England lost three wickets for just four runs late in the day as New Zealand brought themselves back into contention on day three of the Test match between the two nations at Lord's.

Having lost openers Alastair Cook and Nick Compton before tea, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root returned to the crease after the break and looked to be in control of proceedings.

However, with the home side on 159-3, Root was bowled by Tim Southee on 71 and his replacement Jonny Bairstow was dismissed by the same bowler for just five runs.

Bairstow's exit prompted a downward spiral for the hosts and Matt Prior went for his second duck of the match when he was caught by Martin Guptill trying to play a pull shot off Southee.

That left England on 171-5 and before another run was added, Trott, who moments earlier has passed his half-century, was deceived by the spin bowling of Kane Williamson and returned to the pavilion with 56 runs to his name.

That brought an ill Ian Bell to the crease alongside nightwatchman Steven Finn and the pair will resume tomorrow unbeaten on zero and six respectively, with England 205 runs in front on 180-6.