England ended the third day on a high as they take a 231-run lead after a frustrating second day at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. England is currently at top finishing the day at 202 for three in 66 overs.
New Zealand did well enough to put 278 on the board after reeling at 36 for five. England bowlers lack penetration as the lower-middle order scored runs with ease. While Anderson and Broad have picked their wickets at an average of 18.44 in this series, the other English bowlers have picked their wickets at 198.
However, England received an early blow when Alastair Cook departed for the fourth time consecutively to speedster Trent Boult. The southpaw edged one to the keeper BJ Watling — to leave the team reeling at 24 for one.
James Vince and Mark Stoneman then paired up to push the host on the backfoot with a 123-run stand as the lead went past 150.
Meanwhile, both the batsmen threw their wickets as they chased wide deliveries. While Stoneman (60) fell to Southee, Vince departed at 76. However, Stoneman had his share of luck when Ross Taylor dropped him twice.
Moreover, the Three Lions skipper Joe Root is batting on 30 off 66 balls as Dawid Malan faced 38 runs for his 19 runs.
Both Malan and Root looked assured at the crease and took England past the 200-run mark to help the side finish ahead of the hosts.
Earlier in the day, Broad’s six wickets haul helped England contain the Kiwis to 278.
However, the damage was done by then. Tim Southee attacked as the hosts collected 27 runs in five overs before England took the new ball. Neil Wagner and Boult, though, scored 39 for the final wicket – to frustrate the visitors as they got all out for 278.
Meanwhile, England will be well aware they need a big total on the board to put the Black Caps under pressure with the pitch easing out quite considerably.
The form of the bowlers will also keep the think tank on their toes as Broad and Anderson only managed to make a mark.
Brief scores: England 307 & 202/3 (James Vince 76, Mark Stoneman 60; Trent Boult 2-38) lead New Zealand 278 (BJ Watling 85; Stuart Broad 6-54) by 231 runs.
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