New Zealand vs England 1st Test Day 4 Highlights: Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell Shine as England Beat New Zealand By 8 Wickets

Welcome back for the second session of Day 4, and England's chase with the bat! The umpires are already out to the middle and the players of New Zealand take their respective fielding positions. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett are the two openers for England, in the pursuit to chase a modest 104 runs. Tim Southee to kick off the proceedings with the new ball in hand. And here we go...

... FOURTH INNINGS ...

Highlighting the bowling performance, Brydon Carse was exceptional, claiming a spectacular 6-wicket haul that proved pivotal in dismantling New Zealand's batting order. Meanwhile, Chris Woakes supported effectively and claimed 3 wickets of his own. They have set up England beautifully for a likely win as they will be out to chase down a modest target. But, cricket is a game of uncertainties and New Zealand are not going away without a fight here. Stay tuned for England's reply in a short while after the Lunch break.

Following Williamson’s exit, Daryl Mitchell displayed commendable resilience, but the rest of the batting lineup fell under pressure. England's short ball ploy at the start of the fourth day's play was dashed by the two Kiwi batters. It was Brydon Carse who struck a double whammy but Mitchell still stayed glued to the crease. In walked Willam O'Rourke and he too, frustrated the English bowlers for a fair bit of time. Bashir's spin was summoned as well but he too, was negotiated with patience and watchfulness. Despite the tenth wicket partnership lasting for 78 balls and adding 45 runs, New Zealand are still way behind the eight ball. With a slender lead of only 103 runs, it just seems a matter of time before the English side to secure victory in this Test match.

Appreciations for the way Daryl Mitchell stood out firmly and frustrated the English bowlers for quite a fair bit. But, what an outstanding exhibition of bowling by the English bowlers, who seized control right from the outset. New Zealand openers struggled to establish any rhythm, with early dismissals setting the tone for the innings. Kane Williamson emerged as the lone warrior but eventually fell on 61. His achievement of becoming the first New Zealander to reach 9000 Test runs was a notable milestone, although his dismissal was a significant blow to New Zealand's hopes.

OUT! TAKEN! Daryl Mitchell finally departs at 84 as Chris Woakes completes the catch at long off. On a length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to loft it but gets it off the toe end of his bat. The ball carries towards long on. Chris Woakes runs forward and completes the catch. The umpires check for a possible no ball and replays show that it was a legal delivery. New Zealand end their innings at 254 as England now need 104 runs to win this game!

Back of a length, outside off, William O'Rourke eases it to third man. Daryl Mitchell denies for a single.

On a length, outside off, William O'Rourke leaves.

A slower bouncer, Daryl Mitchell pulls it to square leg for one.

Short, outside off, Daryl Mitchell has a fiddle but cannot adjust with the bounce.

Goes fuller this time, on off, Daryl Mitchell knocks it back to the bowler who makes a good stop.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, Daryl Mitchell leaves. Wided.

Short and wide, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Back of a length, on middle, William O'Rourke stands tall and blocks it back.

Length, on off, William O'Rourke blocks it to the fielder at slips.

Back of a length, just outside off, William O'Rourke offers no shot.

Bangs a bouncer, on leg, William O'Rourke ducks under it.

Short and wide, William O'Rourke leaves it alone.

On a length, on middle and leg, William O'Rourke blocks it back.

FOUR! Easy-peasy says Daryl Mitchell! The lead goes past 100 runs now for New Zealand! Chris Woakes bowls a genuine loosener, short and on the stumps. It comes on the waist height as Daryl Mitchell positions himself for a pull shot. Goes through the shot and gets it over square leg for a boundary. 250 up for New Zealand. Frustration creeping in the English camp now as the stand for the 10th wicket grows to 43 runs.