Rachin Ravindra stars as Day 3 swings New Zealand's way in series decider
Rachin Ravindra's unbeaten 60 guided New Zealand to a 204-run lead over England on Day 3 of the series decider at Trent Bridge, putting the Black Caps firmly in control heading into Day 4.
Rachin Ravindra produced a composed unbeaten half-century as New Zealand tightened their grip on the series-deciding third Test against England, extending their overall lead to 204 runs at stumps on Day 3 at Trent Bridge.
After securing an 84-run first-innings advantage, New Zealand overcame an early wobble in their second innings to reach 120 for 3, with Ravindra unbeaten on 60 and Daryl Mitchell on 35. The pair shared an unbroken 69-run stand for the fourth wicket to wrest back control after England had threatened to make early inroads.
The visitors had looked vulnerable after losing both openers cheaply. Jofra Archer struck with the final ball of the opening over, trapping Tom Latham lbw for four, before unsettling Devon Conway with a sharp bouncer that struck his helmet and then forcing the left-hander to edge to first slip for five. Archer's fiery opening burst yielded figures of 2 for 12 from five overs.
ENG vs NZ, 3rd Test Day 3: Highlights | Scorecard
England's hopes of ripping through the middle order received another boost when Gus Atkinson removed Henry Nicholls for 16, with Harry Brook taking a sharp catch in the slips. However, Ravindra absorbed the pressure superbly, combining caution with timely strokeplay as he and Mitchell frustrated the hosts through the final session.
"Once you get your partnership growing the changing room becomes a bit more relaxed," New Zealand all-rounder Zak Foulkes said after play.
"We always knew that new-ball period was going to be tough work, but credit to Rachin and Daryl. They played really well after that and hopefully they can carry on in the morning."
Earlier, New Zealand's bowlers wrapped up England's first innings for 354 after the hosts resumed on 223 for 2. Nathan Smith starred with 4 for 91 to take his series tally to 14 wickets, while Will O'Rourke chipped in with 3 for 53 on a surface that began offering increasing assistance to the seamers.
With Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson unavailable, New Zealand's attack stepped up impressively. Foulkes, who replaced Blair Tickner after the pacer suffered a concussion following a blow from Archer, returned figures of 3 for 35, dismissing both Ben Stokes and Brook. Brook's counter-attacking 58 briefly threatened to swing momentum England's way before the visitors wrapped up the innings.
England spinner Shoaib Bashir insisted the hosts were still confident of chasing whatever target New Zealand set, despite the wicket beginning to show signs of wear.
"I wouldn't put a number on it, especially with this England side," Bashir said. "We've got unbelievable cricketers in this team, but we want it to be as little as possible with this wicket deteriorating. The series is on the line and we're going to try to win it."
With Ravindra and Mitchell well set and the pitch expected to become increasingly difficult to bat on, New Zealand will aim to stretch their advantage beyond England's comfort zone on Day 4 before unleashing their bowlers in pursuit of a series-clinching victory.
Rachin Ravindra produced a composed unbeaten half-century as New Zealand tightened their grip on the series-deciding third Test against England, extending their overall lead to 204 runs at stumps on Day 3 at Trent Bridge.
After securing an 84-run first-innings advantage, New Zealand overcame an early wobble in their second innings to reach 120 for 3, with Ravindra unbeaten on 60 and Daryl Mitchell on 35. The pair shared an unbroken 69-run stand for the fourth wicket to wrest back control after England had threatened to make early inroads.
The visitors had looked vulnerable after losing both openers cheaply. Jofra Archer struck with the final ball of the opening over, trapping Tom Latham lbw for four, before unsettling Devon Conway with a sharp bouncer that struck his helmet and then forcing the left-hander to edge to first slip for five. Archer's fiery opening burst yielded figures of 2 for 12 from five overs.
ENG vs NZ, 3rd Test Day 3: Highlights | Scorecard
England's hopes of ripping through the middle order received another boost when Gus Atkinson removed Henry Nicholls for 16, with Harry Brook taking a sharp catch in the slips. However, Ravindra absorbed the pressure superbly, combining caution with timely strokeplay as he and Mitchell frustrated the hosts through the final session.
"Once you get your partnership growing the changing room becomes a bit more relaxed," New Zealand all-rounder Zak Foulkes said after play.
"We always knew that new-ball period was going to be tough work, but credit to Rachin and Daryl. They played really well after that and hopefully they can carry on in the morning."
Earlier, New Zealand's bowlers wrapped up England's first innings for 354 after the hosts resumed on 223 for 2. Nathan Smith starred with 4 for 91 to take his series tally to 14 wickets, while Will O'Rourke chipped in with 3 for 53 on a surface that began offering increasing assistance to the seamers.
With Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson unavailable, New Zealand's attack stepped up impressively. Foulkes, who replaced Blair Tickner after the pacer suffered a concussion following a blow from Archer, returned figures of 3 for 35, dismissing both Ben Stokes and Brook. Brook's counter-attacking 58 briefly threatened to swing momentum England's way before the visitors wrapped up the innings.
England spinner Shoaib Bashir insisted the hosts were still confident of chasing whatever target New Zealand set, despite the wicket beginning to show signs of wear.
"I wouldn't put a number on it, especially with this England side," Bashir said. "We've got unbelievable cricketers in this team, but we want it to be as little as possible with this wicket deteriorating. The series is on the line and we're going to try to win it."
With Ravindra and Mitchell well set and the pitch expected to become increasingly difficult to bat on, New Zealand will aim to stretch their advantage beyond England's comfort zone on Day 4 before unleashing their bowlers in pursuit of a series-clinching victory.
