England in deep trouble at lunch
New Zealand stood just three wickets away from a rare Test series victory in England after Mitchell Santner struck shortly before lunch on the final day of the third Test at Trent Bridge. England had slumped to 116-6 while chasing a daunting target of 373, with Emilio Gay and Joe Root dismissed in the space of five balls. The series was locked at 1-1, and it appeared that England captain Ben Stokes was facing a losing farewell after he dramatically announced on Sunday that he would retire from international cricket at the end of this match.
Stubborn partnership checks New Zealand's progress
A stubborn partnership of 75 runs in 23 overs between the Surrey duo of Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on 47, and Gus Atkinson checked the progress of an injury-hit New Zealand attack. However, left-arm spinner Santner broke the stand when he had Atkinson lbw for 19 with a delivery that kept low. England reached 191-7 at lunch, still needing a further 182 runs for an improbable victory.
Stokes' announcement and dramatic opening
England had resumed on 103-4 following a day of extraordinary drama, during which a "burnt out" Stokes announced his impending exit from international duty. The all-rounder then opened the innings, despite normally batting in the middle order, as England set off in pursuit of the stiff target after New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell's gritty unbeaten 100. Stokes blazed his way to 30 before he holed out, and England lost a flurry of wickets to slump to 103-4 at Sunday's close.
Early blows on Monday
England found themselves in an even worse position early in Monday's play. Nathan Smith had Gay caught behind for 10, and four balls later Root, one of England's greatest batsmen, was run out for 18 by Henry Nicholls's brilliant direct hit from backward point. The fielder remained on target despite losing his footing and falling backwards.
New Zealand's injury woes
New Zealand entered this match without injured paceman Matt Henry, their 11-wicket hero in the series-levelling win at The Oval, and in-form towering quick Kyle Jamieson, who was rested as a fitness precaution. In Nottingham, Blair Tickner managed only three overs before pulling out with concussion suffered when he was hit flush on the helmet by a Jofra Archer bouncer. New Zealand suffered further bowling disruption just 35 minutes into Monday's play when fast bowler Will O'Rourke left the field with a hamstring injury.
