New Zealand vs England: Tourists on the verge of victory in the first test

England are on course for victory in the first Test against New Zealand after Chris Woakes’ two crucial wickets in two balls on day three in Christchurch.

The tourists had built a first innings lead of 151 and threatened to overtake the Kiwis reducing them to 64-3 before Kane Williamson launched a rescue act.

Williamson looked immovable and sinister for his 61, only to be dealt a potentially decisive blow by Woakes.

A backer got a marginal decision on lbw and on the next ball Tom Blundell headed to Ollie Pope.

When Brydon Carse got his third wicket, Glenn Phillips lbw, New Zealand were 155-6, just four runs ahead.

The Black Caps are in a mess of their own making. They brought their total of missed sacks to eight with another two on Saturday.

Harry Brook was humiliated for the fifth time on his way to 171, the highest score by an overseas batsman in a Test at Hagley Oval.

Brook added 159 with Ben Stokes, the England captain’s 80, his best in Test cricket since the summer of 2023.

Stokes played a supporting role as he shared 63 and 40 with Gus Atkinson and Carse respectively, taking England to 499.