England’s seamers chipped away at the New Zealand batting on the opening day of the third and final Test in Hamilton.
Ben Stokes’ decision to field first looked to have been a misjudgement as Tom Latham and Will Young added 105 for the first wicket.
But England were excellent in scorching conditions across the afternoon and evening sessions to leave the home side 315-9 at the close.
Matthew Potts justified his inclusion ahead of Chris Woakes with 3-75. Gus Atkinson took three of his own and went past 50 wickets in his 11th Test.
Captain Latham made 63, Kane Williamson 44 and Young 42 in a New Zealand batting display again hampered by soft dismissals. At one stage, the home side lost five wickets for 70 runs.
At 231-7, England were eyeing the chance to bat before the close, only to be held up by Mitchell Santner.
The highlight of England’s day was still to come. From Matt Henry’s hook at Stokes, fine-leg Harry Brook tip-toed around the boundary, relaying the ball to himself and making a devilishly difficult catch look effortless.
The retiring Tim Southee was given a guard of honour and hoiked three sixes in his 23, but a swipe too many left last-man Will O’Rourke with Santner, who went to 50 by hitting Potts’ final ball of the day for six.
England, already series winners after victories in Christchurch and Wellington, are looking to become only the third visiting side to take a 3-0 clean sweep in this country. (BBC sport)
Scores:
New Zealand 315-9: Latham 63, Santner 50*; Atkinson 3-55, Potts 3-75
