New Zealand imploded at the start of their second innings as they set out to build on a daunting 239-run first innings lead on the Day Three of the final Test against England yesterday
At stumps at Eden Park in the series-deciding final Test, New Zealand were 35 for three, leading by 274 after dismissing England for 204.
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Opener Peter Fulton was unbeaten on 14 which included three boundaries, with Dean Brownlie on 13. Left-arm pacer Trent Boult produced his best Test figures of 6-68 while Southee finished with 3-44. But in a chaotic final session of play, eight wickets fell for 39 runs as the England tail collapsed and the New Zealand top order followed suit, increasing the chances of a decision in the deadlocked series.
New Zealand decided not to enforce the follow on after ripping out the England tail after tea as they gambled on bowling last on a deteriorating wicket.
But the strategy appeared to backfire as Hamish Rutherford fell on the third ball he faced to start a collapse that reduced the Kiwis to 8-3 before Fulton and Brownlie steered them through to stumps.