Jack Leach completed a career-best 10-wicket match at Headingley to set England on course for another fearless run chase and a series whitewash over New Zealand.
The left-arm spinner followed up his first-innings haul of 5-100 with even better figures of 5-66 as New Zealand set their hosts a target of 296 on day four of the third and final Test.
Ordinarily that would look like a huge ask but, having chased down 277 at Lord’s and 299 at Trent Bridge, England went about their business with a flourish to reach 183-2 at stumps, to set things up for a thrilling day five.
Ollie Pope stroked a fluent 81 not out as he continued to grow into his new role at No 3 and Joe Root was at his unflappable best with an unbeaten 55. A sense of inevitability settled over proceedings as they piled on 132 together, leaving an apparent victory lap today.
Yorkshire have thrown their doors open to spectators for free, replicating Nottinghamshire’s successful initiative last week, and will hope to fill the stands for a triumphant conclusion to a gripping month-long contest.
Follow all the latest coverage of today’s match with our live blog below:
England on course for New Zealand series whitewash after Jack Leach career-best figures
The left-arm spinner followed up his first-innings haul of 5-100 with even better figures of 5-66 as New Zealand set their hosts a target of 296 on day four of the third and final Test.
Ordinarily that would look like a huge ask but, having chased down 277 at Lord’s and 299 at Trent Bridge, England went about their business with a flourish to reach 183-2 at stumps.
Ollie Pope stroked a fluent 81 not out as he continued to grow into his new role at No 3 and Joe Root was at his unflappable best with an unbeaten 55. A sense of inevitability settled over proceedings as they piled on 132 together, leaving an apparent victory lap on day five.
Yorkshire have thrown their doors open to spectators for free, replicating Nottinghamshire’s successful initiative last week, and will hope to fill the stands for a triumphant conclusion to a gripping month-long contest.
England vs New Zealand
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the final day of the third Test between England and New Zealand at Headingley.
Another topsy-turvy Test has come down to the final day as England look to complete a third successive impressive fourth-innings run chase and seal a series clean sweep.
Day four was a rollercoaster as a wicketless morning session put New Zealand in control but England hit back after lunch to be left 296 to win, before Ollie Pope and Joe Root shone in the chase – an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 132 leaving another 113 runs needed for victory with eight wickets in hand.
Stick with us as we run you through all the final-day action for Headingley.
