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Live Reporting

James Gheerbrant and Mark Mitchener

All times stated are UK

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  1. Goodbye

    Well, that concludes another fascinating, topsy-turvy day of Test cricket in this enthralling series. England were well on top for most of the day but a brilliant spell of new-ball bowling from New Zealand has brought them back into this match and given them a fighting chance of getting the win they need to square this series.

    Tomorrow will be an absolutely crucial day in deciding the outcome of this match. Join us for the live text from 10:25 BST. Until then, goodbye.

  2. Captain's view

    Captain Alastair Cook, who became England's leading run scorer in Test history, tells Sky Sports: "I can't really describe it. I probably don't deserve to be there. You don't play for the record, but I knew what I needed to break the record.

    "It is a huge battle to have longevity as a Test cricketer. It is an amazing journey. As a batsmen you obviously have a lot more bad times. It's been a battle but I'm delighted that today was a special day.

    "The last 18 months has been a tough one for me personally. I think that's part and parcel of being a batter. A lot of stuff has gone on and the last four or five months I have dedicated time to my game. When you are in a bit of form, you have to make it count."

  3. Captain's view

    England captain Alastair Cook on TMS: "It was an amazing moment, a personal one - I haven't been nervous in the 20s before, I didn't want to fall four short. I've not heard from Goochie yet as we're not allowed our phones with us, I'm sure he's somewhere in Essex enjoying a glass of red wine but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him."

  4. Player reaction

    England batsman Adam Lyth on Sky Sports: "It's a fantastic moment and my family who came from Whitby: I'm very pleased to get three figures in front of my home crowd. I was a little bit nervous in the 90s, but to be fair New Zealand did bowl pretty well. Reaching the hundred was a moment that I'll never forget. I would have liked to have got more runs at Lord's. I was pleased we'd won the Test match but I knew this game I needed to get some runs. I was more nervous this game than I was at Lord's. A couple of years ago I didn't deserve the England shirt, but I've worked hard and I think I deserve it now."

  5. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Before New Zealand took the new ball, I thought they bowled really well, even the spinner, Craig, who didn't bowl well at Lord's. I talked to McCullum this morning and told them they had to get him to bowl it quicker. He held one end for them with more control, and our openers didn't really go after him. New Zealand scored at 4.6 throughout their innings, and we haven't been able to score at three an over. And when the new ball was taken, it all happened - it got a bit gloomy, Boult and Southee made the ball talk and created problems. The game's moving on."

  6. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "If England can get at least level, they know a lot can happen in the third innings - if New Zealand go for glory, that positivity can become reckless, and that could be England's chance."

  7. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "I've always had admiration for Alastair Cook's batting. He's had a couple of spells in his career when he's lost it, but he's now playing as good as he's ever played - what he's done differently is just open his front foot so he's not too sideways on. Now he's centred, he's waiting, he's making bowlers bowl at him. If they don't get it perfect, he picks them off on the on side, which he is brilliant at. If you asked me who is the best opening batsman in the world today, no contest: Alastair Cook."

  8. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Terrific cricket to watch, just like Lord's there was a bit of something for everyone, congratulations to the groundsman. Many of us have played at Headingley for a long time, we know you've got to pitch it up to nick the top of the stumps. If you bowl short it sits up and it's easier to hit, but we bowled like that against tail-enders. It was a dozy plan."

  9. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    MixItNFixItMan: Can we just accept that New Zealand are a good bowling side and, Lyth wicket aside, we've been undone. Too much player hate.

    Mark Gallagher: England fans really don't understand Test cricket.

    Graham Lovell: Can't help but think that once Cook was out and Ballance came in, England lost all their momentum and encouraged NZ bowlers. Not a time for run outs either, just before new ball when have established batsmen in.

  10. Close-of-play scorecard

    England 253-5 (88 overs)

    Batsmen: Bell 12*, Buttler 6*

    Fall of wickets: 177-1 (Cook 75), 215-2 (Lyth 107), 238-3 (Ballance 29), 239-4 (Root 1), 247-5 (Stokes 6)

    Bowling figures: Boult 23-4-63-2, Southee 23-4-57-1, Henry 18-4-76-0, Craig 22-10-38-1, Williamson 2-1-5-0.

    New Zealand 350 all out (Ronchi 88, Latham 84, Broad 5-109)

    England won toss

    Full scorecard

  11. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "A lot of overs from Mark Craig in that session and five wickets, so New Zealand's session - I think the first was pretty even, then the middle session you'd give to England. So a pretty even day overall. Tomorrow, if England can get a good start, they can push on from there. With just under 100 runs ahead, I think New Zealand have their nose just ahead in the match, but it's not a done deal."

  12. Day two review

    It all seemed to be going so well for England. After a bit of tail-end tap from New Zealand in the morning took them to a very decent score of 350, England set about their work superbly, with Alastair Cook soon passing Graham Gooch as England's all-time leading Test run-scorer in a resolute opening stand with Adam Lyth.

    Cook eventually fell for a well-compiled 75 to the impressive Mark Craig, before Lyth went to his maiden Test century, to the delight of his home crowd at Headingley. When he and Gary Ballance took England to 215-1, the hosts looked to be in the box seat.

    But the run-out of Lyth just before the new ball was crucial as it left England exposed when Boult and Southee got the new nut in their hands. And how they profited, producing a superb spell of new-ball bowling to take three late wickets and keep New Zealand's chances of win very much alive.

  13. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Luke: New Zealand played really well this evening and are right back in this.

    Toks, Nigeria: The challenge is not the run rate but rather the loss of wickets. If England had tried to get runs with the way New Zealand were bowling, you would have had 120 all out which is even worse.

  14. Close of play

    Eng 253-5 (trail by 97)

    Tim Southee to bowl the last over of the day. He zips one inches past Buttler's off stump, before Buttler responds with a cover drive for two. And that concludes a fascinating day of Test cricket.

  15. Eng 250-5 (Bell 12, Buttler 3)

    Jos Buttler is the new man. He's off the mark, jamming his bat down on a full, dangerous delivery and squeezing it out to mid-wicket for three. Wonderful spell from Boult - he really is a world-class operator.

  16. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Boult is so dangerous to left-handers - he gets 22 runs per wicket to left-handers, and 30 runs per wicket to right-handers. Buttler is a very dangerous player, but New Zealand will feel they have an end open here. The new ball came just at the right time and has started to swing."

  17. WICKET

    Stokes c Craig b Boult 6 (Eng 247-5)

    New Zealand are cracking this game wide open with a devastating spell of new-ball bowling. Trent Boult has had Stokes in all sorts of trouble and he gets his man with a back-of-a-length away-swinger that Stokes can't help but fence at. The ball absolutely flies to second slip and is brilliantly held above his head by Mark Craig. He kisses the ball in triumph. What a moment for New Zealand - the hero of Lord's is back in the sheds.

    Trent Boult
  18. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Ali Khalid: Just goes to show what a new ball can do for a side. The NZ bowlers, all most likely exhausted from the excellent display from Cook and Lyth, are still managing to produce some brilliant swing bowling.

    Saul, New Milton: I don't think either side have gone the right way about batting here. If the Kiwis had been a bit more watchful, they could have gone past 400 and England are now looking short of runs as they haven't accelerated between overs 50 and 80 when batting was easier.

  19. Eng 247-4 (trail by 103)

    Poor old Trent Boult is being assailed in song by a gaggle of rowdy nuns, supermen and vicars on the boundary rope, and eventually has to give in to their chanted entreaties to give them a wave. Bell plays out a maiden to Southee. Two overs left.

  20. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Robert Allen: ENG are still in a good position here. 100 behind with plenty of batting left. Get a lead of 150 and things will be interesting.

    John ashenden: Good grief, England fans are so negative. It's still a decent position, get a grip. A test match ebbs and flows so just enjoy!

  21. Eng 247-4 (Boult 22-4-60-1)

    Boult is right on the money here, pitching the ball on off stump and just shaping it away. Then, just as Stokes is adjusting to the stock delivery, he throws in a superb bouncer, cross-seam, hit-the-deck, rising sharply into the batsman's armpit. And then with the final ball, he goes full again and draws Stokes forward into a loose drive. Brilliant, brilliant over.

  22. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "The problem is here, if England were to send a nightwatchman in at this point, Moeen Ali would end up batting at nine, and that's too low."

  23. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Simon Goodall: If he's got any sense, Ballance will walk into the NZ dressing room "by mistake" until Lyth simmers down.

    Rob Meech: The two Aussie Mitchells will be licking their lips at Gary Ballance's lack of footwork against the swinging ball.

    Louis Strong: A test average of 55, but you seriously cannot stay in the crease to a new ball from someone like Boult! Rookie.

  24. Eng 245-4 (Bell 12, Stokes 4)

    England are batting for tomorrow now. Bell and Stokes rotate through for a couple of no-risk singles against Southee.

    England's Ian Bell
  25. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Thomas Knights: Here comes the collapse from a good position. New Zealand dominating the final session.

    David: This is why you can't just go at 2.5 an over all day, NZ right back in this.

    Jack Allum: We've scored incredibly slowly in this session and lost wickets. Can we now try a different tactic? Like scoring quick runs

  26. Eng 242-4 (trail by 108)

    Trent Boult and Tim Southee came to these shores with a big reputation as a ferocious new-ball pairing - they haven't quite lived up to it so far, but this is their moment to drag their side back into a winning position in this match. Boult sends down another probing over to Stokes, who gets a couple off the last ball.

  27. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Rob, Somerset: Isn't Test cricket a wonderful thing? The morning session was, on paper, irrelevant. New Zealand added around 50 runs to their total, and England promptly reduced their target by the same amount without loss of wickets. Net gain zero. And yet it has set up the rest of the day so perfectly!

  28. Eng 240-4 (Bell 11, Stokes 1)

    Ben Stokes is the new man, and he's off the mark with a single to fine leg.

  29. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "A brilliant end to the day for New Zealand, it's been brilliant cricket from them for the last hour or two. I'd imagine Ben Stokes will have been rushing around getting his pads on. The lights are on so I'd imagine it's not an easy time to bat - the perfect time for New Zealand to get Stokes in there, as it's not the time for a counter-punch, he's got to see them through to the close."

  30. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "The new ball is doing damage here. A lovely delivery, Root felt he had to play at it and Ronchi did the rest."

  31. WICKET

    Root c Ronchi b Southee 1 (Eng 239-4)

    New Zealand are right back in this now! Absolute beauty from Tim Southee, pitching on off, swinging away and drawing the edge of the dangerman Joe Root. Debutant Luke Ronchi takes a brilliant diving catch. England's excellent day is in danger of unravelling before their eyes...

    New Zealand celebrate taking the wicket of Joe Root
  32. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Jim: Just to say how impressed I have been in both Tests, with the attitude of all the NZ players. Following the example of their captain. I think they have shown the right response to a difficult day today with great sportsmanship, as they have throughout both matches. Whilst playing with determination and fullest commitment, they have still been able to congratulate England players when appropriate and at all time played in the true spirit of the game. England have responded in similar vein, which has been a delight to see. Let's hope the same attitude prevails through the rest of the summer!

  33. Eng 239-3 (Boult 20-4-56-1)

    This is New Zealand's big chance to get back into the match, with a brand new cherry, a new batsman and the light fading. Joe Root is the new man and if they can get him early, the tourists will be in with a real shout. Boult's first two deliveries to Root are superb: the first gets him jumping and prodding the ball aerially just wide off short leg, the second zips just past his outside edge. High-class fast bowling.

  34. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "A decent ball, but Ballance didn't move - it's not a ball you wouldn't be able to play. A full ball, a bit of movement but there was no movement at all from his right leg. You've got to have more movement against the new ball than that."

  35. WICKET

    Ballance b Boult 29 (Eng 238-3)

    Well, it had been coming. Trent Boult pins Gary Ballance back in his crease with a succession of cracking deliveries with the new ball, and then gets his man with one that just keeps a little low and smashes into the stumps. Early breakthrough with the second new nut for the Kiwis.

  36. Eng 236-2 (Ballance 27, Bell 11)

    Mark Craig spits a gobbet of chewing gum out of his mouth and begins his 22nd over. He nearly does for Ian Bell with a beautiful delivery that pitches in the footmarks, spins through the gate and somehow misses the stumps. Let's just say you don't have to be a lipreading expert to decipher Craig's frustration.

    New Zealand's Mark Craig
  37. Text 81111

    Roger, the Whitby taxi driver: So proud of Adam Lyth. A thoroughly decent lad who deserves his success today. I have had the pleasure of picking him and his lovely family up on many occasions. I know they will all be so proud today.

  38. Eng 230-2 (trail by 120)

    With two overs to go before the new ball, it's sandy-haired part-time tweaker Kane Williamson into the attack. Ballance plays out a maiden. Tim Southee is going through some pre-bowling aerobics in the field.

  39. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Simon Goodall: Goodness me, Ballance has gone from playing as slow as fellow Yorkshireman Boycott, to running like him.

    Michael Green: Should never be run-out in Test cricket! #Sloppy

    Ed Stockton: Great knock from Lyth but is there a sillier way to get out when you're consolidating a strong position?

  40. Eng 230-2 (Henry 18-4-76-0)

    A stacked off-side field for Bell, awaiting the miscued drive, but there's nothing wrong with this one, threading Henry through a gap behind backward point. Too short from Henry.

  41. Post update

    Bryan Waddle

    BBC Test Match Special

    "You can't criticise Craig's efforts today. He's bowled from both ends and created pressure for New Zealand when they're a bowler short."

  42. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    John Barlow, Wantage: Can one assume that the extraordinary difference in scoring rates between the two sides these last two days is due to the bowling, ie the Kiwis appear to be keeping the ball pitched up whilst our home team revert so easily to persistently pitching it short, even when they know that the batsmen are past masters at playing the hook and the cover drive?

  43. Eng 225-2 (Ballance 25, Bell 6)

    Ian Bell gets off the mark in style, dancing down the wicket to Mark Craig and launching him over mid-off for a one-bounce four. Craig responds really well, drifting one just past the outside edge.

  44. Post update

    Bryan Waddle

    BBC Test Match Special

    "The new ball is only four or five overs away, so Henry is going to have to keep bowling so Boult and Southee can have a rest until then."

  45. Eng 219-2 (trail by 131)

    That's a handy time for New Zealand to take a wicket, with five overs left until the new ball. If they could whip another one out pronto, it really would be game on. Ian Bell is the new man. Ballance drives Henry through the covers for four.

  46. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "I'm not sure who was to blame there, it went to the fielder's left hand but Boult's left-handed. Ballance called, Lyth was a little low setting off and he knew straight away he was gone. I like Lyth, I spoke to him a lot in the West Indies. He's a really good character and he'll have inked himself in for the Ashes on the back of that hundred."

    Adam Lyth leaves the field
  47. WICKET

    Lyth run out (Boult) 107 (Eng 215-2)

    Well that came out of nowhere. England were chugging along nicely in the slow lane, and then suddenly - breakdown. Gary Ballance nudged one to point, but forgot that the man there was the left-handed Trent Boult, who was able to swoop and unleash an accurate throw into Luke Ronchi, who took it smartly and whipped off the bails. Lyth was a foot short of his ground. He gives Ballance a look like he's just run over his cat.

    Adam Lyth is run out
  48. Umpire review

    Now, there's another run-out shout, and this one looks tight. Adam Lyth is the man with a nervous wait...

  49. Eng 215-1 (Henry 16-4-67-0)

    Henry has recovered his lengths here and sends down a maiden to Lyth.

  50. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Stuart Mitchell: Two things I would love right now is for Ballance to get a ton along with Bell - have the top six all in form, with the Ashes looming.

    Mark: Lyth looks a far more composed and complete player than those who have opened since Strauss - confidence builder ahead of the Ashes.

  51. Eng 215-1 (Lyth 107, Ballance 21)

    Craig has come back really well here - he's bowling really well now, putting the ball in a consistently good area and getting serious dip and grip. Ballance plays out a watchful maiden.

    Mark Craig
  52. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "This is like Lord's. Some balls here, if you pitch it up, can do absolutely anything. Lyth has lost a bit of focus here, trying to pull a ball he should have defended."

  53. Eng 215-1 (trail by 135)

    Muted appeals from New Zealand as Matt Henry gets one to nip back in sharply and rap him on the pad, but it's too high. The next ball Lyth plays a very curious shot, trying to pull a ball swinging back into him on off stump and getting an under-edge that flies just past the stumps and away to the fine-leg boundary. Lucky.

  54. Text 81111

    Jonjo in Bristol: Met Gary Ballance's brother out in a bar in Bristol slightly worse for wear a few weeks ago. He ordered a drink from the bar, looked the barman in the eye and said 'Ballance by name, Ballance by nature' and put the glass on his head and jumped around the bar without it falling off his head. Absolutely incredible considering I couldn't even do that sober. The best part was, his mates weren't even surprised they just said 'if you think that's good, you should see Gary'. Reckon we'll get to see that live on TV after an Ashes victory this summer?

    Outstanding. What party tricks do you reckon the other members of this England XI have up their sleeves?

  55. Eng 211-1 (Craig 18-8-30-1)

    A single for Lyth from Craig's first over after drinks. Are New Zealand hanging on for the new ball now? It's due in nine overs.

  56. Record-breaking Cook - Agnew's verdict

    "It is probably true that he is England's bravest and most determined cricketer since Graham Gooch," BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew writes of Alastair Cook, who broke England's Test run record today.

    "When he retires from playing, you can imagine him walking away from cricket completely. I suspect the only place I will see him is at Melton market, buying sheep."

    Read Aggers' full column on the BBC Sport website.

    Headingley scoreboard
  57. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "You cannot bowl short there to Ballance. He gets most of his runs square on the off side. It'll be interesting to see what the Australians do - Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson, both left-arm over, might cramp him for room."

  58. Drinks break

    Eng 210-1 (Lyth 102, Ballance 21)

    Matt Henry has bowled pretty well for the first match-and-a-half of his fledgling Test career, but with the ball old and the conditions unhelpful, he is beginning to dish up some rubbish. Two short, wide deliveries are simply helped to the point boundary by Ballance, before a fuller delivery is creamed through the covers. Are England through that sticky patch? Time for drinks.

  59. Text 81111

    Shaun: How can people criticise the opening pairs scoring rate? They have seen off the new ball, worn down the bowlers and put on nearly 200, England have such aggressive players in the lower order they can now play freely without pressure, it's a 5 day game, and I for one love it.

  60. Eng 198-1 (trail by 152)

    Craig, having bowled some pretty ordinary stuff for this first ten overs, is definitely coming into the game here - he almost finds the edge of Lyth with a delivery that turns appreciably out of the emerging footholes.

  61. Lyth hits maiden Test century

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "Of the last 20 England players to hit a maiden Test century, 10 have done so in their first or second Test, and the last five have all done it in their second - Ben Stokes, Gary Ballance, Sam Robson, Moeen Ali and now Adam Lyth.

    "Lyth is also only the second Yorkshire player to score his maiden Test century at Headingley, after Joe Root in 2013."

  62. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Conor Spackman: First century by an opener from Yorkshire at Leeds since Boycott drove Greg Chappell through mid-on for the hundredth hundred

    Rachel T: Yessss! Adam Lyth! Maiden 100 for England, on your home ground, how good must that feel?

    Aaron Trowse: Top knock from Lyth on home soil. Looking in good stead. I still wonder how he will take to the pace of the Aussies though

  63. Eng 198-1 (Henry 13-3-51-0)

    What a great moment for Adam Lyth. He struggled in the last Test but has played a really composed, fluent innings here, surviving a probing examination from the New Zealand bowlers in the nervous nineties. Ballance flat-bats Henry through backward point for four.

  64. Lyth hits maiden Test century

    Alison Mitchell

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Headingley are on their feet for one of their own. Adam Lyth, a young man from Whitby, has a very well-played hundred. It's an even more rousing ovation than there was for Alastair Cook earlier."

  65. 100 for Lyth

    Eng 194-1

    He's there! Adam Lyth gets to his first Test century on his home ground. He could easily have been out to the first ball of Mark Craig's over, hitting the ball aerially to mid-off, but sub fielder Neil Wagner seemed to lose track of the ball in the evening gloom and went the wrong way. Thus reprieved, Lyth got there with a big slog-sweep over midwicket, to raucous cheers from the Headingley faithful.

    Adam Lyth celebrates his century
  66. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "An interesting little period of play since the dismissal of the captain. New Zealand have tightened their line and bowled with decent hostility, and there's 15 overs left to the second new ball, which McCullum should take as soon as possible."

  67. Eng 186-1 (Lyth 94, Ballance 5)

    A full-blooded drive down the ground from Ballance earns him his first four. He still doesn't look entirely comfortable though - survival is the main priority for the England number three at the moment.

  68. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Chris Baker: Everyone moans about run-rate, but I can watch blokes smash 6s whenever I like in limited overs. This is pure test cricket!

    Ayelet H Lushkov: Purist stuff in Headingley. Stay in, lads!

    Jonathan Jackson: Here's hoping we don't lose another wicket this evening, because as a Villa fan, Bell's mind is going to be elsewhere!

  69. Eng 182-1 (trail by 168)

    A conga line of Jesuses cavort their way down the steps of the Western terrace as the sun begins to fade in the Headingley evening. Ballance finally gets off the mark after 17 scoreless deliveries, much to the delight of the well-refreshed messiahs.

  70. Eng 180-1 (Southee 19-3-50-0)

    Southee is hanging the ball out well wide of off stump, trying to tempt Adam Lyth, within sight of his first Test ton, to play a rash shot. Lyth's not having any of it though, and is content to just nudge a single off his hips when Southee straightens up. An excellent piece of fielding by Henry at mid-on keeps Gary Ballance pinned on 0.

  71. Eng 179-1 (Lyth 92, Ballance 0)

    Trent Boult sends down a menacing maiden to Gary Ballance. The number three is still stuck on 0 after 14 deliveries. England are treading in quicksand - just three runs off the last seven overs.

  72. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Stuart Mitchell: I can only imagine that Ravi thought that was sliding down leg, it was absolutely plumb though, good foundation laid for England.

    Richie Macca: Really poor umpiring, there. Looked out live, so not sure how he couldn't give it? Thank god we have DRS!

    Stephen Byrom: Any budding umpires out there, umpire Ravi is showing how not to do it!! Absolutely clueless.

  73. Eng 179-1 (trail by 171)

    New Zealand scent blood here. They have a man waiting in the nervous nineties for this first Test century at one end, and a new batsman coming off a couple of low scores at the other. Tim Southee is tearing in with renewed vigour, and he nearly strikes with an absolute jaffa that hoops back in and beats the bat of Lyth.

  74. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Lyth is a relatively late developer who has got there by weight of runs. He made his mark for Yorkshire as a dasher and what I think has happened over the fast years is that his game has become more measured."

  75. Eng 179-1 (Boult 17-3-51-0)

    Yes, as we suspected, New Zealand waste no time in bringing back Trent Boult, a man who will have been haunting the dreams of Gary Ballance since dismissing him twice the Lord's Test. Four slips waiting ravenously in the cordon, and they are so nearly thrown a scrap when Ballance is millimetres away from edging a sharply straightening delivery. He remains scoreless from eight balls.

    Trent Boult
  76. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Seb Gillot: Lyth has played on without dislodging the bails in the 90s looking for his first test 100, just as Strauss did vs NZ in 2004.

  77. Eng 178-1 (Lyth 91, Ballance 0)

    So Gary Ballance is the new man. He had a couple of low scores at Lord's, he's looking for redemption here. Will New Zealand be tempted to bring back his nemesis Trent Boult? Lyth adds a single off Southee.

  78. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Sam Rosser: How has he given that not out? Shocking umpire!

    Matt Chapman: Another awful decision from umpire Ravi in this test - looked absolutely plumb on live TV.

  79. WICKET

    Cook lbw b Craig 75 (Eng 177-1)

    England's mammoth opening stand is finally brought to an end. The DRS shows the ball pitched on middle stump and was going straight on. Technology rides to New Zealand's rescue, and boy did they need that. Excellent breakthrough for Craig, who hadn't looked especially threatening until then but hung in there well.

    Alastair Cook lbw
  80. Umpire review

    Alastair Cook is hit on the front pad attempting a sweep. The initial verdict is not out, but New Zealand want another look...

  81. Eng 177-0 (trail by 173)

    A puff of the cheeks from Adam Lyth as he aims a wild swish at a hooping inswinger from Tim Southee. And then he gets a real reprieve! He's a touch late on a defensive push and the ball bounces at his feet and backspins onto the stumps, but the bails don't move. Something tells me these nineties are going to be nervous for the Yorkshire opener...

  82. Record-breaking Cook

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Nicholas Cooper: Huge admiration for Cook, a lot of unnecessary criticism and his record is second to none. Leadership at the highest level.

    bROCKerz: Is Alastair Cook not just the best proof that form is temporary and class is permanent?

  83. Eng 177-0 (Lyth 90, Cook 75)

    Lyth moves into the 90s with a steered single to cover.

  84. Text 81111

    Alex in Leicester: Noticed how short England's surnames are. 57 letters in total. Very economical. NZ - 72. Are we the 'shortest' team ever?

  85. Eng 176-0 (Southee 15-1-48-0)

    Lyth adds a single, before Cook - increasingly deep in his bunker - blocks out the rest of Southee's over.

  86. Post update

    But Alastair Cook is home safely. Ran his bat in nicely. Relief for the England captain.

  87. Umpire review

    Now, is this the breakthrough New Zealand have been waiting for? McCullum has thrown down the timbers...

  88. Eng 174-0 (trail by 176)

    England continue their slow-paced accumulation, Cook and Lyth adding a single apiece off the increasingly hopeless-looking spin of Craig.

  89. Taking lessons from cricketers

    Text 81111

    Kate in London: I was taught Biology at GCSE by the legend Chris Tavare - lessons were slow and methodical!

    Zoe: Chris Tavare taught me Biology after his playing career ended. He got a fair amount of stick for his batting style. Good man, great tache.

    Chris Tavare

    Piers in Worcester: I was taught English by Tim Curtis and Geography by Phil Newport at school.

  90. Eng 172-0 (Lyth 87, Cook 73)

    How do you get Alastair Cook out when he's in this mood? You can't bore him out, and you can't play on his ego by sending down a few juicy ones outside the off stump. You have to make him play, but get too straight and he'll simply nudge you to leg, as he does to Tim Southee again. Lyth then flicks him down to fine leg for four.

  91. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Charlie Rhodes: Whilst Cook and Lyth are batting very well, I feel under 3 an over isn't quite proactive enough.

    Andy Hawkes: The pace that England are scoring today proves Lord's was a one off and not a change in philosophy unfortunately.

    George Tunstall: Saracens are scoring faster than the England team at the moment.

  92. Eng 166-0 (Craig 12-6-18-0)

    Mark Craig has a lush beard to rival his predecessor as New Zealand's spinner, Daniel Vettori but sadly, he doesn't appear to possess any of the same sorcery in his fingers. It's all too easy for Cook and Lyth to block and nudge their way through another over.

  93. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Ian Bradley: Say it quietly, the search for Strauss successor may be over, Adam Lyth exuding class.

    Jeffrey Yeung: I hope Lyth gets a big score in his own backyard, and gives him more confidence to show what he can do as opener(need for Ashes)

  94. Eng 164-0 (trail by 186)

    Tim Southee takes the ball at the other end. Adam Lyth, who gets nicely side-on to the ball off the back foot, pockets the first runs of the evening with a single to cover.

  95. Eng 163-0 (Lyth 80, Cook 71)

    Mark Craig, in his sunglasses, opens the bowling for New Zealand. Cook continues his simple method: block the straight ones, leave the ones outside off. A maiden ensues.

  96. Taking lessons from cricketers' relatives

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Rob Stileman: Not a parent but a brother. Gary Butcher (brother of Mark) taught at my school. Good coach and a good man.

  97. Post update

    Thank you Mitch. Smiles on the New Zealand faces as they trot down the dressing-room steps, but they have plenty of graft ahead of them...

  98. Post update

    And after an entertaining, and may I stress wicketless middle session, it's over to James Gheerbrant to talk you through the last 38 overs of the day. No pressure, James...

  99. Record-breaking Cook

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I don't think we talk enough in English sport about what Alastair Cook's talent really is: stubbornness, concentration, the ability to have a real strong gameplan. What's he got in abundance is that inward talent - strength, character - more so than anyone else I played with. Talent comes from within, and there are many ways of producing good performances."

  100. Record-breaking Cook

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Benjamin: When Ali Cook is near his best we can play any team and never lose. When Ali Cook and Jimmy are near their best we can beat all.

  101. Record-breaking Cook

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    Bedford School head of music Andrew Morris on TMS: "He was a good musician. He had a natural sense of phrase. He understood the music he was performing, particularly as a pianist. His experience as a St Paul's chorister must have given him that power of concentration, no room for the wrong notes, no room for the right notes at the wrong time and I am sure that helped him in his sport."

  102. Record-breaking Cook

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    Bedford School cricket coach and former England batsman Derek Randall on TMS: "You can imagine as a cricket coach, to have the pleasure of working with somebody like Alastair Cook is very special. The first time I saw him on the bowling machine, I couldn't believe the balance and timing he had. He's a lovely lad, a very special boy."

  103. Record-breaking Cook

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    Nick Brett: Somehow Cook still gets criticism! A phenomenal individual record and has led the side to historic wins abroad. All time great.

    Stewart Mills: These guys complaining that Cook scores too slowly have NO idea about the role of an opening Test batsman.

    Joel Fentem: If you think Alastair Cook scores too slowly then you don't understand Test cricket.

  104. Record-breaking Cook

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    Bedford School director of sport Guy Fletcher on TMS: "He turned up as a slightly frail 14-year-old, but we could see he had an immense amount of talent. He was also a very talented squash player and played fly-half in rugby. We're immensely proud as a school to see him as England captain."

  105. Alastair Cook as you've never seen him before

    Alastair Cook

    BBC Sport has tracked down some photos of Alastair Cook from his primary school days.

    From looking bored in French class to singing in the choir with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, click here to see a gallery of Cook's career.

    Alastair Cook
  106. Record-breaking Cook

    TMS are now hearing from an array of Cook's former teachers and coaches, including ex-England batsman Derek Randall who coached him at Bedford School.

  107. Cook: Choir boy, golden boy, tractor boy

    Did you know Alastair Cook, England captain and now leading Test run-scorer, once sang for the Queen?

    Find out which reptile he has nightmares about being eaten by - and why he loves spending so much time with sheep...

    BBC Sport looks at the different sides of Cook and how they shaped his path to the top.

    Alastair Cook
  108. Record-breaking Cook

    Alastair Cook graphic
  109. Post update

    And let's not forget, a record has fallen in that session - Alastair Cook is now England's all-time leading Test run-scorer.

  110. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "England will be in comfortable frame of mind. Cook and Lyth have driven well, they've cut well, they've punched off the back foot well. The batsmen have had the odd discomfort but generally they've been very well in control. Batting has looked benign."

  111. Tea scorecard

    England 163-0 (50 overs)

    Batsmen: Lyth 80*, Cook 71*

    Bowling figures: Boult 16-3-50-0, Southee 12-1-39-0, Henry 11-3-43-0, Craig 10-5-16-0, Williamson 1-0-5-0.

    New Zealand 350 all out (Ronchi 88, Latham 84, Broad 5-109)

    England won toss

    Full scorecard

  112. Tea - Eng 163-0

    Kane Williamson, who will have bowled here a few times for Yorkshire (before he was collared by the ICC for an illegal bowling action), is on for an over of part-time off-spin before the tea interval - and after a single of Cook, a very part-time half-tracker is despatched to the extra cover boundary by Lyth.

    England's session - with their openers still together, and another piece in place for the Ashes (an Adam Lyth-shaped piece slotting into the opener's role).

  113. Taking lessons from cricketers' relatives

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Phil Acheson: I was taught French by Bob Willis's brother in 1983. Bob was the England captain in Australia on the 1982-3 Ashes tour. He brought Bob to the school and he signed some of my cricket books.

    Peter Whipps: I was taught maths by Mike Brearley's father - Mike was a contemporary pupil at the same school.

  114. Eng 158-0 (Lyth 76*, Cook 70*)

    A couple of singles banish any pessimistic thoughts of a follow-on, while Boult pings a delivery down the leg side which is signalled as four byes. I'm not sure if keeper Luke Ronchi has any French ancestry, as he gives a very Gallic shrug as if to say "how was I supposed to stop that?" The singles keep flowing, and England have nearly made it to the interval.

  115. Taking lessons from cricketers (and their parents)

    Text 81111

    Lee in Sunderland: I was taught maths in primary school by Jim Watts of Northants.

  116. Eng 150-0

    After a single from Lyth, Cook drills Craig for four through the covers towards the White Rose Stand (the artist formerly known as the Western Terrace), that's the 150 partnership. Time for two, or possibly three more before tea?

  117. Taking lessons from cricketers' parents

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Graeme Williams: I was taught maths by Graeme Swann's dad. He was a brilliant teacher but terrifying too! A quality batsman himself.

    Kesh in London: I was employed as a teacher by the mother of Adrian and Robert Rollins, Marva Rollins. Adrian had a long county career and Robert played for England Lions. Topically, Adrian is now a maths and deputy headteacher.

  118. Eng 147-0 (47 overs)

    Cook edges Boult for four past second slip, while a more full-blooded stroke brings him two to Henry on the cover boundary. England trail by 205.

  119. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I don't think it's without little moments to keep New Zealand's bowlers interested. They've beaten the bat a couple of times. But England are batting very well - Cook has evolved so he hardly plays the ball outside off stump at all."

    Matt Henry
  120. Record-breaking Cook

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Sky statistician Richard Isaacs: First time since Feb 1914 that both leading Test run & wicket taker in same game for England - Jack Hobbs and Sydney Barnes.

  121. Eng 139-0

    Craig's previously excellent figures take a dent as Lyth helps himself to a three through mid-wicket. He's racing ahead of Cook, who moves to 58 with a single. Tea coming up on the horizon - at 15:40 BST - with a long final session to come.

  122. Record-breaking Cook

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Ben Mummery: Cook has batted for England for more minutes than Boycott - didn't think that was possible!

    Liam: He's a good player but he scores too slowly, that's what puts people off.

  123. Eng 135-0 (Lyth 70*, Cook 57*)

    Boult takes a tumble as Lyth whacks a four back past the bowler, before guiding a three off his legs - Matt Henry makes a good run-saving stop at long leg, pushing the ball back before tumbling over the rope himself. England enjoying themselves too.

  124. Record-breaking Cook

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Tom Watkins: Alastair Cook's mother was my chemistry teacher for three years from 2005-7. For one chemistry test, she promised person with the highest mark would be awarded with a signed Cook ODI shirt. Never worked so hard on a science-related subject in my life.

    Actually, I was taught maths by Paul Terry's mother for a year. Anyone else been taught by a current or former Test batsman's mother?

  125. Eng 128-0 (Craig 8-5-7-0)

    Craig, having only conceded a miserly seven runs in his first seven overs, continues bowling round the wicket to the two left-handers - and a maiden to Cook make his figures look even better. Geoffrey Boycott may have been disparaging about Craig's abilities for the last two Tests, but he's been right on the money for the Black Caps so far today.

  126. Record-breaking Cook

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Marko Koning: Cook is the medicine. When he is doing well, England is doing well. Just in time for the Ashes. Bring it on!

  127. Eng 128-0

    New Zealand need to put the brakes on here, with four front-line bowlers they've not got a lot of options so turn back to their premier bowler Trent Boult at the Football Stand End. He brings them some control with five dot balls, although Lyth manages to steer the last delivery through the covers for his ninth four.

    There's five ODIs and a T20 international for New Zealand to get through after this Test, they'll be home before the end of June and then have a month off before heading to South Africa in early to mid-August.

  128. Record-breaking Cook

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    Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen: "I was quoted a few years back saying could break Sachin's record. At the age of 30, he still has a chance! Quite brilliant batsman! Well done, AC!"

  129. Eng 124-0 (Lyth 59*, Cook 57*)

    Suddenly the shackles appear to be off as Craig lets one go too short and Cook remorselessly square-cuts him for four. Just 27 more needed for England to avoid the follow-on (he said with his tongue firmly in his cheek).

    Alastair Cook
  130. Most wicketkeepers in a Test XI?

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    David Brooks: I think we can do better with bowling wicketkeepers (see 13:59). How about George Brown, the great Hampshire all-rounder who scored 18,000 runs and took around 600 wickets for them with fast-medium but who kept wicket when he played for England. And then there's the great Kiwi John Reid, a true all-rounder who also kept wicket in tests. I'd also add Hanif Mommamad's leg-spin. The more difficult question is who keeps wicket for this team?

  131. Cook 50

    Eng 120-0

    A flashing four, sliced over the slips, brings Alastair Cook his 41st Test fifty - and as I mentioned, his fifth score in excess of 50 in his last seven Test innings. A single brings Lyth on strike, it's hearts-in-mouths time for the Yorkshire crowd as their opening batsman nearly pops a return catch to Henry but it's just too low for the big Canterbury seamer and bounces just in front of his grasp as he tumbles onto the wicket. Reprieved, Lyth helps himself to a two before an assured square-driven four takes him to 59.

  132. Could Root pass Cook's record?

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "Joe Root has got 2,272 runs in Test cricket, at the same age Alastair Cook had 2,238. So he is on course, almost."

    Joe Root
  133. Eng 109-0

    Cook is edging, tortoise-like, towards his fifty. Just a single from another Craig over of tempting off-spin.

  134. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Good shot from Lyth to get your first fifty in Tests. Even when he scored seven and 12 at Lord's, he looked like a player, he looked controlled, he looked like he had a game that would match up well to Test match cricket."

  135. Eng 108-0

    Henry strays down the leg side and the ball disappears past Ronchi for four byes. Lyth prods the ball towards short mid-wicket and initially sets off for a single before thinking better of it. A maiden over, and the crowd is getting a little restless, which may have something to do with the amount of alcohol consumed so far. We have another 49 overs scheduled to be bowled today.

  136. How's stat?

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "This is England's first century opening stand in a home Test since Birmingham in 2011 when Cook and Strauss added 186 against India."

    Cook went on to get 294 in that game.

    Alastair Cook after scoring his first half century for England in 2006