‘Enough in the pitch to take the wickets’ – Jonny Bairstow

The fourth day of the Christchurch Test ended with New Zealand on 42/0 in their second innings, still 340 runs away from sweeping the series 2-0.

New Zealand have won just three Test series against England, the last time all the way back in 1999, but England are likely to fancy their chances of picking up the 10 wickets and squaring the series before New Zealand get close to the big target.

That said, with the light failing early in Christchurch at this time of the year, we might be in for another curtailed day’s play on Tuesday.

“We don't know how long it will be, but there's definitely enough in the pitch for us to take the wickets. We've seen if you put the ball in the right areas we've beaten the outside edge consistently – (Jack) Leach bowled three overs this evening and some chances were created,” said Jonny Bairstow, whose 101 and 36 have gone a long way in giving England a chance.

“The way we came out in this Test was a lot better than we have throughout the winter. That's no coincidence after having a couple of chats, and I think we are in a decent space as a group to lead into the summer.”

The odds might be stacked against them, but Craig McMillan – the New Zealand batting coach who played the 1999 series in England that New Zealand won 2-1 – was excited about the possibility.

“It would be huge – we love playing England. The last series we played ended up 1-1. Series wins have been few and far between for New Zealand Test sides. In terms of history it would be very special but there's a big day with lot of cricket ahead so lot of hard work to be done,” he said.

“I'm very confident in our position. We've got a tough day ahead, make no bones about that. England are a top side, have quality bowlers, and they going to challenge us right through the day. But once guys get in, which at times has been difficult for batsmen, there's opportunities to score runs and bat a long time.”

Starting the second innings 381 runs in arrears, New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval were tested by James Anderson and Stuart Broad but ended the day without any damage.

“It was really impressive. Obviously a tough period against two world-class new-ball bowlers and they had to work hard to get through,” said McMillan. “They got examined in different areas but they did a great job.”