New Zealand close in on series win over England at Trent Bridge

LONDON: New Zealand moved to within three wickets of a rare Test series win in England after Mitchell Santner struck shortly before lunch on the final day of the third Test at Trent Bridge.

With the three-match series level at 1-1, England slipped to 116-6 in pursuit of 373 after Emilio Gay and Joe Root were dismissed within five balls of each other. The home side had resumed on 103-4 after a dramatic fourth day in Nottingham, when captain Ben Stokes announced he would retire from international cricket at the end of the match.

Stokes, who usually bats in the middle order, opened England's second innings as they chased a demanding target set after New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell made an unbeaten 100. The England skipper hit 30 before being dismissed, and the hosts lost wickets in a cluster to finish Sunday on 103-4.

Early blows on final morning

England's position worsened further early on Monday. Nathan Smith had Gay caught behind for 10, and four balls later Root was run out for 18 after Henry Nicholls produced a direct hit from backward point despite slipping and falling backwards as he released the throw.

That left New Zealand in sight of victory, but Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson offered resistance with a stand of 75 in 23 overs. Smith was unbeaten on 47 at lunch, while Atkinson made 19 before left-arm spinner Santner trapped him lbw with a delivery that stayed low.

At the interval, England were 191-7 and still required 182 more runs for an unlikely win. Stokes, after saying he felt burnt out, appeared set for a losing farewell as England's chances receded.

Injuries disrupt New Zealand attack

New Zealand's push for victory came despite several setbacks to their bowling resources. The tourists entered the match without injured paceman Matt Henry, who had taken 11 wickets in their series-levelling win at the Oval, while fast bowler Kyle Jamieson was rested as a fitness precaution.

They then suffered fresh disruptions in Nottingham. Blair Tickner bowled only three overs before being ruled out after sustaining concussion when he was struck flush on the helmet by a Jofra Archer bouncer while batting in the lower order. New Zealand's problems deepened 35 minutes into Monday's play when fast bowler Will O'Rourke left the field with a hamstring injury.

Even so, New Zealand remained firmly in control by lunch, with Santner's breakthrough leaving them on the verge of sealing the series in England.