Daryl Mitchell dragged New Zealand into complete control at Trent Bridge, turning a tense fourth day into a brutal examination of England’s final-day nerve.
Mitchell finished unbeaten on 100 from 241 balls as New Zealand declared on 288-9, setting England 373 to win the deciding third Test. By stumps, England were 103-4 after 15 overs, still 270 runs short, with Joe Root unbeaten on nine and Emilio Gay on six.
The shape of the match now heavily favours New Zealand. Cricbuzz’s live scorecard listed the tourists at 438 and 288-9 declared, with England 354 and 103-4 at the close, leaving New Zealand with six wickets to take on the final day.
Mitchell Turns Ravindra Platform Into A Match Grip
Rachin Ravindra’s 94 had already stretched England, an innings that followed his latest personal milestone in this series. Mitchell then removed the volatility from the equation, batting long enough to make every English wicket in the chase feel terminal.
England’s reply started with emotion after Ben Stokes opened in his final international innings, but the chase quickly frayed. Stokes made 30 before Zak Foulkes struck, Jacob Bethell fell for a duck, Harry Brook went for 21 and Ben Duckett was caught by Mitchell off Ben Sears for 36.
Root Now Carries The Impossible Brief
Root’s presence gives England a route into the fifth day, but little margin. Trent Bridge has slowed, New Zealand have the runs, and Mitchell’s century has forced England into a chase that needs control as much as aggression.
For a side already processing Stokes’ exit, New Zealand have turned the farewell into something colder: a live shot at a series-clinching away win.
