A nice push through the covers for three from Kane Williamson off Gus Atkinson as the former New Zealand captain edges closer to a half-century. He is unbeaten on 42, currently.

There's a steady rebuild going on here, Matt.

Safe flight.

The tall, lithe figure of Shoaib Bashir shuffles up to the crease, hands his cap to the umpire, and gives the ball a flick in his hands.

Daryl Mitchell reverse-sweeps the young spinner's second delivery for four.

Does Gru know the lads are at the cricket?

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You're very kind, Nic. A bit of positivity at this hour is most welcome.

Gus Atkinson slightly overpitches midway through the over an Daryl Mitchell gently plants his front foot, and drives it crisply all along the carpet for four.

Nic Wirtz: I am here for the early morning abuse of published author and all-round good guy Timothy Abraham. Presumably the haters will be quiet if we're treated to wickets?

Chris Woakes attempting to build some pressure with largely disciplined lines and lengths. Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson remain circumspect.

Gus Atkinson warming up.

Ashwanth R Kavuluri
Cricviz analyst

Brydon Carse' average lengths in this innings:

First spell: 7.3m

Second spell (current): 9.4m

Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell both fairly watchful to Brydon Carse as we head into the wee small hours of Saturday morning. Carse with a couple of wides and a no-ball in that over.

England keep chipping away in search of a fourth wicket.

Chris Woakes nags away outside off stump as he is recalled to the attack by Ben Stokes in place of himself. The Warwickshire all-rounder lets one slip down leg side but Ollie Pope athletically dives to stop it.

Daryl Mitchell has his first boundary not long after, flicking Woakes into a gap on the leg side.

Found them!

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Brydon Carse bangs his second ball in short angled across Kane Williamson, who attempts to help the ball on its way with a hook shot but cannot make clean contact and has to settle for a single.

Daryl Mitchell content to work the England quick off his legs for one.

Ben Stokes gives Kane Williamson a bit of width and the Kiwi great is on to it in a flash, efficiently cutting the England captain's fourth ball to the boundary for four.