Rachin Ravindra produced a composed unbeaten half-century as New Zealand tightened their grip on the series-deciding third Test against England, extending their overall lead to 204 runs at stumps on Day 3 at Trent Bridge.
After securing an 84-run first-innings advantage, New Zealand overcame an early wobble in their second innings to reach 120 for 3, with Ravindra unbeaten on 60 and Daryl Mitchell on 35. The pair shared an unbroken 69-run stand for the fourth wicket to wrest back control after England had threatened to make early inroads.
The visitors had looked vulnerable after losing both openers cheaply. Jofra Archer struck with the final ball of the opening over, trapping Tom Latham lbw for four, before unsettling Devon Conway with a sharp bouncer that struck his helmet and then forcing the left-hander to edge to first slip for five. Archer’s fiery opening burst yielded figures of 2 for 12 from five overs.
England’s hopes of ripping through the middle order received another boost when Gus Atkinson removed Henry Nicholls for 16, with Harry Brook taking a sharp catch in the slips. However, Ravindra absorbed the pressure superbly, combining caution with timely strokeplay as he and Mitchell frustrated the hosts through the final session.
“Once you get your partnership growing the changing room becomes a bit more relaxed,” New Zealand all-rounder Zak Foulkes said after play.
