Root, Stoneman slam fifties but New Zealand still on top

Joe Root and Mark Stoneman struck solid half-centuries as England attempted to claw their way back into the day-night first Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Sunday 25 March. The hosts, however, managed to wrest back the advantage late in the day, first with the wicket of Stoneman for 55 and then with the prized scalp of Root (51) with the final ball of the day.

By stumps on the fourth day, England were 132/3 in 46.5 overs, still trailing New Zealand by 237 runs, with Dawid Malan unbeaten on 19.

Rain had allowed very little play on the second and third days, but with conditions improving massively on the fourth morning, the players got back in action in earnest. New Zealand resumed the day at 233/4 before declaring their first innings at 427/8, a lead of 369, after Henry Nicholls scored a career-best unbeaten 145.

New Zealand’s declaration shortly before the dinner break meant England faced a torrid session and a bit under lights. It was a particularly tense situation given England were bowled out for just 58 in the first innings. And it seemed another implosion was on the cards when Alastair Cook was caught behind off Trent Boult, having scored just 2.

However, Stoneman and Root then got together and ensured the first-innings story wasn't repeated. Both batsmen hit their straps early, chipping away at the deficit with the ball not doing as much as expected.

A four and a six off consecutive deliveries against Neil Wagner helped Stoneman reach his fourth Test half-century, but the England opener could not convert the start into something big, holing out off Wagner to Boult at fine-leg for a 91-ball 55.

England were 94/2 at the time, but Root carried on, adding a further 38 with Malan and bringing up his 38th half-century in Tests with a cut to third man. He looked set to see his side through to the end of the day, but Boult, having roughed up the England captain with some short stuff, got one to rear from back of a length and caught Root's gloves for a regulation catch through to the keeper.

Stumps were drawn soon after, with England needing to bat out a whole day, rain permitting, to earn a draw.

Earlier, Nicholls patiently went about adding to his overnight 52* and brought up his second Test century. The knock, along with Kane Williamson’s 102, helped New Zealand lay down a solid foundation despite losing nearly two full days to rain.

Nicholls ended unbeaten on 145, putting on sizeable partnerships along the way. He added 54 runs for the fifth wicket with BJ Watling, who progressed from his overnight 18 to 31 before being caught behind off Stuart Broad.

Colin de Grandhomme then came in and struck a quickfire 29, putting on 49 with Nicholls before falling to Craig Overton, while all of Todd Astle (18), Tim Southee (25) and Wagner (9) made small contributions to boost the lead.