New Zealand vs England 3rd Test Day 3 Live Updates

Right then, that is it from an entertaining Day 2 of this final Test. New Zealand are in the driver's seat as we move into the 'Moving Day' and will look to keep extending their lead further. England will hope that they can make some early inroads, but they know they will have to bat their skins out in the fourth innings. Day 3 will begin at 10 pm GMT, but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!

New Zealand's final session was all about intent and dominance as they extended their lead to a commanding 340 runs! Though skipper Tom Latham fell early, Will Young continued his fine form, smashing a brisk half-century before falling short of a big score again. Kane Williamson joined the charge, stroking boundaries effortlessly and steering the innings with class. England toiled hard, with Gus Atkinson breaking through early in the session, but it was Ben Stokes who turned the tide briefly, executing a clever short-ball plan to dismiss the dangerous Williamson's partner and the nightwatchman. Williamson also notched up his fifty in the last over of the day and ensured the Kiwis ended the day firmly in control.

New Zealand delivered a masterclass in bowling to take full control of the Test! William O'Rourke's sensational spell rattled England with three key wickets, including the set pair of Joe Root and Jacob Bethell in one over. Earlier, Matt Henry's fiery double-wicket over halted England's flying start, and Mitchell Santner's magical three-wicket burst in as many overs crushed any hopes of a recovery. Despite a fighting 52-run stand between Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope, Santner and Henry ensured there was no wagging tail, wrapping up the innings swiftly. With a massive 204-run first-innings lead, New Zealand opted to bat again, looking to set an imposing target and dictate terms with plenty of time left in the game.

Mitchell Santner, with valuable support from William O'Rourke, added crucial runs for the last wicket, getting New Zealand near that 350-run mark. Ben Stokes’ decision to contain rather than attack allowed New Zealand to stretch their score before England finally broke through after the first drinks break. Zak Crawley came out firing, smashing Tim Southee for four boundaries in one over, but Matt Henry struck back in style, dismissing Crawley and Ben Duckett to swing the game once again. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell steadied the ship, guiding England past 50 as the session ended with both teams locked in an enthralling battle.

SESSION SUMMARY - 136 runs and 3 wickets in 32 overs! A Kiwi-dominated Day 2 comes to an end! They were brilliant with both bat and ball outplaying England and getting control of this Test. Seddon Park is like a fortress for New Zealand and once again they find themselves in a position from where beating them will be a really tough ask for the visitors.

Strays down leg, does Ben Stokes. Rachin Ravindra lets it go through as he watches it go right into the keeper's gloves. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2.

Goes short again, angled towards the batter. Rachin Ravindra drops his wrists and sways away from the line of the ball as it flies over to the keeper.

Classy FIFTY that for Kane Williamson. He just keeps on churning out those runs for New Zealand. Coming in from around the wicket, pitched in short and angled towards the batter. Williamson swivels and pulls it towards deep fine leg for a single.

Banged in short, outside off. Rachin Ravindra stands inside his crease and swats it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Comes in from around the wicket this time. Kane Williamson shuffles across and tucks it off the hips towards backward square leg for a single.

Goes short straight away, angled towards the batter. Kane Williamson ducks underneath it and lets it go through.

Slows it up, full and off, Rachin Ravindra negotiates it well. Maiden over!

Flatter, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra fends it away.

Looped up, full and on middle again, Rachin Ravindra is solid in his defense again.

Flighted, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra strides out and dead-bats it.

Floated, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra prods forward and blocks it out.

FOUR! Bowled full and outside off, inviting the drive. Kane Williamson presents full face of the bat and drives it back down ground towards the long off fence and picks up another boundary.

A bouncer now, on middle, Kane Williamson ducks under it.

Short and on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it to deep square leg for a single.