The situation, however, could’ve been different as the hosts were in deep trouble and were asked to follow on after getting dismissed for just 209 in response to England’s 444 in the first innings. Black Caps star Kane Williamson then led the team from the front, smashing a hard-fought century to keep the hosts alive in the contest.
Williamson scored 132, and during the process, the right-handed batter also surpassed Ross Taylor to become the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in the longest format. Apart from the former New Zealand captain, all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell also chipped in with valuable contributions helping the home team reach 483 before getting bundled out.
England, meanwhile, have managed to score 48 with the loss of one wicket at stumps on Day 4. The visitors now need 210 runs to win the contest with one day left in the exciting match. For a moment, it appeared that England would go on wicketless at stumps, but New Zealand skipper Tim Southee had some other plans as he came up with a beauty to draw the first blood.
On the final delivery of the eighth over, Southee delivered an absolute cracker to get rid of Zak Crawley for 24. The right-arm pacer bowled a good length ball that nipped back in sharply, completely bamboozling Crawley, who played down the wrong line to get clean bowled.
Here is the video:
Despite the Black Caps posting 483 in their second innings, England’s Jack Leach didn’t fail to impress. The left-arm spinner bowled significantly well and bagged a five-wicket haul for 157 in 61.3 overs, with the help of 12 maidens.
“It’s been a fantastic day. I found it tough at times, bowling long spells on these wickets. I just kept going and trusting something will happen. I got a few at the end, but it was tough out there. Stokesy kept me going, and he is very supportive. They all helped me out, and it was nice to bowl with Brooky,” said Leach while speaking to BT Sport.
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