New Zealand v England: second men’s cricket Test, day three

Key events

I’m feeling quite sleepy after a large meal topped off by apple crumble with brandy cream, so apologies if my updates start to wilt into the small hours. We don’t yet know if England have declared over night or if Stokes fancies an even larger lead.

Greedy for hat-tricks is Gus Atkinson.

Ali Martin

“Everyone in New Zealand is buzzing about Chris Wood’s latest goal for Forest, beating Man Utd 3-2 at Old Trafford.

“(this may just be me)“

And there’s more.

Ali has been busy this morning with his laundry but always has time for the Guardian’s OBO readers:

“It’s much windier today, could be a few gusts that make catching in the deep tricky. May also help Shoaib Bashir get some drift when it’s England’s time to bowl.”

This was Ali Martin’s take on yesterday’s play:

Preamble

Hello! As Storm Darragh huffs and puffs outside the window, over in Wellington, England are serenely sailing towards their first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008.

A second day on fast forward left the Kiwis bowled out for just 125 – a hat-trick for Gus Atkinson’s embossed leather wallet. Then England’s blades and guns did their bit – 90s for Duckett and the astonishing Bethell – while Joe Root has a chance to shuffle up the pantheon this evening if he can collect his 36th Test hundred (27 more needed).

You wish New Zealand a long second innings at this beautiful ground, but with the lead 533 already, you fear for their busted confidence. That 3-0 thrashing of India accelerates fast into the distance.

Play starts at 10pm, there’s room on the sofa for more.