Leach has Kiwis in a spin as England close on series whitewash

Jack Leach completed a career-best 10-wicket match at Headingley to set England on course for another fearless run chase and a series whitewash over New Zealand.

The left-arm spinner followed up his firstinnings haul of five for 100 with even better figures of five for 66 as New Zealand set their hosts a target of 296 on day four of the third and final LV= Insurance Test.

Ordinarily that would look like a huge ask but, having chased down 277 at Lord’s and 299 at Trent Bridge, England went about their business with a flourish to reach 183 for two at stumps.

Ollie Pope stroked a fluent 81 not out as he continued to grow into his new role at number three and Joe Root was at his unflappable best with an unbeaten 55. A sense of inevitability settled over proceedings as they piled on 132 together, leaving an apparent victory lap on day five.

Yorkshire have thrown their doors open to spectators for free, replicating Nottinghamshire’s successful initiative last week, and will hope to fill the stands for a triumphant conclusion to a gripping contest.

But for Leach, the trip to Leeds has already been a success. Best remembered in these parts for his cult classic one not out in the Ashes Test of 2019, he now has even better memories to cherish.

A very different story appeared to be taking shape when Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell spent a wicketless morning session piecing together their fourth century stand of the trip.

England started the day in buoyant mood after taking four wickets on the third evening, bringing Mitchell and Blundell together with a fragile lead of 137.

But the pair have tapped into something special in the past few weeks, totting up partnerships worth 236, 195 and 120. It was, then, no shock to see them chalk up another 113.

England were quiet, failing to muster a single chance in almost three hours of soberly attritional cricket as the dogged Kiwi duo blunted the bowlers with relish.

It all changed at 2.25pm when Matthew Potts, the rookie seamer whose stock appears to rise with every spell, barged the door ajar.

Having seen an lbw decision against Blundell (88no) turned down off the first ball of his over, he proved his character by dusting himself down, brushing off the disappointment and pinning Mitchell clean in front for 56 just four balls later.

Mitchell, for once bested, departed with a series tally of 538 and an average of 107.6.

New Zealand had been comfortable at 243 ahead with five wickets in hand, but Potts’ perseverance broke the spell. Leach happily picked up the baton, mopping up the tail in clinical fashion.

Jack Leach celebrates his five-wicket haul.