Joe Root ton sees England set hosts a mammoth 583-run target as the visitors take another giant step towards 2-0.
Joe Root scored his 36th ton as England batted for 6.3 overs before declaring their innings on the third morning.
Only in the classic Durban Test of 1939 have more runs been made, regardless of the outcome. No side has ever successfully chased down more than 418 in the fourth innings of a Test. The magnitude of the challenge for New Zealand was highlighted by the fact that there were still more than three full days to go in this contest.
The renowned Wellington winds, which were expected to whip the ground throughout the morning session, were unlikely to derail England. Their record second-innings advantage of 533 following two days of play was a definite sign of the winning team.
Stokes started by snatching two off Will O’Rourke’s opening delivery after swinging for the pickets from the start of the second inning. At first, not many came out of the middle. But when New Zealand spread the field, the sixth-wicket pair had easy runs to make.
After Stokes’ drive in the second over gave Matt Henry a good chance to return, Root hit the first boundary through midwicket. In Henry’s subsequent over, he hit two more fours to reach the 90s. O’Rourke then gave him another look, which convinced New Zealand to take the second new ball.
With the hundred in sight, Root calmly batted and proceeded to his pet shot. With an impudent look on his lips, England’s record run-scorer cleared Tom Blundell and bounced away for four to reach three figures. The reverse-ramp came off his gloved hand as he fell over in the crease this time.
The diving Blundell clutched a thick edge good enough to give the worthy O’Rourke a wicket. He blasted the next ball through long-off in the traditional manner. Then, eager to get started in England’s chase for ten wickets, Root and Stokes bounded off.