Live Commentary: New Zealand vs. England - Third Test, day two - as it happened

Good evening everyone. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I'm sure Alastair Cook would love to go back 24 hours and decide to bowl. However, unless there are some magical powers we don't know about, England are set for another long day in the field.

New Zealand were impressive yesterday, with Fulton and Williamson showing their ability to make England toil. Williamson, in particular, looks to have a great future for the Black Caps.

England must take wickets this morning. The pitch may not be helpful to the tourists but a couple of early dismissals could make a big difference.

There's been plenty of discussion about the type of pitches being produced in New Zealand during this series. England have been frustrated by the conditions but at times, their bowling has been to blame for poor displays.

England will be wary of what is to come for New Zealand. If they do break the current partnership early this morning, it's vital they bowl well to Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum.

There has been a bit of rain overnight in Auckland and some reports have suggested there could be some more showers over the next 24 hours.

We're less than five minutes away from the start of play now. The final preparations are being put in place, Fulton begins on 124 and Williamson starts with 83. New Zealand are 250-1, here we go.

It looks like Anderson will open the bowling on day two. Big morning for both sides, England need a breakthrough.

Good start from Anderson, who keeps a tight line outside off stump but a hint of movement isn't enough to worry Fulton. The centurion has a flirt with the final delivery but he doesn't edge the ball and it's a maiden.

Broad is thrown the ball to begin proceedings from the other end. The T20 skipper oversteps the mark early on, conceding an extra. Williamson times a couple of shots well outside off stump but he can only pick out a fielder on both occasions.

There's a brief break in play as Anderson puts on an ankle brace. New Zealand record their first runs off the bat as Williamson hits the ball through third man for four runs to add to a leg-bye earlier in the over.

Broad races through his over, sending down six dot balls to complete a maiden. Steady start to the day from New Zealand.

Williamson misses out on runs as Anderson begins his over with a loose delivery down the leg-side. The same batsman gets on top of the bounce superbly to steer the ball wide of the slips for four more runs.

Williamson looks set for three figures but he goes as his defensive shot results in him edging the ball to Prior. It's a very good delivery from Anderson. Important wicket for the tourists. Taylor in next.

Taylor defends the final two balls of Anderson's over, collecting a single with a thick edge to third man. A second look at the wicket proves just how good that ball was from Anderson and it was delivered at 89mph too.

Broad looks threatening as he beats Taylor's edge with a beauty. The batsman gets the better of the battle later in the over as he perfectly times a cover drive to pick up four runs.

Anderson strays onto the pads early in the over, allowing Fulton to whip the ball through mid-wicket for three runs. Taylor is playing away from his body, which is always a dangerous tactic against Anderson. A nudge into the off side produces a single for Taylor and Fulton is happy to leave the remainder of the over.

Taylor displays his pace as he hurries a single, with Compton lurking at backward point. Broad drops the ball slightly shorter but Fulton is able to pull the ball to mid-wicket for another run.

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Anderson is too wide early in his new over and Fulton refuses to be forced into a poor shot. It's still a maiden and England continue their search for a third wicket.

New Zealand take a risk as Taylor nudges the ball to mid-on, rushing a quick single. Broad keeps a nice line throughout the over and Fulton is once again more than happy to defend.

Taylor earns another single at the beginning of a new over with a nudge to square-leg. Fulton leaves a ball that creeps inches over middle stump. Good pressure from England but they need to build on the Williamson dismissal.

It's time for spin as Panesar comes into the attack to replace Broad. Panesar beats the bat and hits Taylor on the pad but the appeal is rejected with the ball looking as though it would have missed leg stump. Good start from England's spinner but Taylor survives the maiden over.

Cook makes a second change as he throws the ball to Finn. Fulton pulls the ball to deep square-leg for a single. Finn finds a nice line just outside off stump but he's a fraction too short and can't threaten Taylor's stumps.

Panesar has started impressively, giving the ball more flight than he did yesterday. A quicker delivery forces Fulton to react quickly to defend. Maiden over and it's time for a drinks break.

It's been a pretty even start to the day. England are in desperate need of a couple more wickets before lunch.

Finn continues after the break, conceding a single to Taylor early in the over. Fulton finds three runs and he'll keep the strike for Panesar's over.

Fulton pushes the ball to cover to pick up a single before Taylor shows his power with a massive six over mid-wicket. Panesar strays onto the pads again and Taylor drills the ball through the leg-side for four more.

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Panesar withstands the pressure from Taylor and then removes New Zealand's number four. Taylor attempted to turn the ball onto the leg-side but a leading edge offers Panesar the chance to take a simple catch.

Brownlie is the new batsman but it's Fulton who's in the firing line as Finn begins a new over. A fumble at mid-wicket from Anderson allows the opener to sneak a single. Brownlie can't find a gap in the field and he settles for a couple of defensive shots.

Fulton drills a straight drive at the stumps opposite to him before rocking back to cut the ball through the covers for two runs. It's another good over from Panesar, who looks far more dangerous today.

Superb from Brownlie as he takes advantage of a fuller ball outside off stump from Finn to drive beautifully for four runs past mid-off. A thick edge deflects into the pads, prompting gasps from the slips.

Panesar races through another maiden. New Zealand can't afford to lose another wicket before lunch.

Finn showing some good pace and rhythm as he continues his spell. Brownlie rocks back but he makes poor contact on a drive and is fortunate to see the ball squirm into the leg-side. Compton fails to prevent a single at mid-on and Brownlie will keep the strike.

Brownlie can't guide the ball past Bell at square-leg and is frustrated by the same fielder when he attempts a single following a nudge off the hip. Maiden over from Panesar.

Absolutely superb from Prior. An inside edge looks to be heading for the rope but a dive and brilliant diving catch from Prior sends the centurion on his way. Finn takes a crucial wicket and it's turning into a very good morning for the tourists.

New Zealand have only scored 47 runs this morning but it's McCullum's turn to have a go with the bat out in the middle. He's almost gone as England think they have him trapped lbw and the umpire raises his finger. McCullum reviews the decision and the replay proves the ball only struck the pad, ensuring that Prior's catch isn't valid. DRS show the ball would have also missed the stumps. Nervy times for New Zealand but the skipper is still there.

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Panesar continues his spell with superb accuracy. It's another maiden and New Zealand seem slightly stuck in defensive mode this morning.

McCullum is off the mark with three to deep square-leg and he looks eager to come at Finn, suggesting he won't hold back his aggressive intent. Brownlie mistimes a cut shot, causing Finn to hold a stare for slightly longer than usual. A pull shot brings the same batsman a single before McCullum ends the over with a cracking shot past point for four.

Panesar certainly doing his best to find some spin in the pitch but he can't find enough to threaten Brownlie. It's a maiden and lunch is just five minutes away.

Finn begins a new over with a great delivery and catches McCullum's outside edge but the ball races through a gap wide of the slips for four. The hosting skipper then pushes the ball in front of point for two more before nudging one to fine-leg.

Panesar races through the final over of the session and it is a maiden from the spinner. It's definitely England's session but McCullum (14*) and Brownlie (6*) have managed to battle their way to lunch.

Lunch: Plenty of positives for England this morning, with three wickets falling. New Zealand have added 62 runs to their total and they're in need of a partnership after lunch.

We'll take a break between sessions but make sure you join us in around 35 minutes for the beginning of the second session.

Welcome back everyone. England enjoyed a great morning session but New Zealand will be content with over 300 runs on the board. McCullum looks the key figure for the remainder of the day and Cook will know how important it will be to remove his rival captain.

Big session ahead for both sides but this pitch hasn't changed too much and there's plenty of runs still to be scored in the game.

The players are back out and it will be Broad who begins the session with the ball.

Brownlie only has six runs to his name so far and he doesn't seem to be in too much of a rush today. The batsman could do with a big score in the game. Broad delivers a very full ball but Brownlie does well to react, taking a single to mid-wicket.

Panesar continues his spell following the lunch break. Brownlie gets off strike immediately by pushing a single to Broad at mid-on. McCullum's attacking intentions are put to one side as Panesar has him reaching for the ball outside off-stump. However, a short and wide ball is easy pickings for New Zealand's skipper and he cuts the ball past point for four.

Broad clearly believes a full length is the key to bowling at Brownlie. A wider ball offers the batsman a chance to free his arms and he earns four in front of point.

McCullum has yet to advance down the pitch against Panesar but he is able to flick the ball off his hip for a single. It's the only blemish on the over, good bowling from Panesar.

Broad isn't happy with the condition of the ball. The umpires agree that a change is needed and a replacement is thrown to the bowler. McCullum cuts the ball for a single before a thick outside edge provides four runs for Brownlie.

McCullum can't fight the urge much longer and he dances down the pitch but his ugly heave only produces a single to Broad at wide mid-on. Brownlie is much more defensive, as expected, and blocks out the remainder of the over.

Broad forces McCullum to move his feet in an awkward manner, with the ball just missing the outside edge. A wider delivery allows the skipper to cut the ball to deep point for a single. Good battle between these two,

McCullum is struggling to time the ball in the way he usually does. Panesar can't find a way through the batsman's defence though and it's a maiden.

Cook decides it's time for a change as Anderson comes back into the attack. The swing bowler immediately beats Brownlie's outside edge with a ball delivered just back of a length. An even shorter ball allows Brownlie to pull and he collects two runs. Anderson goes fuller but Brownlie shows his ability with a perfectly timed straight drive for four.

Classic McCullum as he skips down the pitch to drill the ball through the covers for a boundary. Panesar loses his length later in the over and McCullum helps himself to four more with a brilliant cut shot. One more single makes it nine from the over.

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The fifty partnership is brought up when McCullum flicks the ball into the deep on the leg-side for a couple. A short ball gives McCullum the chance to pull powerfully through mid-wicket, collecting four runs for his trouble.

We're seeing a much more positive New Zealand side since lunch as Brownlie opes his stance to drive Panesar through the covers for four. The spinner responds well, beating the edge with a delivery that spins. Brownlie makes sure he will keep the strike thanks to a single to deep square-leg.

Anderson attempts to surprise Brownlie with another bouncer but the right-handed batsman looks much more confident now as he pulls through mid-wicket for four. Brownlie helps himself to two more with a late cut through third man before nudging the ball to square leg for another couple of runs. Anderson lacking a bit of rhythm in this spell.

It's certainly starting to spin more for Panesar as he beats McCullum's edge and that can only be good news for the game. McCullum finds an easy single with a prod into the leg-side and that's the only score in the over.

Cook makes a surprising change as he throws Trott the ball but he could be thinking about changing Panesar's end. McCullum attempts one of the most expansive pull shots you'll see but his timing is awful and it's a dot ball. The New Zealand skipper gets a bottom edge on a wider delivery but Prior has no chance behind the stumps.

McCullum clearly felt he could attack Trott but he edges a second ball in the over and Prior takes a good catch behind the stumps. The bowling change works and surprisingly, it's Trott who makes the breakthrough.

The players take a drinks break following that wicket. New Zealand will be disappointed that they're in this position after yesterday's display. BJ Watling is the new batsman and he safely negotiates the remainder of Trott's over.

Panesar continues his spell, conceding a single to Brownlie at the beginning of a new over. Watling gets off the mark in superb fashion as he drives straight past Panesar to reach the boundary rope. The same batsman fails to find the gap with two cuts later in an over where Panesar was far too short.

Trott keeps the ball following the successful start to his spell. Brownlie refuses to take the same risks as his skipper did in the previous over and it's a maiden.

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Panesar's spell comes to an end as Anderson comes back on for the spinner. Watling guides a cut shot behind point but he only earns himself a single. New Zealand need a partnership from this pair. One more wicket and England will fancy their chances of wrapping up the innings.

Prior is left moaning in despair as Watling drives at Trott outside off-stump, with the batsman collecting two runs. Good work from Trott, he's already produced more than what was expected of him.

Anderson keeps it tight throughout the early stages of his over but a wider ball tempts Brownlie into a cut, with Compton taking a very good catch at gully. Cheap dismissal but England won't mind!

Southee is the new batsman and he needs to stay with Watling if New Zealand are to reach the total they should have after the first day's play. New Zealand's number eight is off the mark with a quick single but he misses the opportunity to add another when Panesar fumbles the ball, with the new arrival tripping over.

Finn is back into the attack and this looks a good move from Cook, with the New Zealand tail starting to be exposed. The bowler sends down a leg-stump full toss, allowing Southee to punch the ball through mid-wicket for four runs. Cook has fielders in the deep but Southee still attempts the pull shot. The batsman is fortunate, with the ball dropping just short of Ian Bell.

Southee will attack the bowlers and he shows his power when he pulls the returning Broad over the square leg boundary rope for six. Broad is left with a quizzical look on his face as Southee repeats the trick, clearing the rope once again. The bowler then goes full but Southee makes no contact with an expansive drive. A lofted shot over cover brings Southee three more runs before collecting one more with a push to deep point. Valuable runs for New Zealand. Southee has raced to 21 from 13 balls.

Finn is taken for a single to third man by Southee at the beginning of a new over. Watling prods the ball into the leg-side and reacts well to sneak a single from the final delivery.

Broad is keeping things tight to Watling, offering the batsman little room to work with. I mentioned some possible showers and a few spots of rain are beginning to fall in Auckland. Trott does well in the deep on the leg-side to restrict Watling to a single following a pull shot. Southee once again attacks Broad but his lofted shot stops short of the rope at long-off.

Great over from Finn as he stays just outside off-stump. Watling has a flirt with the final ball but thankfully for the hosts, there's no edge.

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Good move from Cook as he brings Panesar on to bowl at Southee. The right-handed batsman flicks the ball off his pad, just beating Root at short-leg, to bring up 400 for the hosts. Good over from Panesar.

Finn fires in a sharp bouncer and Southee takes it on but there's no contact with the attempted hook shot. A pull shot goes straight into the air on the leg-side bu no fielder can take the catch. Southee is forced to change his bat after noticing a crack. The replacement seems to work pretty well as he drives past Broad at mid-off for four runs. Southee takes on the short ball once again, this time on the off-side and collects four over point.

Poor from Panesar as a short ball is given the correct treatment from Watling, who earns four past point. The spinner then sends down a hip-high full toss but Watling decides against slogging the ball out of the ground.

Tea: England have continued their fightback in the second session of the day. They'll want to wrap up this innings quickly after lunch but Southee's unbeaten 35 will be a concern to Cook and his men. Watling has 13 runs to his name as the players head in for a break.

New Zealand should have been able to accelerate today but their progress has been halted by some good bowling from the tourists. England will be looking to keep the hosts below 450. It's a very difficult match to call but a draw still looks the most liekly result.

The pitch has done more than it did yesterday. Panesar was finding some spin in that session but it's still a good track to bat on.

England can't afford to be sloppy in the next hour. They'll want to be in bat sooner rather than later, so a good spell from one of the pace bowlers is vital.

The players are back out for the dressing rooms. Cook gives his side one last pep talk before the beginning of the final session. Wickets are needed and they need to come quickly.

Finn starts the session with the ball in hand and Southee immediately finds the rope when Bairstow fumbles the ball at deep square leg. Southee dodges a well directed short ball later in the over before pulling the ball for two runs through mid-wicket.

Watling is keen to open up the off-side against Panesar and after drilling a cut shot straight to Compton at point, he sneaks a single when the fielder fumbles following a similar shot. Two runs from the spinner's first over after tea.

Finn is frustrated when Bell makes a mistake at cover to allow Southee to collect two runs and bring up the fifty partnership.

Southee refuses to stop attacking but his entertaining innings comes to an end when he edges a short ball to Prior, who takes a simple catch. Valuable runs from Southee and it's Bruce Martin in next.

Martin plays a similar shot to the one Southee was dismissed from but the new batsman has four runs to his name over Cook at slip. A thick edge races past the slips to produce another single for Martin before Watling picks up a couple in front of gully.

Panesar delivers a flat ball early in his new over but Martin reacts well to pick up a single on the leg-side. Root then does superbly at backward point to block Watling's cut shot.

Martin takes advantage of a fraction of width from Finn to reach the boundary rope over point, earning four more runs.

A superb length from Finn is enough to catch Martin's edge and Trott takes the catch at second slip. Finn now has four wickets in the innings. Wagner in next for the hosts.

Wagner is off the mark immediately with two runs flicked off the hip. We may see some big shots from Watling now.

Watling can't find the gap early in the over and he almost departs when Panesar gets one to bounce sharply to catch the shoulder of the bat. The ball drops short of Bairstow at point and Watling piles on the misery by sweeping for four. Five scored in the over.

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Watling flirst with a ball down the leg-side and Prior takes the catch. There's a big appeal but the umpire isn't interested. Cook reviews the decision and Hot Spot shows there was an edge. Finn has five wickets for the first time since the Ashes in 2010.

Boult goes first ball! The number 11 flashes his bat a wider ball and picks out Compton, who takes an excellent catch at gully. Finn has six wickets and England will be in bat in just a few minutes.

England's bowlers deserve huge credit for the way they have performed today. Nine wickets taken in just over two sessions means that England are back in the match.

Finn ends with figures of 6-125 and he'll be on a hat-trick when he gets the ball in New Zealand's second innings.

New Zealand lost their last nine wickets for 193 runs. What a change from yesterday. It's England's turn now and Cook makes his way out towards the middle, with Compton following closely. Boult will open the bowling.

Cook leaves the first ball too late and inadvertently earns four runs through the slip. There's definitely some swing for Boult outside off stump but he's not full enough to tempt Cook into driving.

Southee will share the new ball following his impressive display with the bat. Compton is off the mark with a boundary as a thick edge races between third slip and gully for four. Southee is keeping his length full but he's not getting the same movement as Boult did in the previous over.

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Huge wicket for New Zealand! Cook gets a small edge on a leg-side delivery and Watling takes a simple catch. That's exactly what New Zealand needed. Trott in next for the tourists.

Trott is off the mark with three runs to deep mid-wicket. Boult is bowling with some great rhythm but New Zealand to take advantage of the rare movement by picking up more wickets. Compton adds one more run towards the end of the over with a nudge to square leg before Trott collects four with a boundary through the same area.

Southee is beginning to find some movement but he's too short with his length. Compton looks solid in defence and blocks out a maiden over.

Trott gets off strike early in Boult's over with a single. Compton finds the rope for a second time with a flick off the hip for four to fine leg. Five from the over. England won't want to lose anymore wickets today.

Southee strays onto the pads and Trott will take that kind of bowling all day as he clips the ball through square leg for four runs. The bowler is too straight again and Trott picks up three more on the leg-side. Compton nudges a single through cover from the final ball to steal the strike.

Boult brings one back but Compton judges the length well, leaving the ball to bounce over the stumps. It's another decent over from the seamer but Compton seems to be growing in confidence with every innings. Maiden over.

Despite starting fluently, Trott has happily gone back to defensive mode and he blocks out Southee's maiden over.

Wagner comes into the attack but he starts with a big wide down the leg-side before getting away with another wayward delivery past leg stump. The left-arm bowler then gets one to explode off the pitch but Compton does well to deflect the ball onto the leg-side, picking up a single for his trouble.

It's a good over from Southee as he restricts Compton's freedom at the crease. The Somerset ace refuses to play a false shot though and defends a maiden.

Excellent from Trott as he lunges at a full delivery from Wagner to drive for four through extra cover. Wagner finds some swing but Trott plays the ball well off his pads to nullify the threat.

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Southee is beginning to lose some of his earlier accuracy as his spell carries on. The line is too wide from the seamer and Compton won't be drawn into a false shot. It's a maiden.

McCullum decides it's time for some spin as he throws the ball to Martin. The spinner gives the ball plenty of flight throughout the over and a leading edge from Trott flies past the bowler's outstretched hand. That's a stroke of luck for the batsman and he has four runs through mid-off for his troubles. Time for a drinks break.

Boult hasn't been out of the attack for long but he's back for a new spell. Compton flicks the ball past square leg for a single before adding another run to the same area three balls later.

Very good over from Martin. The spinner is bowling slowly enough to invite some shots from Trott but there's no mistakes from the batsman as he picks up a single to wide mid-on.

A thick edge allows Compton to pick up a single but a mistake from Rutherford at point allows the England duo to hurry a second run, much to the displeasure of Boult.

New Zealand take their second wicket of the innings and it's Trott who must walk back to the dressing room. Boult gets the ball to nip back off the seam and hit Trott on the pad. England's number three reviews the original decision of out but Hawkeye does him no favours and he must depart.

Bell is the new batsman and he gets off the mark with four runs to fine leg. England can't afford to lose another wicket before stumps.

Martin is finding some good bounce outside the off stump and Compton is under a bit of pressure now, with plenty of chat around the bat. England's opener shows his class though, resorting to his defensive mindset to block out the over.

England have got one eye on the close of play as we enter the last 25 minutes of the day. More good work from Boult as he sends down six balls to complete another maiden.

Martin could do with straightening his line slightly to Compton. The opener gets on top of the bounce well but can't find the gap on the off-side and it's another maiden.

Boult delivers a sharp bouncer but Bell is alert to the danger and takes the appropriate action. Bell gets a thick edge on a leg-side delivery but it drops short of Watling, who stops the ball well behind the stumps.

Compton chases a wide one from Martin but he makes no contact with his expansive drive. New Zealand will feel they have a chance to take one more wicket before stumps. Compton has a quiet word with himself and goes back to blocking.

Bell ends a run of 5.2 overs without a run by clipping the ball to square leg for a single. Boult is too wide to worry Compton and it's just a single from the over. 10 minutes left today, can the hosts take another wicket?

Martin finds a beautiful line to Bell and a maiden over is only ruined by a thick outside edge to third man. The fifty is up for England but they have a long way to go from here.

Boult decides it's time for some short stuff as he beats Bell's outside edge before forcing the batsman to take evasive action with a sharp bouncer. Bell is very late driving at a full toss outside off stump and looks to Boult in bemusement.

Martin races through the final over of the day but there's no reward for the spinner, who has looked dangerous in this spell.

Close of play: England limp to stumps and they trail by 393 runs at the end of day two. It's been a great performance from the tourists but those two wickets in the final session will give New Zealand added confidence heading into the third day.