England started day three of the third Test knowing that they had a battle on their hands to halt New Zealand's progress.
The tourists lost wickets at regular intervals in the first session of the day but a century partnership from Matt Prior (73) and Joe Root (45) helped England to post 204, with Trent Boult recording figures of 6-68 for New Zealand.
Brendon McCullum decided against enforcing the follow-on but the hosts struggled in the early stages of their second innings as England reduced the Black Caps to 8-3.
Peter Fulton (14*) and Dean Brownlie (13*) played defiantly in the final hour of the day to lead their side to 35-3, meaning the hosts lead by 274 runs heading into the fourth day.
Read below to find out how the drama unfolded in Auckland.
Hello to everyone! The third day's play of the third test is around 30 minutes away. Two big wickets from Trent Boult last night changed the complexion of England's innings. The tourists will start on 50-2 and they need a big performance with the bat today.
Who needs nightclubs on a Saturday when you can enjoy the cricket instead? England need a big display from at least one of their players today. At times it might not be pretty but a stubborn innings will delay New Zealand's progress.
Boult bowled with plenty of aggression and accuracy in the final session yesterday. The seamer will be key for the hosts today and they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas early on today.
It could be a big day for one of England's rising stars today. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow are the next two in for England and both could do with a big score. Root hasn't enjoyed the best of times during this series, while Bairstow needs to impress after being gifted a spot in the side due to Kevin Pietersen's injury.
BJ Watling spoke to BBC Sport shortly after the close of play yesterday: "It's a nice batting track and it's going to be a lot of hard work to take the next eight wickets. It's crucial to get the next three wickets and put England under pressure."
We certainly saw the pitch do more yesterday and Martin looked dangerous in the final session. However, if the England batsmen get in, then this pitch is still good to bat on.
The final preparations have been made and we're ready to begin on the third day. Tim Southee will open the bowling.
Southee starts accurately outside off stump but he's taken for a couple by Bell when he over-pitches slightly. Bell then nudges the ball off the hip to add another run behind square on the leg-side. Solid start for both sides.
Boult is the man who gets the ball from the other end but he starts disappointingly as Bell finds the rope with a flick off the hip for four. The same batsman takes a silly risk when he calls for a second run following a nudge to square-leg. Watling whips the bails off but a quick review to the third umpire proves that a dive saved Bell from embarrassment. Six from Boult's first over.
Compton finds the gap at short mid-wicket to sneak a single early in Southee's new over. Bell then pushes the ball through cover to cruise another run.
WICKET! Compton (13) lbw b Southee
There's a big appeal for lbw when Southee nips one back in towards Compton. The umpire shakes his head but McCullum reviews the decision and a replay proves that the ball hit the pad before the bat. Hawkeye shows the ball would have crashed into middle stump. Compton goes, great start for the hosts.
Root is the new batsman but it's Bell who is on strike at the beginning of Boult's over. The pace bowler is finding a nice line to Bell but the England batsman is more than happy to block out a maiden. New Zealand look full of confidence in the field now. Plenty to worry about for the tourists.
Southee is too wide at the beginning of the over, missing the opportunity to test Root immediately. The new batsman is off the mark with a nudge through square leg for two runs. Southee adjusts his line and catches the edge but the ball drops well short of the four men in the slips.
Southee has only taken two wickets in this series. Compton has been his victim on both occasions but how important could that latest dismissal be?
Boult races through his over and joins up the dots to complete a maiden. England must be ready for a battle today.
McCullum is backing his bowlers by placing some attacking field this morning. Southee doesn't take advantage and concedes a wide with a wayward delivery. Root gets on top of the bounce but can't guide the ball through a gap in the slips. One from the over.
Bell plays a needles shot outside off stump and is lucky not get an edge on the ball. Boult strays onto the pads, allowing Bell to earn a single to square leg.
WICKET! Bell (17) lbw b Southee
Nervous about the result? Want to 'Cash in your bet'? See how with William Hill.
Bell is caught on the crease and is punished for a lack of foot movement when's struck on the pads by Southee. The umpire raises the finger and following a brief conversation with Root, Bell decides against reviewing the decision.
Bairstow comes to the crease under huge pressure but he easily leaves his first ball. The new batsman is off the mark with two through mid-wicket. Yorkshire's two youngsters have a big task ahead of them now. England need something special from someone.
Root is eager to play with an open face against Boult and guides two deliveries towards the slips for no reward. The same batsman plays a drive but he gets a thick inside edge on the ball and it squirms away to a fielder at square leg. Root then relieves some pressure by finding the rope with a powerful pull shot. Four runs from the over.
Bairstow attempts to turn the ball towards square leg but is lucky when a leading edge drops sharply away from any New Zealand fielder. A similar shot earns England's batsman number six a single but Root's efforts for a run to point are rejected by Bairstow.
Bairstow plays and misses at the beginning of Boult's new over, prompting gasps from Watling and the slips.
WICKET! Bairstow (3) lbw b Boult
England fans, look away. New Zealand fans, keep celebrating. New Zealand's appeal for lbw is rejected by the umpire but McCullum chooses to review the decision. Hawkeye shows that the ball would have hit the stumps. Great use of DRS once again by the hosts. England in a lot of trouble.
Prior has so often been England's hero but this is a big ask for the new batsman. The tourists still trail by 371 runs and they cannot afford to lose anymore wickets before lunch. Wicket maiden from Boult.
Root manages to prod the ball into a gap on the off-side to hurry a single early in Southee's over. Prior gets his first run with a thick inside edge to fine leg. Two runs from the over but it's all about survival at the moment.
Prior drives well to cover but his shot is stopped by the outstretched hand of Rutherford. The batsman finds the gap a ball later, earning four through cover. Prior adds a single with a nudge to square leg and he'll keep the strike.
Acculmulator going well? Want to take your money now? Check out William Hill's 'CASH IN MY BET' service!
Southee and Boult have been bowling for over an hour now and they're still carrying a big threat. The former is bowling a very straight line to Prior, as most sides do. Prior is agonisingly close to edging the ball to Watling but he does survive, just.
McCullum finally makes a bowling change and chooses to bring Martin on to replace Boult. Root looks comfortable against the spin but can't guide his cut shot past Rutherford at point. Martin delivers a full toss at the end of the over, allowing Root to push the ball to mid-off for a single.
Wagner comes on to bowl and he's got an important role to play before lunch. New Zealand can't afford to let the current pair relax at the crease. Root easily ducks a short ball from the left-arm seamer and defends a good maiden.
Martin finds some big turn outside leg stump but Prior won't be given out lbw there. The spinner varies his pace nicely throughout the over and Prior is happy to block. Pressure building again from New Zealand.
Wagner strays onto Root's pads and thee batsman collects a single to deep square leg. Prior thinks twice about playing at a ball down the leg-side before driving the next ball straight to McCullum at cover. A short ball is nudged to fine leg by Prior at the end of the over and he'll keep the strike.
Prior uses his feet nicely to cut the ball behind point to collect two runs midway through Martin's over. Steady progress from the current England duo.
Superb from McCullum as he stops Root's drive with a full stretched dive at extra cover. Root isn't given the freedom he craves from Wagner and plays out a maiden.
Root and Prior both have nine runs at the moment. There's 25 minutes left until lunch. This is an important period for the tourists.
Prior looks uncomfortable when he's beaten by some big spin outside leg stump. It's another maiden over from Martin.
Root's technique has helped him through the early part of this innings. The Yorkshire ace drives powerfully but the shot is straight to the fielder at mid-off. Root attempts a pull shot but he makes no contact with Wagner's wayward delivery. A less expansive pull shot earns the batsman a single. Prior ends the over by taking a big risk with a rushed single but Fulton can't hit the stumps from mid-on.
Bet £25 and get a £25 FREE bet with William Hill. Click here to join now. T&Cs apply, new customers only
Prior takes a couple of steps down the pitch but he can't find the gap on the leg-side to get off strike. Martin quickens his pace to force the batsman onto the back foot but the bowler is greeted by a solid defensive stroke. Maiden.
Wagner comes round the wicket to begin a new over of bowling at Root. A flick off the hip earns the batsman a single and Prior adds another with a pull shot to deep mid-wicket. McCullum once again blocks a Root drive at cover. Two from the over. New Zealand are doing a good job of restricting the runs before lunch.
Prior uses his feet well to smother the spin from Martin but there's plenty of encouragement for the bowler. The spinner does a superb job of keeping Prior pinned to the crease and it's another maiden over.
Root spots a fraction of width from Wagner but he drills the ball straight to the fielder at point. The batsman pulls a short ball into the deep for a single later in the over but Prior can't find any runs when he drives straight at Wagner.
Martin drops the ball slightly shorter and Root rocks back to cut the ball through the off-side for two runs. A wider ball later in the over allows the same batsman to collect a single to backward point. One more over left before lunch.
Wagner breezes through another maiden over to end the session. What a morning for the hosts.
Lunch: Three wickets this morning means the pressure really is on England now. Root (15) and Prior (11)have managed to battle to a well deserved break but there's a lot of work to do.
We'll take a quick break during lunch but make sure you return in around 35 minutes as Sports Mole continues to take you through this fascinating third day.
Welcome back everyone. The New Zealand fans will have been grinning like Cheshire cats during the lunch break. Southee and Boult were superb this morning and the three wickets that fell during the first session have improved the chances of a New Zealand victory.
It's a big session coming up for New Zealand. They cannot afford to let Prior and Root build a partnership. However, one more wicket and England could be at risk of following on.
Prior begins the session with 11 and Root currently has 15 to his name. Realistically, one of these men must score big if England are to claw their way back into this game.
Both teams are back out on the field. Martin will begin proceedings for the session.
Martin offers a juicy full toss to Prior but there's no runs scored, with England's wicketkeeper picking out the fielder at mid-wicket. Prior rocks back to cut the ball past backward point for two runs and that's the only scoring shot in the over.
Southee is back into the attack and he's immediately back on line just outside off stump. Root plays at one and he's fortunate not to nick the ball towards the slips. There's two runs on offer past point for Root but it's a good start for Southee after lunch.
Prior steps back to open up the off-side before driving through the covers for a single. Root adds one more with a nudge behind square on the leg-side before Prior drills a cover drive for four to bring up the three figures for England. Prior then pushes the ball in front of point, collecting two more runs in the process.
Root is once again beaten on the outside edge by Southee, who is finding some good movement away from the right-handed batsman. A push into the off-side brings a single but it's Southee who ends the over on a high as Prior plays and misses just outside off stump.
Root and Prior have been in for a while now, so we may start to see a bit more aggression from the England duo. They must be watchful though and they are are during Martin's over, with Root playing out a maiden.
Southee's beginning to get more frustrated as Prior misses the ball again outside off stump. The bowler pushes the ball slightly wider a ball later and Prior has the ability to guide the ball to third man for four runs. Good battle going on between these two.
Root punches the ball through cover to earn two runs at the start of Martin's over but is left staring at his bat when plays and misses a couple deliveries later. Intriguing battles going on every over.
Huge moment! Southee tempts Prior into the drive once again and catches the edge this time but Brownlie fails to take the low catch. Brownlie grimaces and Southee walks away looking furious. Prior does his best to make the bowler's mood worse by striking the ball in front of point for four runs.
Nervous about the result? Want to 'Cash in your bet'? See how with William Hill.
New Zealand will be praying that the dropped catch won't come back to haunt them. Brownlie seemed to do everything right before spilling the ball inches above the ground.
Martin races through another maiden over. There's a full toss but Root fights against the urge to hit the ball out of the ground. Not sure why, though.
Southee is in the middle of a magnificent spell at the moment and he finds Prior's edge again. The ball drops well short of the slips this time but it's another warning to the England batsman. Prior slips back into defensive mode and blocks out a maiden over.
Martin is given a rest by McCullum as the excellent Boult comes back on for a new spell. The left-arm seamer caused all sorts of problems this morning but he's lost a bit of pace in this over. Root stays watchful outside off stump and it's a maiden.
The spinner doesn't get too much of a rest as Southee comes out of the attack to be replaced by Martin. Prior skips down the pitch in positive fashion and lofts the ball over cover for four runs. There's a smirk from Martin and his smile gets wider when he beats the edge a ball later. Martin won't mind Prior attacking but his morale drops slightly when the batsman reaches the rope again in front of point on the off-side. Fifty partnership between Prior and Root. Long way to go for England.
Boult's line is perfect as he forces Root to flirt with the ball outside off stump. The bowler goes slightly fuller but Root's powerful drive is stopped at cover. There's two runs for Root to deep square leg from the final ball thanks to a nudge off the hip. Much better from England since lunch.
Prior once again backs away to drive Martin through cover for four runs at the beginning of a new over. Brownlie's dropped catch is looking worse with every passing over. Prior now has 40 to his name and it's clear he wants to be positive before the new ball arrives. One more single means it's five from the over.
Boult begins with a juicy half-volley outside off stump and Prior makes brilliant connection with the drive but McCullum prevents any runs at cover. A late cut brings the batsman a single before a lack of movement prompts Boult to change his angle. Root successfully defends with the bowler charging in from round the wicket. Time for a drinks break.
McCullum knows how important the next new ball will be but with 11 overs before its arrival, New Zealand cannot afford for Prior and Root to relax too much.
Wagner comes on for a new spell but he's met with disdain by Prior, who drives the first ball over cover for four runs. Another powerful shot from Prior races behind point but only for a single. Root once again display his defensive abilities, he's got 23 and Prior now has 46.
Acculmulator going well? Want to take your money now? Check out William Hill's 'CASH IN MY BET' service!
Martin swaps ends again to take over from Boult. Fifty! I mentioned Prior's reliability earlier in the day and he reaches his half century with a lofted shot straight down the ground for four. Superb show of defiance from Prior but he'll be eyeing three figures. He continues his scoring with a sweep shot behind square for four more. Brownlie may want to hide away while this innings continues.
Root drives powerfully to mid-off and collects a single to move to 24. Prior pulls the shot into the air on the leg-side but it lands safely and England easily run for two. The hosts look like they're waiting for the new ball.
Martin strays down leg-side and Root flicks the ball to the rope at fine leg for only his second boundary in the innings. The spinner responds well, sending down five dot balls.
Wagner goes slightly to full early in the over and Prior punishes the bowler by driving through extra cover for another boundary. The seamer responds by delivering a slower bouncer but Prior easily dodges the danger and takes one more single at the end of the over to keep the strike.
Prior prods a ball into the off-side for a single but Root fails to rotate the strike, picking out fielders with two cut shots later in the over.
Wagner is short outside off stump and Prior opens the face of the bat to earn a single to third man. Root is doing his best show us all of the shots he possesses but he's struggling to find the gaps at the moment and has 28 from 139 balls.
Williamson fumbles the ball at mid-wicket and that allows Prior to sneak a single early in Martin's over. Root steers the ball nicely behind point for two runs. Three from the over and the new ball is nearly here.
Prior earns four with a thick edge to leave New Zealand's fielders with hands on heads. Williamson was close to the ball at gully but he couldn't take the catch. Wagner deliver another slower bouncer but Prior has the awareness to guide the ball over first slip for four more. Prior had 24 when he was dropped by Brownlie, he now has 73.
Root shows some attacking intention as he whips the ball through mid-wicket for three runs and brings up the century partnership in the process. Crucial combination for England but they'll want plenty more runs.
A push to mid-off is enough for Root to rush a single at the start of Wagner's over.
Bet £25 and get a £25 FREE bet with William Hill. Click here to join now. T&Cs apply, new customers only
WICKET! Prior (73) c Rutherford b Wagner
Prior trudges off and he looks furious with himself. His cut shot flies into the air and Rutherford takes a simple catch at point. It's a poor shot and the England tail has been exposed.
Broad is the new batsman and he manages to successfully negotiate the end of Wagner's over. Prior will be distraught after playing so well to reach 73. The new ball is now available.
England still need 71 runs to avoid the follow-on but they won't be encouraged by the sight of Boult returning to the attack. The pace bowler delivers a couple of dot balls with the old ball before taking the new one from the umpire. Root pushes through extra cover to collect two runs before digging out a good full ball from Boult.
Gasps can be heard all around the stadium as Broad gets a thick inside edge on the first delivery of a returning Southee's over, with the ball rolling just past the stumps. Broad needs to use his feet more against the new ball as he miscues two more drives. McCullum makes some changes to his field to suggest a short ball is coming but Southee delivers a quick, full delivery outside off stump which Broad misses.
A thick edge from Root allows the England duo to take an easy single early in Boult's over. Broad blocks out the final few deliveries and that's the end of the session.
Tea: It all seemed to be going so well for England during that session but the dismissal of Prior has once again put the tourists in trouble. Root has a big role to play but he need some support from the tail.
England may still need 70 runs to avoid the follow-on but I don't think that will matter too much. I'm guessing New Zealand will bat again and hope to bowl last on this pitch.
Prior was superb for his 73 today and he's played well throughout the match but he'll be bitterly disappointed with his dismissal. It was a lazy shot to Rutherford at point so soon before the arrival of the new ball.
Plenty of people won't have enjoyed Root's innings - he has 34 from 146 balls - but his determination has been superb. He's entered this game under a bit of pressure but a big score batting with the tail will do his reputation no harm.
New Zealand will feel that they should wrap up the England innings during the next session. Root needs a partner but he may begin to be more positive with the tail.
Both teams are back out on the field. England trail by 267 runs at the start of this final session on the third day. McCullum has captained his side superbly today but he'll want some more brilliance from his bowlers now. Southee starts the session with the ball in hand.
Root shows some great timing as he plays the ball late to earn four behind point. Southee responds by beating the outside edge with a brilliant delivery. Root has his second boundary of the over when he leans on a fuller ball to drive four through the covers.
Broad is off the mark when he pushes Boult through cover for two runs. A thick edge then squirms past Williamson at gully, giving Broad four more runs. Boult offers a freebie wide of off stump and Broad happily accepts the gift by smashing the ball through the off-side for four. The struggle continues for Boult when a short ball is clobbered over the leg-side for a huge six by Broad.
WICKET! Broad (16) c Rutherford b Boult
16 runs from four deliveries in the over but Broad has to depart when he drives the fifth ball straight to Rutherford just in front of point. McCullum had just moved the fielder there and he deserves big credit for that wicket. Finn is the next batsman in for the tourists.
Finn leaves the final ball. What an outrageous over from Boult. The scorecard reads 2, 4, 4, 6, W, 0. Despite those boundaries, Broad just didn't look comfortable during that cameo with the bat.
Much better over from Southee. The pace bowler straightens his line and Root is forced to block a maiden.
New Zealand won't want to see much of Finn following his exploits earlier in the series. Unsurprisingly the tail-end batsman blocks out a maiden.
Southee is deadly accurate once again early in the over, preventing Root from moving his feet at the crease. It's another maiden and England have stuttered yet again.
Nervous about the result? Want to 'Cash in your bet'? See how with William Hill.
WICKET! Finn (0) c Taylor b Boult
The wickets continue to fall and it's Boult again, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul. Finn follows the ball outside off stump and edges it straight to Taylor, who takes a smart catch at first slip.
Boult finds Anderson's outside edge immediately but the ball loops over the slips and the new batsman has four runs.
WICKET! Anderson (4) c Watling b Boult
Fantastic bowling from Boult. The pace man gets the ball to leave Anderson at the last second and England's number 10 can only help the ball on its way to Watling.
Panesar defends the final ball of a superb over from Boult. He has six wickets in the innings and England are falling apart.
Root drives the first ball of Southee's over to long-off but refuses to take a single to expose Panesar.
WICKET! Root (45) b Southee
Joe, maybe you should have taken the single. Root feels he has no option but to attack as he plays an almighty heave across the line and is then bowled. The Yorkshire ace has been superb but his stubborn innings comes to an end.
McCullum made his decision clear at the end of the innings. New Zealand will bat again after the skipper decided against enforcing the follow-on.
Acculmulator going well? Want to take your money now? Check out William Hill's 'CASH IN MY BET' service!
You can't praise Boult enough for his performance in that innings. The 23-year-old was superb this morning and he's returned to bowl an even better spell just after tea to claim six wickets. He ends with 6-68 but was brilliantly supported by Southee, who took 3-44.
New Zealand hold a lead of 239 but McCullum probably feels his bowlers need a rest after their efforts today. I'd expect the hosts to be positive in the second innings as they look to set up a series-clinching victory.
Rutherford and Fulton are out in the middle, Anderson has the ball in his hand. That must mean we're ready to start again. Let's play.
Anderson's second ball is tucked away behind square on the leg-side by Fulton, who starts his scoring with four runs. Fulton then has a flirt outside off stump but there's no edge on a ball that keeps slightly low. Solid start for the Black Caps and they'll know there's plenty of time left in the match.
Broad takes the new ball with Anderson and he delivers a good shorter ball but Rutherford doesn't play a false shot.
WICKET! Rutherford (0) c Bell b Broad
Great start for Broad! He delivers another shorter ball and Rutherford can't get out of the way this time. The ball deflects off the shoulder of the bat and Bell rushes in from gully to take an easy catch.
Williamson is keen to get off the mark straight away but almost costs New Zealand another wicket. Root hits the stumps but a check with the third umpire proves Fulton made his ground. Brilliant over from Broad.
Anderson bowls slightly wider to Williamson, who almost edges the ball with a loose stroke. The batsman cuts an even wider delivery but Compton blocks well at gully. Maiden over from Anderson.
Broad seems eager to use the shorter delivery following the dismissal of Rutherford but he must not waste the new ball. Fulton refuses to be dragged into making shots too wide of off stump. It's another maiden.
Bet £25 and get a £25 FREE bet with William Hill. Click here to join now. T&Cs apply, new customers only
WICKET! Williamson (1) b Anderson
I'm not sure if McCullum expected this when he elected to bat again. Williamson chops the ball onto his own stumps and he must depart. Anderson now has 298 Test wickets. Fantastic start for England, Taylor in next.
Taylor is immediately off the mark with a couple through mid-wicket and he adds one more to his tally with a push to cover. He's been short of runs in the series but it would be a great time to find some form.
Broad is running at a decent pace and is finding some good bounce from just back of a length. There's a massive appeal for lbw from broad when Taylor leaves the ball and is hit on the pads. The umpire shakes his head and it's a good decision, with replays showing the ball would have missed the stumps.
Very good bowling from Anderson as he sends down six dot balls just outside off stumps. New Zealand know they have plenty of time but they are feeling the pressure right now.
Taylor does well to keep out a Broad delivery that keeps very low. We're beginning to see signs of some uneven bounce, is there more to come from this pitch?
WICKET! Taylor (3) lbw b Broad
Taylor goes! Broad brings one back into the right-handed batsman and is hit halfway up his pad. Taylor wastes a review, with Hawkeye confirming the umpire's original decision of out. New Zealand three down and they haven't got to double figures yet.
Fulton is still at the crease, battling away against Anderson. Brownlie has joined the opener out in the middle but he's kept off strike as Fulton drives powerfully down the ground for four to ruin a potential maiden.
Gorgeous shot from Brownlie as the new batsman gets off the mark with a classic cover drive for four runs. Broad responds with a couple of shorter deliveries but Brownlie avoids the danger easily. Fascinating stuff in Auckland, England's bowlers look on top form.
Anderson's spell comes to an end, with Finn coming on for his first bowl of the innings. He's on a hat-trick after taking two wickets with his final two balls in the first innings but Fulton defends the first delivery with ease. It's a good start from the Middlesex ace but Fulton ends a run of five dot balls by reaching the rope at cover with an expertly-timed drive. Time for a drinks break.
Despite the perilous situation New Zealand find themselves in at this stage in the second innings, it's important to remember that the hosts are still in control of this game. The Black Caps lead by 259 and remain favourites.
Broad forces Brownlie into an uncomfortable position with a good short ball and judging by the batsman's technique, Cook may be thinking of putting a short leg in place. It's another maiden from Broad, who looks in top form with the ball.
Remember when everyone had a moan about the flat pitch in Auckland? There's been 11 wickets today and all three results are still possible. I think it's time to move on and possibly apologise to the groundsman.
Fulton flicks a ball from Finn off his pads to earn a single behind square on the leg-side. A wider delivery gives Brownlie the freedom to cut the ball through the covers and collect three runs. Finn strays onto the pads again and is punished, with Prior failing to prevent four leg-byes.
Brownlie isn't timing the ball brilliantly so far in his short stay at the crease but he earns two more runs with a steer through the covers. Cook may think of giving Panesar a bowl before the close of play.
It's another good over from Finn but a maiden is ruined when Fulton sneaks a single to cover from the final ball. These two have just steadied the ship for the hosts but they need to stay at the crease until the close of play.
Broad is given a rest following that superb opening spell and it's Anderson who comes back into the attack. The returning bowler immediately finds a brilliant length to Fulton but the centurion from the first innings defends the maiden over well.
Brownlie is slightly fortunate when his miscued cut shot bounces away from the stumps. Finn finds a bit of extra bounce but the batsman easily guards against the danger. Maiden over.
Fulton seems to be battling against himself outside off stump. The opener doesn't drive at the ball but a couple of late leaves suggests he is wary of Anderson's threat. It's another maiden from England and Cook decides it's time bring on Panesar.
Nervous about the result? Want to 'Cash in your bet'? See how with William Hill.
It's a decent start from Panesar, who is quick and flat throughout the over. His critics want him to vary his pace more and he needs to, if he is going to test Brownlie.
Fulton's weakness outside the off stump is shown when he hangs his bat at Anderson's first delivery and the opener is lucky not edge the ball towards Prior. It's another maiden over.
Panesar breezes through another maiden, that's six in a row from England now. The hosts aren't interested in scoring at the moment but if England could find a wicket in these final two overs, tomorrow's first session could be very interesting.
Fulton nudges the ball to mid-on and considers taking a single but decides that it would be madness to do such a thing and retreats back into his crease. Prior takes a catch down the leg-side and appeals but replays show that Fulton was nowhere near getting an edge on the ball. I'm not even going to tell you that Anderson bowls a maiden because you know that already, right?
It's the last over of the day and Cook decides to throw the ball to part-timer Trott. Brownlie refuses to offer England any chances and takes advantage of a wide delivery to cut through the covers for four runs.
Close of play: A fascinating day of Test cricket comes to an end in Auckland. New Zealand are still favourites to claim the victory but England will be happy with their work late on today.
I keep hearing that Test cricket is dying but after watching a day's play like that, it's easy to remember why the game keeps so many people fascinated. New Zealand will return tomorrow aiming to set up victory but England will have hopes of spoiling the party.
Thanks for joining me tonight but make sure you return to Sports Mole tomorrow, when our coverage of the third Test continues.
