Rachin Ravindra plays a Day 3 role that changes New Zealand’s path in the deciding series

Rachin Ravindra produced a composed unbeaten half-century as New Zealand stiffened in the series-deciding third Test against England to extend their total 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 not out on 60 and Daryl Mitchell on 35. The pair shared an unbroken 69-run stand for the fourth wicket to regain control after England threatened to take control early.

The visitors looked vulnerable after losing both openers cheaply. Jofra Archer hit the last ball of the skip, trapping Tom Latham lbw for four, before troubling Devon Conway with a sharp bouncer that hit his helmet and then forced the left-hander to the edge at first slip for five. Archer’s fiery opening burst produced figures of 2 for 12 from five overs.

English vs. NZ, 3rd test day 3: Highlighting | Scorecard

England’s hopes of breaking through the middle order received a further 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 during the final over.

“Once your partnership grows, the dressing room relaxes a bit,” New Zealand all-rounder Zak Foulkes said after the match.

“We always knew that the new ball season would be difficult, but. credit to Rachin and Daryl. They played really well after that and hopefully they can continue in the morning.”

Earlier, the New Zealand bowlers finished England’s first innings for 354 after the hosts had resumed on 223 for 2. Nathan Smith took 4 for 91 to take his series tally to 14 wickets, while Will O’Rourke took 3 for 53 on a surface that began to offer increasing assistance to the seamers.

With Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson unavailable, New Zealand’s attack stepped up impressively. Foulkes, who replaced Blair Tickner after the pacer suffered concussion after being hit by Archer, returned figures of 3 for 35, dismissing both Ben Stokes and Brook. Brook’s counter-attack of 58 briefly threatened to swing England’s way before the visitors wrapped up the innings.

England spinner Shoaib Bashir insisted the hosts were still confident of chasing down whatever target New Zealand set despite the wicket starting to show signs of wear and tear.

“I wouldn’t write that number, especially for the English side,” Bashir said. “We have incredible cricketers in this team but we want it to be as little as possible when this wicket goes down. The series is on the line and we will try to win it.”

With Ravindra and Mitchell well set and a pitch expected to become increasingly difficult to bat on, New Zealand will look to extend their advantage beyond England’s comfort zone on Day 4 before unleashing their bowlers in a bid to win the series.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

Jun 28, 2026 0:47 AM IST