Carse dropped on 5published at 97.5 overs

97.5 overs

Eng 461-8

Would you believe it?

Another catch goes down from New Zealand. It's not an easy one as Brydon Carse advances to Will O'Rourke and has a big swing.

He sends the ball spiralling up into the off side and Glenn Phillips sprints across from gully.

The ball drops over his shoulder, he gets his hands to it but can't hold on. How many drops is that now? Eight?

Two balls into the session and two swishing plays and misses from Ben Stokes.

Just in case you weren't sure what to expect after lunch...

Quite possibly, Peter.

The New Zealand team are out already, waiting patiently on the boundary edge before Tom Latham gets them in a huddle.

Meanwhile, the umpires stride out to the middle. We're just a few moments away from the start of the afternoon session.

Peter John Watson: Right, Ben. Time for beast mode.

Image source, Getty Images

All the while, Ben Stokes has quietly gone about his business.

It's a welcome return to form for the England skipper, who was happy to play second fiddle while Atkinson was having his fun.

There have been glimpses of his brutal hitting in a largely becalmed knock.

But having reached 78, and with just two wickets left in the innings, I'd wager we can expect to see a few more fireworks in the afternoon session...

Julian Barrell: Atkinson is just the perfect number 9! Good defence and swish - such a pain for other teams.

Image source, Getty Images

But one fantastic shot-maker departed and another arrived... Step forward, Gus Atkinson.

He came in at number nine but batted like a proper top-order batter, hitting four fours and two sixes in a highly entertaining 48 from 36 balls.

We're getting close to genuine all-rounder territory, aren't we?

Image source, Getty Images

Right then, with that mystery solved, let's a have a quick look back at a superb morning session for England.

Harry Brook resumed on 132 and picked up where he left on on day one as he advanced to 171 before feathering behind off Matt Henry.

He was dropped for the fifth time before that but as fortunate as he was, it was still some innings from the Yorkshireman.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport chief cricket reporter in Christchurch

I've heard from Barmy Army trumpeter Finchy. He played the Strictly theme for the seventh drop because of "SEV-EN!". Genius. I need answers on how long he was thinking of that.

Kieran Parmley
Cricviz analyst

Today's opening session has been more favourable for the batting side in comparison to days one and two according to PitchViz, with limited seam on offer in particular.

PitchViz (Out of 10, higher = tougher for batting)

• Day 1, Session 1 - 7.4
• Day 2, Session 1 - 8.3
• Day 3, Session 1 - 4.8

Thanks, Tim. Not sure how much your old scorebooks and PlayCricket stats will persuade Kev of your cricketing credentials but worth a try...

Anyway, no shortage of entertainment in that session, eh?

Harry Brook and Ben Stokes started it, Gus Atkinson took on the mantle when the former departed and Stokes is still there to continue the fun after lunch.

It's fair to say it's looking pretty good for England with a lead of 111 and counting on first innings.

A decent session for England overall and Ben Stokes is still there, as well.

The lunch interval is my cue to jump in the car to drive down to Dorset so here's my colleague Sam Drury. He'll keep you entertained throughout the break and beyond.

Nathan Smith round the wicket to the right-handed Brydon Carse, persisting with the short-ball tactics.

Carse attempts to flick one off his hips and the ball comes through to Tom Blundell like Barnes Wallis and he is unable to get a glove on it and England pinch a leg-bye.

Image source, Getty Images

Will O'Rourke continues with some short stuff, to Ben Stokes this time. It's brisk, but the England captain is equal to it and waspishly whips it through mid-wicket for four.

Fans of wagon wheels, here's where Gus Atkinson belted his runs. He was brutal against anything short, until his demise.

Image source, Cricviz

An easy one for the third umpire. Dug out by Brydon Carse and a fair bit of bat on it.

Apologies accepted for putting on the mockers, gentlemen

Brydon Carse is the new batter and he is struck on the toe by a yorker from Will Rourke, but he looks to have got some bat on it first.

It was given as a four by Ahsan Raza.

A review more in hope than expectation.

Mark E: Sorry everyone.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport chief cricket reporter in Christchurch

Sorry.