Ben Stokes produced a masterful innings of 121 not out off 110 balls to propel England to a declaration at 345-6, leaving New Zealand a mammoth target of 394 to win the third Test at Headingley on day four.
Stokes leads England's charge
The England captain, playing despite a nagging knee injury, smashed 16 fours and four sixes in a display of brute force and delicate touch. He was ably supported by Jonny Bairstow, who made a brisk 78 off 89 balls, and Joe Root, who contributed a steady 52. The pair added 131 for the fifth wicket to take the game away from the tourists.
New Zealand's bowlers toiled hard, with Tim Southee picking up 2-68 and Matt Henry 2-72, but they could not contain the onslaught. Stokes reached his century off 94 balls, his 12th Test hundred, and celebrated with a trademark roar.
New Zealand's chase begins
Facing a record chase at Headingley, the Black Caps started positively, with openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway putting on 32 without loss before bad light ended play early. They need 362 more runs on the final day, with nine wickets in hand.
"We know it's a big chase, but we have the batting to do it," said New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi. "We have to believe we can get there."
England's declaration timing
England declared with 23 overs remaining in the day, a move that surprised some pundits. "We wanted to give ourselves enough time to take wickets," Stokes explained. "We felt 394 was a good score that puts pressure on them."
The pitch has flattened out after early assistance for seamers, and the forecast for day five is sunny, setting up a thrilling finale. England need seven wickets to win, while New Zealand need the highest successful chase at Headingley to take the series 2-1.
