NZ sets England a target of 296

LEEDS: New Zealand was dismissed for 326 to set England a victory target of 296 after the in-form Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell again frustrated the host on the fourth day of the third Test at Headingley on Sunday.

England’s momentum, which was gained by taking three wickets late on the third day, seemed to be fading away in the morning as Mitchell and Blundell continued their fine form and batted through the first session after resuming on 168 for five. New Zealand comfortably negotiated the early swing in gusty conditions before Mitchell and Blundell completed their half-centuries post lunch.

The pair also saw off a bit of the new ball before fast bowler Matthew Potts (3/66) finally broke the 113run stand, much to the delight of the crowd. Blundell first survived an LBW decision before Potts dismissed Mitchell (56 off 152 balls, 9 fours) with a similar delivery that rapped him on the pads.

It opened the floodgates as spinner Jack Leach (5/66) took centre stage, picking up five wickets in an innings for the second time in the match. Michael Bracewell (9) attempted to hit Leach for one six too many, finding Zak Crawley on the deep mid-wicket boundary, before Tim Southee (2) was bowled by the left-arm spinner.

Neil Wagner (0) was dismissed when substitute wicketkeeper Sam Billings clung on to a catch with his knees. Trent Boult (4) was the last to fall when he was bowled by Leach, leaving Blundell stranded on 88 not out (161 balls, 15 fours).

The last five wickets fell for 52 runs as Leach became the first England spinner to bag two five-wicket hauls in a home Test since Derek Underwood in 1974.

The home team was dealt a blow before play started as wicketkeeper Ben Foakes was ruled out of the remainder of the match after testing positive for COVID-19, with Billings brought in as a substitute.