Fighting knocks from captain Ben Stokes (54) and Joe Root (77 not out) took England closer to the victory against New Zealand on the third day of the first Test, here on Saturday.
England were 216/5 at stumps on Day 3 with Root and Ben Foakes (9) unbeaten at the crease. The hosts need only 61 more runs to win the opening Test but one more wicket in the morning session on Sunday could blow this game wide open again.
Earlier, the game started after a lengthy delay due to rain. Daryl Mitchell, who finished unbeaten on 97 by stumps on Day 2, completed his ton with a drive-through extra cover in the first over of the day.
However, very soon, New Zealand lost their momentum in the space of five deliveries. First, Mitchell ended up edging Stuart Broad behind to the keeper that brought an end to the 195-run partnership and in the very next ball, Colin de Grandhomme had to walk back following a run-out.