England are in a commanding position on day four of the third men's cricket Test against New Zealand at Headingley, requiring just 78 runs to win with eight wickets remaining. After bowling out the visitors for 274 in their second innings, the hosts reached 27 for 2 in their chase before bad light stopped play.
New Zealand's Second Innings Collapse
Resuming on 113 for 5, New Zealand added 161 runs for the loss of their remaining wickets. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 82, while Tom Blundell contributed 55. For England, Stuart Broad claimed 3 for 48, and James Anderson took 3 for 52. The visitors were bowled out shortly after lunch, setting England a target of 296.
England's Response
England's openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, started positively, adding 18 runs before Duckett was dismissed for 8, caught behind off Tim Southee. Crawley followed soon after, edging Matt Henry to the wicketkeeper for 10. At 27 for 2, captain Ben Stokes and Joe Root steadied the innings, with Stokes on 12 and Root on 5 at the close of play.
England need 78 runs on the final day to complete a 3-0 series sweep. New Zealand will look for early wickets to put pressure on the hosts. The match is set for a thrilling conclusion.
