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England need four New Zealand wickets to end away drought

AFP  |  Christchurch (New Zealand) 

England removed a stubborn to close in on victory in the second Test at Christchurch today, with 191 for six at on the final day.

However, they are racing the elements with clouds building on the horizon.

took two wickets with the first two balls of the day to start a flow of dismissals, leaving to pin their hopes on a stubborn Latham.

But after propping up the innings for nearly five hours, the opener was removed midway through the afternoon session for 83.

Colin de Grandhomme, required for the second time in the Test to park his natural quick-fire tendencies and graft away, was not out 27 with Ish Sodhi on 16.

New Zealand's remaining four wickets include who has a viral complaint and is said to be feverish, and any thoughts of reaching their formidable 382-run target have long gone.

A win to England would not only square the series but, importantly for their morale, would end a run of 12 winless Tests away from home.

Latham fought a lonely battle to keep in the Test with his biggest partnership being 44 for the fifth wicket with BJ Watling who made 19.

While Latham played a near textbook innings, apart from a nick on 23 that was grounded by in the cordon, most of the other batsmen authored their own downfall.

Broad's first ball strayed down the leg side and Jeet Raval, resuming at 17 with 42 for none, steered it to at midwicket.

With his next ball, Broad gave a sighter outside the off stump but the decided to have a crack and the ball was edged to Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps.

It was the first golden duck for the New Zealand's star batsman playing in his 65th Test.

avoided the hat-trick ball, was dropped on six by Vince and progressed to 13 when he saw place at short backward leg and then promptly chipped the ball straight to him.

Cook moved to first slip to catch for 13 off James Anderson, and Anderson then fielded at short backward square to catch Watling when he swept at a loose delivery.

After two dropped catches, Vince finally pouched one to send Latham on his way with a diving effort at square leg off Leach.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Tue, April 03 2018. 09:35 IST
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