New Zealand regained the driving set despite an early collapse, thanks to Rachin Ravindra amazing unbeaten fifty on the third day of the third and series-deciding Test match against England at Trent Bridge on Saturday, June 27.
England managed to make an instant impact with the ball after tea as Jofra Archer took two quick wickets, reducing the visitors to 12-2 in their second innings. However, Ravindra anchored the innings with a calm, unbeaten half-century to help New Zealand finish the day on 120-3, stretching their overall advantage to 204 runs with two days still left in the match.
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Following New Zealand's shaky start, Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings with an unbeaten 60, continuing his amzing form in the Test format. Along with Daryl Mitchell (26*), he added an unbeaten 69 runs for the fourth wicket to guide the visitors towards safe total.
Jofra Archer's hot-form
Jofra Archer breathed fresh life into England's hopes with an amazing spell, finishing the Day 3 of 2/14 from seven overs at the Trent Bridge. The pacer clinched two wickets in quick succession after tea, putting New Zealand on the backfoot.
The visitors slipped to 12/2 as Archer removed both skipper Tom Latham and opening partner Devon Conway on cheap scores. The collapse came as a stark contrast to their strong batting display in the first innings, where the opening pair had smashed 151 and 157 respectively.
Rachin Ravindra's resilient performance
Rachin Ravindra smashed his second fifty of the series, flicking Ben Stokes through midwicket after playing 81 balls. Earlier, New Zealand's bowling attack had put them in front by dismissing the English team for 354, securing a lead of 84 runs. Nathan Smith led the charge with his stunning figures of 4/91, while concussion substitute Zak Foulkes made a big impact with 3/35.
It will be interesting to see if Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell can continue to solidify the winning percentage for New Zealand on the fourth day of the game.