New Zealand's Kane Williamson has conceded that the deterioration of the pitch at Lord's will make it hard for his side to claim a positive result from their Test match against England.

The Kiwis brought themselves back into contention towards the conclusion of day three thanks to four quick wickets, with Williamson himself able to catch out Jonathan Trott with a spinning delivery that deceived the English batsman.

However, with England 205 runs in front, Williamson feels that his side are up against it in terms of winning the match.

"The boys bowled really well and the intensity lifted in the last hour. Until then we were a bit flat so it was nice to make that change and reap the rewards. Trott and Root were making it look very easy so it was nice to get back in the match," he told Sky Sports News.

"It's going to be a big challenge for us to come back tomorrow and take the last four wickets and then chase the total because it's suiting the bowlers."

Weather reports have shown that rain could halt play during the remaining two days.