinson:16 (59)

Jamie Smith:41 (66)

Ben Sears:4-1-11-1

38.6

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, 4 runs

130.0kph

FOUR! Well played by Atkinson! Fires another fuller one, around the pads of the batter. Gus Atkinson rolls his wrists and clips it swiftly toward the deep square leg fence for four runs.

38.5

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, no run

128.0kph

On a length, on off, Gus Atkinson blocks it down.

38.4

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, 1 run

135.0kph

Shaping in, on off and middle, Jamie Smith tries to defend it at his front but gets the inside edge, before it rolls to deep fine leg for one.

38.3

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

133.0kph

Full-length delivery, outside off, Jamie Smith drives it with the full face of the bat, but gets the connection from the toe end. The ball rolls away to the right of the mid off fielder.

38.2

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

Pitches it fuller, does Sears, on off and middle. Jamie Smith strides out and rests it down the track.

38.1

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

Slanting in, down the leg side, pitching it on a hard length. Jamie Smith rocks back to help it away, but misses the connection.

11:40 AM IST Aside from the run out that ended Root's innings, Smith has gone about his business quietly and efficiently this morning. About 20 minutes to Lunch and these two would like to bat through the session just to create a bit of frustration for New Zealand.

End of over 384 runs

ENG: 177/6CRR: 4.66

Ball

Gus Atkinson:12 (57)

Jamie Smith:40 (62)

Mitchell Santner:8-0-32-0

37.6

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

85.0kph

Flighted and fuller, on middle, Gus Atkinson works it to the leg side.

37.5

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 1 run

75.0kph

Short, on leg, Jamie Smith flicks it with short hands to the left of leg slip.

37.4

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 2 runs

Off the inside edge! A touch fuller, around middle and leg. Jamie Smith attempts to defend on his front foot, but catches the inside edge. The ball stays low and beats the left of the diving leg slip fielder. It dribbles away to deep fine leg and the batter gets a couple of runs.

37.3

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

85.0kph

Flatter trajectory, fuller in length, on off and middle. Gus Atkinson works it to right of mid-wicket and gets a single. That brings about some cheer from the home crowd as the target shrinks below 200. England need 199 runs now.

37.2

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

Quicker and shorter, angling down the leg side. Gus Atkinson misses his flick and wears on his pad.

37.1

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

82.0kph

Fuller, on off, Gus Atkinson lunges and defends it to cover.

End of over 370 run

ENG: 173/6CRR: 4.68

Ball

Jamie Smith:37 (60)

Gus Atkinson:11 (53)

Ben Sears:3-1-6-1

36.6

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

Full-length delivery, on off and middle. Jamie Smith leans on it and defends it under his eyes.

36.5

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

Angling in, on the off stump, fuller in length. Jamie Smith prods halfway and defends it down.

36.4

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

On a nagging length, just outside off, not much movement on this one. Jamie Smith pats it to cover.

36.3

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

Attacking the stumps, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith nudges it to short mid-wicket.

36.2

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

Hard-length delivery, outside off. Jamie Smith hops a bit and dabs it down the track.

36.1

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

Much fuller, outside off, Jamie Smith looks to punch it through cover, but gets the connection from the inside half, before the ball bounces back to the bowler.

End of over 362 runs

ENG: 173/6CRR: 4.81

Ball

Gus Atkinson:11 (53)

Jamie Smith:37 (54)

Mitchell Santner:7-0-28-0

35.6

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

Short and outside off, Gus Atkinson looks to cut it away, but misses on the outside edge.

35.5

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

85.0kph

Pitches it up, does Santner, on off, Gus Atkinson defends it back to the bowler.

35.4

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

83.0kph

Swing and a miss this time! Angling in, just outside off, pitching it fuller, but turning away from the batter. Gus Atkinson looks lo smoke it downtown but gets beaten on the outside edge.

35.3

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 1 run

85.0kph

Fuller in length, offers a bit of flight, just outside off, Jamie Smith lunges and drives it to deep cover for another single.

35.2

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

82.0kph

Santner drags his length back, angling in on middle and leg. Gus Atkinson opens his stance and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

35.1

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

83.0kph

Tossed up, fuller, on off, Gus Atkinson drives it to the right of the bowler.

End of over 353 runs

ENG: 171/6CRR: 4.89

Ball

Gus Atkinson:10 (48)

Jamie Smith:36 (53)

Ben Sears:2-0-6-1

34.6

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

131.0kph

Fuller and straighter on middle and leg. Gus Atkinson flicks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

34.5

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, no run

133.0kph

Fuller one, on the pads, zipping in. Gus Atkinson is rushed by the pace and misses the flick. It thuds the front pad hard and rolls toward square leg.

34.4

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, no run

130.0kph

Spears in a fuller one, on off, Gus Atkinson drops the bat down in time and blocks it off the toe end.

34.3

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, 1 run

125.0kph

Slams the deck hard, on top of middle, nipping in sharply with bounce. Jamie Smith gets on his toes and manages to steer it through backward square leg for a single.

34.2

Ben Sears to Jamie Smith, no run

128.0kph

Jags back in on off, on a good length. Jamie Smith rocks back and punches it back to the bowler.

34.1

Ben Sears to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

128.0kph

Starts from over the stump. Full and straight on middle. Gus Atkinson wipes off his pads, playing it across to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

11:24 AM IST Ben Sears (1-0-3-1) comes into the attack now.

End of over 346 runs

ENG: 168/6CRR: 4.94

Ball

Jamie Smith:35 (51)

Gus Atkinson:8 (44)

Mitchell Santner:6-0-26-0

33.6

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

85.0kph

Santner fires in a yorker on middle. Jamie Smith drops the bat down quickly and shovels it out to mid-wicket.

33.5

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 6 runs

78.0kph

SIX! Calculated aggression from Smith! Half-volley on middle. Jamie Smith finds the ball in his arc. Gets under the ball and ruthlessly pumps it down the ground for a cracking six. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Smith and Atkinson. England need 205 runs.

33.4

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

85.0kph

The in-drifter on a length, Jamie Smith again plays over it to defend, and is hit on the front pad. Half an appeal for LBW, but nothing doing. Sliding down leg.

33.3

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

77.0kph

Gives it a lot more air, full on the leg stump and keeps drifting down. Jamie Smith looks to defend in front but the ball beats the inside edge and hits him on the flap of the front pad.

33.2

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

86.0kph

Shortish delivery, angling in on off. Jamie Smith hangs back and slaps it to the short cover fielder.

33.1

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

86.0kph

Floats one up nicely. On a length, on off. Jamie Smith backs away and cuts it straight to backward point.

End of over 334 runs

ENG: 162/6CRR: 4.91

Ball

Gus Atkinson:8 (44)

Jamie Smith:29 (45)

Zakary Foulkes:11.1-2-52-3

32.6

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

125.0kph

Folds in from off, on a length. Atkinson defends it off the front foot.

32.5

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

128.0kph

Down the leg side, on a length. Gus Atkinson misses on the glance and the keeper Tom Blundell does not collect it in one attempt to his left.

32.4

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

128.0kph

Jags in from a good length, Gus Atkinson gets on top of the bounce and blocks it.

32.3

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, 4 runs

128.0kph

FOUR! Skilful from Atkinson! Zakary errs in line and length. This is a long half volley on the pads. Gus Atkinson uses his wrists and whips off the inner half, and the ball shoots away to the long leg fence for a boundary.

32.2

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

Full and outside off, kept out in the off side.

32.1

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

128.0kph

Half an appeal for LBW again, but the finger stays down. Clearly going down leg. Nips in sharply on a good length, and stays very low on the bounce. Gus Atkinson is pinned in the crease, looks to work across on the leg side, but the ball goes underground, beats the under edge and hits the front pad.

End of over 321 run

ENG: 158/6CRR: 4.94

Ball

Jamie Smith:29 (45)

Gus Atkinson:4 (38)

Mitchell Santner:5-0-20-0

31.6

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

83.0kph

Spins past the batter, full and outside off. Jamie Smith fails to block it out.

31.5

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

Tossed up, full and outside off. Gus Atkinson thrashes it to the right of the diving cover fielder. Zakary Foulkes from mid off dives to his left and cuts it off. Just a single.

31.4

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

A huge appeal for LBW but not given. A good take by Rachin Ravindra under the lid at short leg though. Full ball on the pads, comes in with the arm. Atkinson looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge.

31.3

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

83.0kph

That keeps very low! And almost trimmed the bail of the off pole. Landed outside off stump, and turns away after keeping a tad low. Gus is caught in two minds, whether to play or leave and the ball sneaks below the inside edge. Hits Blundell on the knee roll.

31.2

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

82.0kph

Stump line, full in length. Defended off the inside half to short leg.

31.1

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

82.0kph

JAFFA! Dips and turns from a fuller length with some extra bounce. Gus Atkinson is drawn forward and tries to defend but the ball spins almost square to beat his outside edge.

End of over 311 run

ENG: 157/6CRR: 5.06

Ball

Jamie Smith:29 (44)

Gus Atkinson:3 (33)

Zakary Foulkes:10.1-2-48-3

30.6

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

Outside off on a good length. Jamie Smith knocks it off the back foot to gully.

30.5

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

128.0kph

Hard length, on top of off. Jamie Smith stands up on the toes and taps it with soft hands to short cover.

30.4

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

128.0kph

Skids through from a good length, in front of the stumps. Jamie Smith gets a bit squared up and bunts it down the strip.

30.3

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

127.0kph

Short of a good length, around off, with extra lift. Jamie Smith hangs back and fences it to backward point.

30.2

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

128.0kph

BEATEN! Length-delivery, nipping away just a bit, outside off. Smith stays back and tries to cut it late, but the ball zips past the outside edge. Tom Blundell does not collect the ball cleanly as it drops down.

30.1

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

Short of a good length, stays low on bounce, angled on the pads. Gus Atkinson swivels to pull but gets beaten by the lack of bounce and the ball goes off the thigh pad towards long leg. They get a leg bye.

End of over 301 run

ENG: 156/6CRR: 5.20

Ball

Jamie Smith:29 (39)

Gus Atkinson:3 (32)

Mitchell Santner:4-0-19-0

29.6

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

85.0kph

Pitched fuller and around off, Smith clobbers it away, but straight to the cover fielder.

29.5

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

85.0kph

Slides in with the angle, full on the leg stump. Smith leans forward to block, gets an inside edge which rolls between short leg and leg slip.

29.4

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

Slows it up, full on middle. Jamie looks to flick but closes the bat face early and ekes out a leading edge. The ball rolls to cover.

29.3

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, 1 run

85.0kph

Back of a length, this is punched across to mid on for a quick single.

29.2

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

Beauty! Slower through the air on a fuller length. It dips, lands and spins away off the pitch. Gus Atkinson is sucked on the front foot to defend, and he manages to stab the ball nicely. It goes to ground to the first slip.

29.1

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

82.0kph

Nicely tossed up, full on the leg stump. Gus Atkinson plays with soft hands, gets on the front foot and taps it to the left of forward short leg.

End of over 294 runs

ENG: 155/6CRR: 5.34

Ball

Jamie Smith:29 (36)

Gus Atkinson:2 (29)

Zakary Foulkes:9.1-1-48-3

28.6

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

127.0kph

Attacks the stumps, full, jagging in. Jamie Smith is alert to block it down the pitch.

28.5

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, 2 runs

127.0kph

Length-delivery, outside off. Jamie Smith stands tall and nails the back foot punch. Beats cover to his right and Mitchell Santner to his left at mid off. Santner eventually chases it down in the outfield. Two taken. England need 220 runs to win.

28.4

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

128.0kph

Back of a length, staying low. Jamie Smith tucks it off the pads to short mid-wicket.

28.3

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, 2 runs

127.0kph

Lands it full and around off, Jamie Smith gets on the front foot and creams it past cover for a couple of runs.

28.2

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

127.0kph

Angled in on the pads, on a fractionally fuller length. Smith gets across and stabs it down to mid on.

28.1

Zakary Foulkes to Jamie Smith, no run

127.0kph

Fuller and on off. Jamie leans on the ball and defends it out to point.

11:02 AM IST DRINKS BREAK! England are 151/6, needing 222 runs to win. New Zealand just need 4 more wickets. They are firmly in the driver's seat, and they will be trying to target the stumps. Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson are looking good in the middle, and they will try to end this session unscathed. The pitch is supporting the bowlers here, and it is going to be a difficult task for the England batters. Let's see how it goes...

End of over 281 run

ENG: 151/6CRR: 5.39

Ball

Gus Atkinson:2 (29)

Jamie Smith:25 (30)

Mitchell Santner:3-0-18-0

27.6

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

85.0kph

A lot quicker and fuller, on middle. Gus Atkinson presses in front and smothers the spin watchfully.

27.5

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

77.0kph

Overpitched, around off, carved away to short cover by Gus.

27.4

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

85.0kph

Action replay of the previous ball. Driven back to the bowler off the front foot.

27.3

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

85.0kph

Drifts in on middle and leg. Gus knocks the full ball back to Santner.

27.2

Mitchell Santner to Gus Atkinson, no run

Looped above the eyeline, full and on off. Gus Atkinson takes a giant stride ahead and pushes it to covers.

27.1

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 1 run

83.0kph

Tossed up, full on leg. Jamie Smith walks out of the crease and drills it to mid on for a quick single.

End of over 270 run

ENG: 150/6CRR: 5.56

Ball

Gus Atkinson:2 (24)

Jamie Smith:24 (29)

Zakary Foulkes:8.1-1-44-3

26.6

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

125.0kph

Hits the deck hard, outside off and it lifts up. Gus Atkinson is taken aback by the extra bounce and fends it to the gully region. Gus looks for a single but is sent back by Jamie on a sharp call. Henry Nicholls picks the ball to his right and scores another direct hit at the batting end, but Atkinson has already plonked his bat inside the crease, rather than dragging/sliding it in.

26.5

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

125.0kph

In and around off, full in length. Gus Atkinson stretches in front and stabs it to point.

26.4

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

125.0kph

Full and straight, on middle. Gus Atkinson lunges ahead and knocks it to the cover region.

26.3

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

127.0kph

Skiddy delivery, full and nipping in on off. Gus Atkinson just about manages to drop his bat down and stabs it down the pitch off the inner half.

26.2

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

127.0kph

Full and around off, Gus Atkinson leans on and drives it to short cover.

26.1

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

125.0kph

Length ball outside the off stump. Atkinson looks to drive it towards cover, gets a bottom edge to first slip on the bounce.

10:54 AM IST Change of ends for Zakary Foulkes.

End of over 2610 runs

ENG: 150/6CRR: 5.77

Ball

Jamie Smith:24 (29)

Gus Atkinson:2 (18)

Mitchell Santner:2-0-17-0

25.6

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

86.0kph

FOUR! It took ages to reach the fence! 150 UP FOR ENGLAND! They need 223 runs to win. In-angler on a length, around the leg stump. Jamie Smith rocks back and clips it to the right of Rachin Ravindra at backward short leg and. Daryl Mitchell gives it a long chase from short fine leg and even puts in a desperate dive to haul it back in, but fails to do so, crashing with the ropes with the ball in hand.

150 Runs for the teamEngland

Runs: 150/6

25.5

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

77.0kph

A loud appeal for LBW, but turned down! A touch fuller and around off. It lands and goes straight with the arm. Jamie Smith is drawn forward to defend, but plays over the line and is hit on the back thigh pad. Doing a lot more to go over the stumps, this one.

25.4

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

88.8kph

Short on off, Smith punches it to short cover.

25.3

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 2 runs

83.0kph

Slides one into the batter, full in length. Jamie Smith leans on to defend, but gets an inside edge as the ball keeps angling in. It goes between Ravindra's legs at backward short leg and rolls behind to the deep for a couple of runs.

25.2

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

86.0kph

FOUR! Nicely done! Short and outside off. Jamie hangs deep inside the crease and cuts it late past the diving backward point fielder to his left for a boundary.

25.1

Mitchell Santner to Jamie Smith, no run

Length ball, around off, drifting in. Jamie Smith blocks it back to the bowler.

10:50 AM IST Time for spin now. Here's Mitchell Santner into the attack. And the sun is out as well in Nottingham.

End of over 251 run

ENG: 140/6CRR: 5.60

Ball

Jamie Smith:14 (23)

Gus Atkinson:2 (18)

Nathan Smith:12-2-61-1

24.6

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, 1 run

133.0kph

Hard length, just outside off, Jamie Smith punches it to cover-point for a single.

24.5

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

On the stumps, on a length, Jamie Smith stays in his crease and blocks it to the right of the bowler.

10:48 AM IST Santner is loosening up now. We might see him bowl pretty soon. Rather in the very next over.

24.4

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

133.0kph

Much fuller, on leg, Jamie Smith flicks it to mid-wicket.

24.3

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

Shaping away, on leg, Jamie Smith blocks it back to the bowler.

24.2

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

133.0kph

Beaten! Hard length, just outside off, shaping away. Jamie Smith lunges and looks to block it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

24.1

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

Angling in, on off, Jamie Smith pushes it to cover.

End of over 242 runs

ENG: 139/6CRR: 5.79

Ball

Gus Atkinson:2 (18)

Jamie Smith:13 (17)

Zakary Foulkes:7.1-0-44-3

23.6

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

Too full, on middle, Gus Atkinson covers his line and blocks it back to the bowler.

23.5

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

123.0kph

Much fuller, on off, Gus Atkinson eases it to the mid on fielder.

23.4

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, 2 runs

123.0kph

Good length, on the pads, Gus Atkinson flicks it through square leg for a brace.

23.3

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

Keeps it full and on off, Gus Atkinson taps it to mid on.

23.2

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

127.0kph

Much fuller, on the stumps, Gus Atkinson covers the line and blocks it to the right of the bowler.

23.1

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

Slightly shorter, on leg, Gus Atkinson blocks it solidly towards mid on.

End of over 234 runs

ENG: 137/6CRR: 5.96

Ball

Jamie Smith:13 (17)

Gus Atkinson:0 (12)

Nathan Smith:11-2-60-1

22.6

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, 2 runs

131.0kph

Angling in, on off, Jamie Smith opens the face of his bat and guides it through backward point for a brace.

22.5

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

Back of a length, on off, and it keeps low. Jamie Smith manages to get his bat down in time and toe ends it to short cover.

22.4

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, 2 runs

131.0kph

A bit fuller, outside off, Jamie Smith steers it through backward point for a brace.

22.3

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

Back of a length, around the waist, Jamie Smith flicks it to square leg. The ball was in the air for a while but it landed safely.

22.2

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

A tad fuller, on off, Jamie Smith blocks it back to the bowler.

22.1

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

Beaten! Hard length and outside off, it nips away and keeps low. Jamie Smith looks to drive it but misses. That just missed the off pole. The keeper fails to take the catch but the replays later show that there was no edge on that either.

End of over 224 runs

ENG: 133/6CRR: 6.05

Ball

Gus Atkinson:0 (12)

Jamie Smith:9 (11)

Zakary Foulkes:6.1-0-42-3

21.6

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

Back of a length, on off, Gus Atkinson pushes it to the left of the bowler.

21.5

Zakary Foulkes to Gus Atkinson, no run

Zakary Foulkes starts with a length ball, on leg, Gus Atkinson tucks it to mid-wicket.

10:41 AM IST Will O'Rourke almost stopped on his follow-through right as he approached the crease. It looks like he has pulled his left hamstring and he is walking off the field. Tom Latham walks up to him and gives a pat on his shoulders to appreciate his efforts. But O'Rourke looks very disappointed as he walks off. Zakary Foulkes will complete the remaining over. As he did yesterday when O’Rourke went off after injuring his finger.

21.4

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, no run

131.0kph

On the stumps, on a length, Gus Atkinson blocks it back to the bowler.

21.3

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, no run

135.0kph

Slightly shorter, just outside off, Gus Atkinson looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge. The ball bounces back to the left of the keeper. Dot.

21.2

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, no run

Much fuller, on off, Gus Atkinson pushes it to mid on.

10:33 AM IST The on-field umpires converge and are having a closer look at the ball. There appears to be some issue with the seam of the ball, but not clearly sure. Rod Tucker eventually tosses the ball back to the bowler and we are good to resume.

21.1

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, 4 runs

131.0kph

FOUR BYES! That nipped in a long way! Hard length and outside off, it nips in sharply. Gus Atkinson is squared up as he looks to play at it. The ball goes through his bat and his pad and squirrels away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

End of over 2112 runs

ENG: 129/6CRR: 6.14

Ball

Jamie Smith:9 (11)

Gus Atkinson:0 (6)

Nathan Smith:10-2-56-1

20.6

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

133.0kph

FOUR! Edgy! Good length, on off, holds the line. Jamie Smith stays back and looks to cut it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes through the slip and the gully fielder for a boundary. England need 244 runs.

20.5

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

Hard length, on off, Jamie Smith eases it to the cover fielder.

20.4

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

136.0kph

FOUR! Through the gap and it races away again! Back of a length, just outside off, Jamie Smith rides the bounce and punches it through cover-point for a boundary.

20.3

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, 4 runs

127.0kph

FOUR BYES! Bonus runs for England! Nathan Smith sways it down the leg side, Jamie Smith looks to flick it but misses to connect and the ball shoots past Blundell, to his left and races away to the fence at fine leg.

20.2

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

A tad fuller, on off, Jamie Smith eases it to cover.

20.1

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

133.0kph

Angling in, on off, Jamie Smith blocks it to mid off.

End of over 201 run

ENG: 117/6CRR: 5.85

Ball

Gus Atkinson:0 (6)

Jamie Smith:1 (5)

Will O'Rourke:3.1-0-16-0

19.6

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, no run

131.0kph

Slightly shorter and slower too, outside off, Gus Atkinson leaves it alone.

19.5

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, no run

135.0kph

Back of a length, on off, Gus Atkinson stays back and punches it to cover.

19.4

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, no run

Too full, on off, Gus Atkinson digs it back to the bowler.

19.3

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, no run

135.0kph

Just behind good length, outside off, Gus Atkinson reads it well and shoulders arms at it.

19.2

Will O'Rourke to Gus Atkinson, no run

131.0kph

A touch fuller, on off, Gus Atkinson pushes it to the cover fielder.

19.1

Will O'Rourke to Jamie Smith, 1 run

131.0kph

Full and wide, Jamie Smith frees his arms and drives it a bit uppishly but in the backward point for a single.

End of over 190 run

ENG: 116/6CRR: 6.11

Ball

Gus Atkinson:0 (1)

Jamie Smith:0 (4)

Nathan Smith:9-2-48-1

18.6

Nathan Smith to Gus Atkinson, no run

130.0kph

Hard length, on off, Gus Atkinson punches it to cover.

10:21 AM IST A big, big relief for New Zealand, as they see the back of Root. New Zealand can’t do anything wrong. England can’t get anything right this morning. And that brilliant piece of fielding just sums it up how proactive the Kiwis have been. Gus Atkinson walks in at number 8.

18.5

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

133.0kph

OUT! JOE ROOT IS RUN OUT! A direct hit, and Root starts walking back to the pavilion. That is an incredible piece of fielding from Nicholls. Angling in, on off, Jamie Smith stays back and taps it to the vacant gully region. He calls for a quick single. Henry Nicholls runs forward to his right from gully. He slides to his right, loses his footing while collecting the ball, but unleashes an accurate throw in a motion, hitting the bullseye at the batter's end as Root tries to slide the bat in a hurry. The umpire sends it upstairs to have a check, but Root knows he is in trouble as he starts walking back. The replays show that Joe Root was short by a fair margin. England have lost their main batter, and they are in deep trouble now.

Jamie Smith

0 (4b 0x4 0x6)SR: 0.00

run out (Henry Nicholls)

10:22 AM IST Is Root run out? There's a direct hit at the batting end from Nicholls. Root already knows his fate but the on-field umpires have sent it upstairs for a review. And yes, he is caught short of his crease and gets the marching orders.

18.4

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

130.0kph

On the stumps, a tad fuller in length, Jamie Smith hops a bit and blocks it back to the bowler.

18.3

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

133.0kph

An appeal for LBW, but nothing from the umpire. It looked like it was going down leg. Hard length, on leg, shaping in sharply. Jamie Smith looks to block it but plays all over the line and wears it on his pads. An appeal but turned down. They go against the review.

18.2

Nathan Smith to Jamie Smith, no run

131.0kph

Angling in, on off, Jamie Smith covers his line and blocks it back to the bowler.

10:16 AM IST Nathan Smith gets the reward for his accuracy and New Zealand get one step closer. Emilio Gay announced himself with a couple of fifties in the first two Tests, but ends the debut Test series with just 139 runs to his name. Jamie Smith walks in at number 7.

18.1

Nathan Smith to Emilio Gay, no run

135.0kph

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Nathan Smith troubled Emilio Gay in his previous over, and he gets his man eventually. Hard length, just outside off, and it shapes away at the very last moment. Emilio Gay stays in his crease, and he tries to block this but gets squared up, dangling the bat away from his body. The ball kisses the outside edge of Emilio Gay's bat and goes back towards the keeper. Tom Blundell dives to his left and takes a good catch. England are 116/5, needing 257 more runs to win.

Emilio Gay

10 (17b 1x4 0x6)SR: 58.82

c Tom Blundell b Nathan Smith

End of over 186 runs

ENG: 116/4CRR: 6.44

Ball

Joe Root:18 (17)

Emilio Gay:10 (16)

Will O'Rourke:2.1-0-15-0

17.6

Will O'Rourke to Joe Root, 4 runs

130.0kph

FOUR! That's a poor delivery and it has been put away by Joe Root! Short and wide, Joe Root latches onto it and slaps it in the gap through cover for a boundary.

17.5

Will O'Rourke to Emilio Gay, 1 run

136.0kph

On the leg side, Emilio Gay tucks it through backward square leg for a run.

17.4

Will O'Rourke to Joe Root, 1 run

133.0kph

Bangs it short and outside off, Joe Root tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

17.3

Will O'Rourke to Joe Root, no run

133.0kph

Back of a length, outside off, Joe Root shoulders arms at it.

17.2

Will O'Rourke to Joe Root, no run

128.0kph

Hard length and outside off, shaping away, Joe Root leaves it alone.

17.1

Will O'Rourke to Joe Root, no run

133.0kph

A stifled appeal but turned down! Full and just outside off, shaping away, Joe Root looks to drive it but misses. That was way too close to the bat. An appeal for caught behind from behind the sticks but nothing from the umpire. The replay later shows that it had missed the bat by millimetres.

10:10 AM IST The cameras caught a glimpse inside the New Zealand dressing room before play, and Daryl Mitchell was bearing the marks of his century yesterday. Some nasty bruising on show, a reminder of just how gritty that knock was. Meanwhile, we are just a couple of overs in and the ball is doing a lot more as compared to yesterday. And it was a probing over from Smith, with some balls rising off a length and others keeping low. It's just not easy to bat out there.

End of over 170 run

ENG: 110/4CRR: 6.47

Ball

Emilio Gay:9 (15)

Joe Root:13 (12)

Nathan Smith:8-1-48-0

16.6

Nathan Smith to Emilio Gay, no run

128.0kph

On the stumps, fuller in length, Emilio Gay blocks it to mid on. Nathan Smith starts off with a maiden.

16.5

Nathan Smith to Emilio Gay, no run

130.0kph

Past the edge! Length and outside off, shaping away. Emilio Gay has a waft at it but misses.

16.4

Nathan Smith to Emilio Gay, no run

130.0kph

Back of a length, outside off, Emilio Gay shoulders arms at it.

16.3

Nathan Smith to Emilio Gay, no run

130.0kph

Beaten! Hard length, just outside off, shaping away a shade. Emilio Gay tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

16.2

Nathan Smith to Emilio Gay, no run

131.0kph

Oh! Back of a length, just outside off, and it absolutely lifts off the deck. Emilio Gay gets in two minds but decides to leave it at the end. The ball just goes past his eye line and the keeper leaps and does well to stop it.

16.1

Nathan Smith to Emilio Gay, no run

133.0kph

Good length, on middle and leg, Emilio Gay tucks it to mid-wicket.

10:05 AM IST Nathan Smith (7-0-48-0) will bowl from the opposite end.

End of over 167 runs

ENG: 110/4CRR: 6.88

Ball

Joe Root:13 (12)

Emilio Gay:9 (9)

Will O'Rourke:1.1-0-9-0

15.6

Will O'Rourke to Joe Root, 4 runs

FOUR! Streaky! A touch fuller and outside off, Joe Root gets down on one knee and looks to drive it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball flies over the slip cordon for a boundary.

15.5

Will O'Rourke to Emilio Gay, 1 run

133.0kph

On the leg side, on a length, Emilio Gay helps it to fine leg for a single.

15.4

Will O'Rourke to Emilio Gay, no run

130.0kph

A tad fuller, on off, Emilio Gay tries to block it but edges it to the gully fielder. Dot.

15.3

Will O'Rourke to Emilio Gay, no run

131.0kph

Just behind good length, on middle, Emilio Gay covers his line and blocks it back to the bowler.

15.2

Will O'Rourke to Emilio Gay, 2 runs

130.0kph

First runs for England on Day 5! Shaping away, on the pads, Emilio Gay flicks it through backward square leg for a brace.

15.1

Will O'Rourke to Emilio Gay, no run

Will O'Rourke starts with a length ball, on off, Emilio Gay stays back and blocks it solidly towards short cover.

10:02 AM IST Ready for the final day to get going at Trent Bridge. Several placards in love for Stokes can be seen in the crowd. Joe Root and Emilio Gay are the two overnight batters for England. Will O'Rourke will get things rolling with the ball. FYI, he got a cut on his finger on the fourth day, but seems to be fine for now. His index finger on his left hand is strapped up as well. Right, two slips in place. Here we go...

9:59 AM IST Tick-tock, tick-tock - Just about 5 minutes left, folks. New Zealand are indeed in command, but they will be eager to get Root out of their way as early as possible. A big first hour is on the cards. Let's see who trumps it. And yes, the succession question lingers in the background. Brook or Root for the captaincy? Plenty to chew on as we get underway.

9:37 AM IST Weatherman winks at the seamers - Reports coming from Nottingham reveal that it is set for a pleasant day. The temperatures are expected to touch 23 degrees Celsius under a largely cloudy sky with a bit of a breeze as well. The Black Caps won't mind that one bit.

9:21 AM IST Root, a splinter in Kiwi flesh - With the likes of Duckett, Brook, Bethell and of course, Stokes, gone, the target of 373 looks 5x bigger now. But the man standing between New Zealand and a series win is Joe Root. The longer Root bats, the more the Kiwis will feel frustrated. With 986 Test runs alone at Trent Bridge at an average of more than 65, including five hundreds and a couple of half tons, Root has the ability to bat on any kind of surface, there is no doubt about that. But with just one fifty-plus score so far, he has not had the best of series, and asking him to single-handedly save a Test is a tall order. Emilio Gay, at the other end, has had a hit-and-miss debut series too, and this is a big opportunity for him to prove his credentials. And with Jamie Smith, the last recognised batter to come, the question is how long they can hold on to the inevitable. So, 270 runs to win for England, with New Zealand six wickets away, the result might be predictable, but there is plenty of fight left. So hop along as the first ball of the final day is not that far.

9:18 AM IST A poetic finale - At least for Stokes, it was indeed one. His family and beloved ones were there in the stands, watching. Whether the timing of the announcement was deliberate or not, it reshaped the entire afternoon. The Test match continued, but everyone was watching Ben Stokes, every movement, every over. And when he came back, ten or so minutes before tea, about to start the 11th over of another marathon spell, the standing ovation began before he had even delivered a ball. And in his 252nd Test wicket, which was also his last scalp, when Foulkes nicked one through to second slip, Brook taking it cleanly, the ground erupted in a way that only a farewell can produce. The captain who detested the draw, lived up to his promise but it was reckless in the end from the Englishmen, especially the choice of shots. The 50-run opening stand did arrive in just 7.2 overs, with Duckett barely noticeable amid Stokes' opening dance. New Zealand were jumpy, spreading the field as if Stokes had a hundred to his name. But he fell in the end to an ungainly pull, but by then, the point had been made. But at 103/4 going into the final day, England are under extreme pressure to save this Test, with the fate inevitably locked in.

9:12 AM IST Can the Kiwis fly? Not realistically. But in the midst of all this, New Zealand are quietly confident they are just an arm's length away from creating a bit of history of their own. They are on the verge of winning their fourth Test series on English soil, having done so thrice before, in 1986, 1999 and 2021 (this was a 2-match series). Six wickets away from executing that, and on a completely worn Nottingham surface, they will fancy their chances, even with an inexperienced and depleted bowling attack. The reason New Zealand find themselves in such a commanding position is this very bowling unit, and the arrival of Zakary Foulkes as a concussion substitute for Tickner has proven to be a blessing in disguise. Three wickets in the first innings, and another three-wicket haul in the second already and counting. He has been the standout bowler for the tourists in this Test already. But before that, it was Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell’s brilliance with the bat, which laid the perfect foundation of New Zealand’s commanding position. Their bravery has set New Zealand on course for the first win in a series of three Tests or more by a visiting team in England since 2012.

9:03 AM IST The final act - Nothing in this world is permanent. Not the wins, not the losses, not the players who made you fall in love with the game. You have good days, you have bad days, back and forth. Everything runs its course. Time never stops, changes never pause. No, this is not a philosophy class, folks, relax. But we are sure that it has been a bit too much to sink in whatever’s happened in the last 24 hours or so. Sunday was one of those days that gave both a huge shock with a slice of a watershed moment. History arrived quietly at Belfast, where Ireland clean swept India in the shortest format, a moment that deserved more attention than it got. But before that, by around 14.25 GMT, Nottingham had taken over everything. A statement. A confirmation. One of the pinch-yourself moments. Ben Stokes will not play Test cricket again after this. And boom. Just like that, things got emotional in the English camp. A side already staring at a series defeat, on the final day of the final Test of the Stokes-McCullum era. Hello and welcome to day five at Trent Bridge.

9:00 AM IST ... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

6:41 PM IST 27 years' wait - About to come to an end? The last time New Zealand won a 3-match bilateral Test series in England, was way back in 1999, with the great Stephen Fleming leading the tourist side against Nasser Hussain's England. They did win a series in 2021, but that was a 2-match series, which went 1-0 in favour of the visitors. Additionally, with the series renamed as the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy in 2024, and England winning it in the opening edition, New Zealand have a great chance to level terms, especially away from home, as a fitting comeback. There is the World Test Championship cycle to play for as well. The stage is set. 6 wickets needed, opposition needing 270 more runs, not too many batters to come and the pitch competing nicely with Sudoku, making players guessing about the bounce. The weather is set to be fair as well. The odds are on New Zealand for the final day of the series. Will the hosts be able to provide a dramatic finale, giving their skipper a fitting farewell? The first ball on Day 5 is scheduled to be bowled at 10 am GMT, on Monday, 29th June, 2026, but our buildup will begin much earlier. So do tune in early. Until then, ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

6:25 PM IST Rubbing it in - To turn things around, England needed quick wickets on Day 4. They couldn't quite manage that and in addition, they found a stubborn resistance in Daryl Mitchell, who simply did not let them go past him, taking numerous blows on his body. The luck also did not go their way, with plenty of edges landing in no man's land. Then, when it was the hosts' turn to bat, they tried to put pressure on the Kiwis but the visitors maintained their steadfast approach in their bowling, even though they went for runs. They lost two key bowlers but did not lose hope and suddenly, from 50/0, they snared 4 wickets in the span of roughly 7 overs. Playing this match as a concussion substitute, Zakary Foulkes, picked up 3 wickets while the injured Ben Sears, who was off the field due to being hit on his bowling arm while batting, bounced out Ben Duckett in his opening and only over. In short, the tourists showed the hosts how to battle in alien conditions, especially when things are not going your way. Take a bow.

6:30 PM IST What was the message, lads? This question needs to be asked again and again to the English batting order. One could understand Ben Stokes' perspective, and one could also understand that the batters were trying to take the shine off the new ball, aiming to get the Kiwis off their lines and lengths. But in that process, they played one shot too many and have actually ended up gifting three wickets off the four to fall. Leave aside Ben Duckett's dismissal, which was a beauty, the rest were all thrown away. Additionally, with Ben Sears and Will O'Rourke off the park due to injuries, the English batters just needed to play positive cricket, rather than overattacking cricket. They have racked up runs at nearly 7 an over - but with 4 wickets down, only one team is looking likely to win from here on and it is the fielding side.

6:36 PM IST A brave warrior - Benjamin Andrew Stokes. A true fighter. Never shy of a contest. Be it single-handedly destroying oppositions with the bat, or just playing out countless balls without scoring a run, keeping the opponent at bay, or providing crucial breakthroughs time and time again with the ball, through rough and long spells in testing conditions - he has done it all. On Day 4 too, through two long spells, he gave it his all, but unfortunately for him, the Kiwis had the answers. Then, with the bat, he tried to spring a surprise, coming out to open, trying to go out with a bang and succeeded for a short while. The skipper flirted with his luck but played along, racing to 30 (19) in a stand of 50 (43), before the 20th ball got him. More than the runs, it was the approach which thrilled the crowd, as Stokes sent out a message that he is not going to back down, however big the target might be. He ends his last knock in thrilling fashion, though his fans would have wanted him to score a Test ton.

6:43 PM IST Much-needed break! End of a bizarre mini session. England have caused self-inflicting damage by some outrageous shots and the result of that is the Black Caps have one foot on the door to victory. The target is a very steep one, a mammoth 373, but the hosts have chosen to end Ben Stokes' career with a Bazballing tribute. While the runs have come at a brisk pace, unfortunately, they have also lost a cluster of wickets.

End of over 158 runs

ENG: 103/4CRR: 6.87

Ball

Joe Root:9 (11)

Emilio Gay:6 (4)

Mitchell Santner:1-0-7-0

14.6

Mitchell Santner to Joe Root, no run

Full and around off, the arm ball, coming in, Joe Root defends solidly to end a panic-stricken second half of the day. STUMPS ON DAY 4, ENGLAND ARE 103/4 CHASING 373!

14.5

Mitchell Santner to Emilio Gay, 1 run

Down the leg side, EG misses his clip. The ball goes off his pads past a diving Tom Latham at leg slip, towards deep fine leg. A single taken, leg bye signalled.

14.4

Mitchell Santner to Emilio Gay, 2 runs

EDGED, SAFE! Landed outside off, Emilio lunges to defend, but the ball pitches, straightens and takes the outside edge. However, it goes wide of slip, to his left, towards deep third. Two runs taken.

14.3

Mitchell Santner to Emilio Gay, 4 runs

FOUR! Gets off the pair with a better conventional shot. Fractionally short, outside off, a touch wide as well, Gay goes back and punches it through the covers for a boundary. 100 UP FOR ENGLAND, but with 4 wickets down, needing another 273 for the win.

100 Runs for the teamEngland

Runs: 100/4

14.2

Mitchell Santner to Emilio Gay, no run

Ambitious shot on the very first ball. What is happening? Landed outside off, Emilio Gay goes for the reverse sweep but misses. The Kiwis appeal for the catch but it is turned down. Santner wants the review to be taken but Blundell advices him to go against it.

14.1

Mitchell Santner to Joe Root, 1 run

83.0kph

Full, on middle, Joe Root flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

5:28 PM IST Should be a nightwatchman in now. No, it is the original opener - Emilio Gay - who has been pushed down at number 6, replacing Ben Duckett. To make matters worse, Gay is on a pair as well. Mitchell Santner comes into bowl what could be the final over of the day.

End of over 143 runs

ENG: 95/4CRR: 6.79

Ball

Ben Duckett:36 (42)

Joe Root:8 (9)

Ben Sears:1-0-3-1

13.6

Ben Sears to Ben Duckett, no run

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Another nail in the coffin with Stumps still 7 minutes away. Sears strikes in his very first over. That bowling arm is doing well alright. On a good length, outside off, Ben Duckett looks to push at it. But the ball lands and suddenly rears up. Duckett is unable to adjust as he just about fends at it. The ball takes the shoulder of the bat and flies to fly slip, where Daryl Mitchell pockets the catch comfortably. Duckett looks at where the ball landed, before trudging off. The Kiwis continue to celebrate, with ENGLAND PACING FROM 50/0 TO 95/4! 278 runs still needed for the win. Decent knock by Duckett.

Ben Duckett

36 (42b 6x4 0x6)SR: 85.71

c Daryl Mitchell b Ben Sears

13.5

Ben Sears to Joe Root, 1 run

Landed outside off, Root gets across and helps it through mid-wicket for one.

13.4

Ben Sears to Joe Root, no run

130.0kph

Full and straight, Joe Root pushes it towards mid on.

13.3

Ben Sears to Ben Duckett, 1 run

131.0kph

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a run. 279 more needed to win.

13.2

Ben Sears to Joe Root, 1 run

125.0kph

On a good length, worked through mid-wicket for a single.

13.1

Ben Sears to Joe Root, no run

On a length, outside off, left alone.

5:22 PM IST Finally, a bowling change. Ben Sears will test his bowling arm, with around 10 minutes left for Stumps. Meanwhile, another Test match comes to a close. The first Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka has ended within 4 days, with West Indies winning by a massive margin of an INNINGS AND 217 RUNS. After Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase's massive 401-run stand helped the hosts gain a lead of 318, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales blew the Lankans away in their second innings for 101, sharing 7 wickets between them. That is some serious statement.

End of over 137 runs

ENG: 92/3CRR: 7.08

Ball

Ben Duckett:35 (40)

Joe Root:6 (5)

Nathan Smith:7-0-48-0

12.6

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

Slower ball, on a length, outside off, Ben is early into his pull and misses.

12.5

Nathan Smith to Joe Root, 1 run

On a length, outside off, coming in, Root works it through mid-wicket and immediately calls for the single. The fielder at short mid-wicket quickly gets across to his right, dives and throws the ball to the keeper, but because Duckett responded immediately to Root's call, the single was completed easily.

12.4

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 1 run

Short and outside off, Ben cuts it through point for a run.

12.3

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

On a length, outside off, Duckett defends solidly.

12.2

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 4 runs

131.0kph

FOUR! There comes the scoop again. On a length, outside off, Ben Duckett gets across and scoops it over the keeper, for his 6th boundary.

12.1

Nathan Smith to Joe Root, 1 run

On a length, outside off, Joe Root pushes it through the covers for a single.

5:16 PM IST Time for a bowling change, one guesses? Both, Foulkes and Smuth have bowled nearly 6 overs each in this spell. Around 15 minutes left for the close. Smith continues though.

End of over 128 runs

ENG: 85/3CRR: 7.08

Ball

Ben Duckett:30 (36)

Joe Root:4 (3)

Zakary Foulkes:5.5-0-42-3

11.6

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

127.0kph

Full and around off, Ben Duckett defends.

11.5

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

128.0kph

On middle and off, BD works it towards mid-wicket.

11.4

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

127.0kph

On a good length, outside off, Ben goes back to punch it through the off side again but plays a bit too early and gets a bottom edge down the pitch.

11.3

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, 4 runs

125.0kph

FOUR! Better shot. On a length, outside off, Ben Duckett stands his ground and punches it through the covers. The ball races to the fence.

11.2

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

128.0kph

Landed outside off, Duckett looks to punch but misses.

11.1

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, 4 runs

131.0kph

FOUR! More innovation. Are England trying to get Tom Blundell go back to his original keeping position? They are continuously flirting with danger. On a length, outside off, Ben Duckett jumps across his stumps and scoops it over the keeper to the fine leg fence!

End of over 115 runs

ENG: 77/3CRR: 7.00

Ball

Joe Root:4 (3)

Ben Duckett:22 (30)

Nathan Smith:6-0-41-0

10.6

Nathan Smith to Joe Root, no run

Outside off, watchfully defended this time.

10.5

Nathan Smith to Joe Root, 4 runs

131.0kph

FOUR! Great shot, but not sure it is needed at this stage. Full and around off, Joe Root goes down on a knee, brings out the reverse and ramps it over gully to the deep third fence! England need another 296 runs to win.

10.4

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 1 run

On middle, Ben Duckett pushes it through mid on for a single.

10.3

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

131.0kph

Full, around off, pushed towards cover.

10.2

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

On a good length, outside off, Ben Duckett pushes it towards backward point.

10.1

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

On a length, outside off, pushed towards cover.

End of over 1010 runs

ENG: 72/3CRR: 7.20

Ball

Joe Root:0 (1)

Ben Duckett:21 (26)

Zakary Foulkes:4.5-0-34-3

9.6

Zakary Foulkes to Joe Root, no run

On a length, outside off, Joe Root steers it straight to gully. 10 from the over, but a wicket as well.

5:06 PM IST Joe Root walks in next, at number 5, replacing Harry Brook, with around 25 minutes left in the day's play.

9.5

Zakary Foulkes to Harry Brook, no run

OUT! CAUGHT! A bit of madness, to be brutally honest. There is a Test match to be won here but the batters are simply throwing it away. On a length, around middle and leg, Harry Brook gets across and scoops it towards long leg. He has not got enough on it and Nathan Smith is patiently waiting for the ball to land in his lap. He takes it comfortably, on one knee and New Zealand are cock-a-hoop. Three wickets have fallen and all three have gone to Zakary Foulkes! The crowd has gone woefully silent and it is pretty understandable that no one is able to understand what is going on. ENGLAND HAVE LOST 3/22 IN THE SPAN OF 16 BALLS!

Harry Brook

21 (9b 3x4 1x6)SR: 233.33

c Nathan Smith b Zakary Foulkes

9.4

Zakary Foulkes to Harry Brook, 4 runs

MISFIELD, FOUR! Short and outside off, Brook slaps it through cover. Rachin Ravindra races to his right and dives to stop the ball, but fumbles while picking it up. He returns the ball but the fielding effort is referred upstairs. The replays show that the ball went off his hand into the ropes and a boundary is signalled.

9.3

Zakary Foulkes to Harry Brook, no run

125.0kph

Outside off, dabbed to short third.

9.2

Zakary Foulkes to Harry Brook, 2 runs

127.0kph

Dropped short, around off, Brook heaves this over mid-wicket and gets a couple.

9.1

Zakary Foulkes to Harry Brook, 4 runs

125.0kph

FOUR! England are going to go down in flames. On a length, outside off, Harry Brook stays leg side of the ball and lofts it cleanly over cover, one bounce and into the fence.

7:05 PM IST Another shocker. This time from Belfast. After Australia stunned the ODI champions in the Women's World Cup at Lord's, Ireland have now shocked the Indian Men's side, defending 154 by a solitary run in the second T20I! After Harry Tector's 53 had taken the hosts to a competitive 154/8, their bowling once again came to the fore, reducing India to 35/4 inside the Powerplay. Tilak Varma played a lone hand with his 55 and rain also intervened, but the visitors simply could not manage to shake off the Irish bowlers. Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard once again shone, this time with 3 wickets apiece. By virtue of this win, Ireland win the 2-match T20I series 2-0!

End of over 912 runs

ENG: 62/2CRR: 6.89

Ball

Ben Duckett:21 (26)

Harry Brook:11 (4)

Nathan Smith:5-0-36-0

8.6

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

On a good length, outside off, Ben Duckett defends it to the off side. 12 from the over!

8.5

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, 1 run

131.0kph

On a good length, outside off, HB works it towards long on for a single.

8.4

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, no run

Outside off, on a length, Harry steers it straight to point.

8.3

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, 4 runs

130.0kph

FOUR! Oh my. T20 mode now. On a length, around leg stump, Brook gets across and despite being off balance, laps it past the keeper to the fine leg fence!

8.2

Nathan Smith to Harry Brook, 6 runs

SIX! CLUBBED! A Brook special. On a length, around middle, Harry Brook gets across and whips it powerfully over backward square leg. So sweet is the timing that the ball flies all the way! 316 more needed to win now.

8.1

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 1 run

133.0kph

Landed outside off, Ben Duckett punches it through point for a single.

4:55 PM IST All of a sudden, the middle order is in the middle. Harry Brook walks in next, at number 4, replacing Jacob Bethell.

End of over 84 runs

ENG: 50/2CRR: 6.25

Ball

Jacob Bethell:0 (4)

Ben Duckett:20 (24)

Zakary Foulkes:3.5-0-24-2

7.6

Zakary Foulkes to Jacob Bethell, no run

125.0kph

OUT! LBW! Just like that, New Zealand have taken 2 wickets in an over. Massive misjudgement from Bethell. On a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell just planted his front foot across and shouldered arms. But he misread the line, or the length - one of the two, or both, perhaps. Because it was neither short to be left on length, nor wide enough to be left on line. It just came back in and hit him on the pads, making him a dead duck. New Zealand appealed and up went the umpire's finger. Bethell knew he was a goner, but still, challenged the decision. Ball Tracking shows it to be crashing into middle stump. A 4-ball duck for Bethell and from 50/0, ENGLAND ARE NOW 50/2!

Jacob Bethell

0 (4b 0x4 0x6)SR: 0.00

lbw b Zakary Foulkes

7.5

Zakary Foulkes to Jacob Bethell, no run

127.0kph

Fuller, on middle, driven towards mid on.

7.4

Zakary Foulkes to Jacob Bethell, no run

127.0kph

On a good length, outside off, punched towards point.

7.3

Zakary Foulkes to Jacob Bethell, no run

128.0kph

On middle and leg, worked towards short mid-wicket.

4:50 PM IST Jacob Bethell walks in next, at number 3, replacing his skipper, Ben Stokes.

7.2

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, no run

125.0kph

OUT! CAUGHT! The fun ends. There is hush at Trent Bridge, before the crowd rises as one for its beloved son. One last time, in international cricket. Going out with a bang. The Kiwi cricketers rush towards Stokes, and congratulate him, patting him on the back as well. He has gone out true to his nature, as a fierce warrior, competing and fighting till the very end. Coming to the ball, it was on a length, around middle and leg. Ben Stokes backed away once again, aiming to slog it out of the park. But he got it off the inner half of the bat and the ball flew towards mid on. Daryl Mitchell over there judged the catch nicely, going low to take it to his front. Stokes walks off disappointed, but it was a highly entertaining innings. ENGLAND ARE 50/1 AND NEED ANOTHER 323 RUNS TO WIN.

Ben Stokes

30 (20b 2x4 2x6)SR: 150.00

c Daryl Mitchell b Zakary Foulkes

7.1

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, 4 runs

125.0kph

FOUR! CLOBBERED! On a length, outside off, Ben Stokes backs away to the leg side and hammers it uppishly, to the left of Mitchell Santner at cover, to the fence behind! 50-RUN STAND IS UP, IN JUST 43 BALLS!

50 Runs for the teamEngland

Runs: 50/0

7:09 PM IST AUSTRALIA KNOCK INDIA OUT OF THE 2026 WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP. That's the big news coming out of the World Cup. Batting first, India posted a mammoth 172/4, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur leading from the front, making a fine 56. But Australia, despite being under pressure early, being 68/3 at one stage, revived themselves with a blistering 100-run stand between Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner, romping home with 6 wickets and an over to spare! So England, West Indies, Australia and South Africa are the four semifinalists!

End of over 710 runs

ENG: 46/0CRR: 6.57

Ball

Ben Duckett:20 (24)

Ben Stokes:26 (18)

Nathan Smith:4-0-24-0

6.6

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 4 runs

135.0kph

FOUR! PRISTINE! Overpitched, on middle and off, Ben Duckett drives it straight back with power. The bowler tries to get down to his left to stop the ball but it bursts through his hand and races to the fence behind. 327 more needed to win.

6.5

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

135.0kph

On a length, outside off, Ben reaches out and drives, but finds cover.

6.4

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 2 runs

133.0kph

Chipped over the leg side. Full and straight, Duckett is slightly early into his flick and chips it over mid-wicket running back. The ball lands safely and the batters return for a couple.

6.3

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

133.0kph

On a length, outside off, pushed into the off side.

6.2

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, 1 run

138.0kph

Full and straight, Ben Stokes pushes it down the ground, back past the bowler through mid on, for a single. The stand moves to 40 (38).

6.1

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 3 runs

131.0kph

On a length, outside off, Ben Duckett punches it on the up through the covers. The ball races away but Mitchell Santner puts in an excellent effort to save runs for his side. He saves a run, with the batters taking three.

End of over 66 runs

ENG: 36/0CRR: 6.00

Ball

Ben Duckett:11 (19)

Ben Stokes:25 (17)

Zakary Foulkes:2.5-0-20-0

5.6

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, 1 run

127.0kph

On a length, outside off, BD reaches out and punches it through cover-point for a run.

5.5

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

LBW appeal, but turned down. On a length, but a bit too straight. Ben looks to whip it away but misses and is hit on the pads. Foulkes appeals but it is not given any regard. Probably going down the leg side.

5.4

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

128.0kph

On a length, around middle and off, Duckett defends this down the pitch.

5.3

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, 1 run

127.0kph

Outside off, driven through the covers for a single.

5.2

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, no run

125.0kph

On a length, outside off, Stokes plays inside the line and is beaten.

5.1

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, 4 runs

128.0kph

EDGED, FOUR! Stokes is flirting with his luck here. On a length, outside off, Ben Stokes looks to punch it through the off side. But the ball generates extra bounce, takes the outside edge, cramps him for room and flies over a leaping Daryl Mitchell at fly slip, to the deep third fence! 339 more needed for a win now.

End of over 57 runs

ENG: 30/0CRR: 6.00

Ball

Ben Duckett:10 (16)

Ben Stokes:20 (14)

Nathan Smith:3-0-14-0

4.6

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

133.0kph

Landed outside off, pushed towards cover.

4.5

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

131.0kph

On a length, outside off, Ben Duckett pushes it towards cover.

4.4

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, 1 run

133.0kph

Full, around off, Stokes comes forward and pushes this towards long on for a single. The stand moves to 30 (28)!

4.3

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, no run

135.0kph

On a length, outside off, pushed to the off side.

4.2

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, 6 runs

135.0kph

SIX! BRUTAL! White clothing but playing white-ball cricket. Entertainment at its finest. On a length, around off and middle, Ben Stokes gets across and with a flick of the wrists, scoops it over backward square leg! England need another 344 runs to win.

4.1

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, no run

133.0kph

Landed outside off, defended to the off side.

End of over 45 runs

ENG: 23/0CRR: 5.75

Ball

Ben Duckett:10 (14)

Ben Stokes:13 (10)

Zakary Foulkes:1.5-0-14-0

3.6

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

131.0kph

Outside off, on a length, punched straight to cover.

3.5

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

128.0kph

Outside off, pushed towards mid on.

3.4

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, 4 runs

125.0kph

EDGED, FOUR! Luck for Duckett now. On a length, outside off, Ben Duckett looks to play, but then decides to let the ball go. The indecision nearly costs him, as the ball comes back in, takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps, to the fine leg fence!

3.3

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

128.0kph

Outside off, pushed to the off side.

3.2

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, 1 run

123.0kph

JUST OVER! Luck for Stokes. On a good length, outside off, Stokes looks to defend. But the ball rears up suddenly, takes him by surprise and catches him on the glove. The ball flies behind, but the keeper, Tom Blundell, standing upto the stumps, is unable to hold on. He puts his right glove up for the catch but the ball bursts though and flies over a leaping short third! Single taken.

3.1

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, no run

125.0kph

On a length, outside off, punched towards cover.

4:30 PM IST Gamble of spin, perhaps? Nope. Foulkes continues. Meanwhile, Ben Sears is getting ready to come back onto the field.

End of over 35 runs

ENG: 18/0CRR: 6.00

Ball

Ben Duckett:6 (10)

Ben Stokes:12 (8)

Nathan Smith:2-0-7-0

2.6

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

133.0kph

Outside off, pushed towards cover.

2.5

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 4 runs

FOUR! A conventional boundary for a change. On a length, but a bit too straight, angling down the leg side. Ben Duckett gets across and just works it through square leg for a boundary.

2.4

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

135.0kph

Landed outside off, Ben punches it towards cover.

2.3

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

Fuller, outside off, pace taken off, Ben Duckett defends it solidly.

2.2

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, no run

On a length, outside off, pushed into the off side.

2.1

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, 1 run

On a length, outside off, extra bounce, Ben Stokes punches it on the rise through the covers for a single. 359 more needed for the win.

End of over 211 runs

ENG: 13/0CRR: 6.50

Ball

Ben Stokes:11 (7)

Ben Duckett:2 (5)

Zakary Foulkes:0.5-0-9-0

1.6

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, 1 run

On middle and leg, Ben gets across and goes for the paddle. The ball goes off the toe end of his bat to one of the substitutes, Kyle Jamieson, at deep backward square leg. A single taken. 11 from the over!

1.5

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, 6 runs

SIX! BOSH! Unmissable cricketing action right now. Ben Stokes wants to go out like a hero. And an action hero for that. A length ball, outside off, Ben Stokes jumps out of his crease and smashes it straight back over the bowler's head, almost near the sightscreen!

1.4

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, 1 run

Full and straight, Duckett gets across and works it through mid-wicket for a run.

1.3

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Duckett, no run

On a good length, around middle, a touch short, Ben Duckett works it towards the leg side.

1.2

Zakary Foulkes to Ben Stokes, 1 run

125.0kph

On middle and leg, Stokes works it through mid on for a single.

4:21 PM IST Bad signs for New Zealand. WILL O'ROURKE IS GOING OFF THE FIELD. Already, Ben Sears is off the field. So that's two bowlers down for now. Zakary Foulkes will complete the pending over.

4:19 PM IST A delay again. Will O'Rourke needs some treatment on his right index finger and the physio is out in the middle.

1.1

Will O'Rourke to Ben Stokes, 2 runs

DROPPED! Full, outside off, Ben Stokes hammers it straight back. The bowler tries to protect himself, with the right hand coming up as reflex action. The ball bursts through his right hand and lobs up towards mid off. The fielder leaps but the ball just goes over his hand! He tracks it down and keeps the batters to a couple. 'Absolute bonkers cricket right now,' chirps Mark Butcher on air.

4:17 PM IST Entertaining opening over. Ben Sears is not on the field, with Will Young on as a substitute. Will O'Rourke will share the new ball.

End of over 12 runs

ENG: 2/0CRR: 2.00

Ball

Ben Stokes:1 (3)

Ben Duckett:1 (3)

Nathan Smith:1-0-2-0

0.6

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, 1 run

Outside off, normally guided through point for a single to get off the mark.

0.5

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, no run

140.0kph

REVERSE LAP! My word, is that Rishabh Pant? Full, outside off, Stokes goes for a reverse ramp and misses it completely, going off balance as well. The ball hits his pads and the bowler appeals for LBW but it is not given, as the impact looked well outside off.

0.4

Nathan Smith to Ben Stokes, no run

135.0kph

Oh my. The intentions are pretty clear. On a length, outside off, Ben Stokes backs away and hammers it straight to Mitchell Santner at cover! The bowler smiles.

0.3

Nathan Smith to Ben Duckett, 1 run

IN THE AIR... SAFE! On a length, around middle and off, Duckett is early into his flick and chips it uppishly. Luckily for him, it flies over mid-wicket and the batters get a single.

0.2