England were battling daunting odds in their Rothesay Series decider at Trent Bridge, where New Zealand were busy setting up a formidable chase.
A stuttering performance with the bat saw the hosts concede a first-innings lead of 84 on day three – losing eight wickets for 130 to scupper a strong overnight position.
The pitch, a batting paradise on Thursday and Friday, had dramatically altered in character after two days under the intense sun and was offering more movement and less reliable bounce as 11 wickets fell.
Three of those came as Jofra Archer led England’s spirited start in the field but, where the hosts were never able to stabilise themselves, Rachin Ravindra made a determined 60 not out to put his side firmly in the driving seat at 120 for three.
That left them 204 in front at stumps, with plenty of power to add, as England digested the prospect of a familiar fourth-innings firefighting job.
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