Last time England played a Test in Auckland, exactly five years ago to the week, they batted out 143 overs to steal a draw in the match and series. Their hero: Matt Prior 110 not out.
This time England have lost their top-three wickets in 46.5 overs with another 96 overs to come on day five. It is in their favour that the Eden Park pitch is not doing much sideways, but the ball is going up and down - much like England at the moment - and day five is forecast to be a second sunny day in a row, which will accelerate the wearing and tearing. The chances of England surviving for a draw? Let’s say 15 per cent at most.
England’s captain Joe Root almost got halfway to doing a Prior before being bounced...