England seize control on Day 3 in Christchurch Test

England tightened their grip on the first Test against New Zealand, ending Day 3 with the hosts struggling at 155/6 in their second innings, leading by just four runs here on Saturday.

Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse starred with the ball, claiming three wickets each as New Zealand faltered under pressure.

After securing a commanding 151-run first-innings lead, England resumed the day at 319/5 and posted an imposing 499. Harry Brook top-scored with a sensational 171, while captain Ben Stokes contributed a quick-fire 80. Lower-order fireworks from Gus Atkinson (48) and Carse (33*) compounded New Zealand's woes.

In response, New Zealand’s top order crumbled against a relentless English attack. Woakes dismissed Tom Latham (1) and Kane Williamson (53) in a fiery spell, with Williamson falling shortly after registering his 9,000th Test run.

Carse accounted for Devon Conway (14), Rachin Ravindra (15), and Glenn Phillips (19) to leave the hosts reeling.

Daryl Mitchell (31*) and Will Smith (1*) remain unbeaten, but with only four wickets in hand, New Zealand face an uphill battle to avoid defeat in the opening match of the series.(UNI)