After Alex Lees was dismissed for 67, a third-wicket partnership of 187 between Root and Pope troubled the New Zealand bowling. Simultaneously, England captain Ben Stokes scored 46 runs in just 33 balls.
England added 383 runs on the third day of play, with the home team 473-5, 80 behind New Zealand’s 553. There is still work to be done for England but they should try to level with New Zealand first, then take an easy lead.
Their Sunday effort has given them a strong chance to maintain their 1-0 series advantage. At 90-1 overnight, 463 behind, it would have been special for England to wilt. Instead, he attacked from the start, with every batsman trying to destabilize New Zealand’s bowling. The Trent Bridge pitch was conducive to batting and the fast outfield also provided considerable assistance to the batsmen. New Zealand did not help themselves – they missed a catch twice at Root and Ben Fox was given to Lies and Pope on Saturday Gave a life to go with the relief while off-spinner Michael Bracewell was not used. The Black Caps also had to deal with a back injury from fast bowler Kyle Jamieson.
They will have to find a way to dismiss New Zealand in their second innings for England to win – the nature of the pitch seems to be headed for a Test draw. Nevertheless, McCullum would tell them to believe that anything is possible. .
Pope had not batted at number three in first-class cricket prior to this series, but was recalled as new captain Stokes was adamant that he wanted such a player in his team. Pope repaid Biswas with his second Test century and his fourteenth century in first-class cricket.
Playing Matt Henry in covers, his century came in 160 balls. It is said that his batting style reminds of Ian Bell. What to say about Root, he is in the best form of his career. It was his 10th century since the beginning of last year. It was an amazing century – the fastest of his 27 in Tests off 116 balls.
The stand of Joe Root and Ollie Pope raked in runs at around 4.5 per over. Jonny Bairstow could not hold on for long after Pope’s departure, and then Stokes started the attack with Root as soon as he came. Together they added 61 runs in 56 balls. After that Root shared a 68-run partnership with Foakes. Root continued to attack till close.