Andy Zaltzman
Test Match Special statistician

Ben Stokes' 105-ball 50 was the eighth slowest (in terms of balls to reach 50) of the 114 50s in the Bazball era. Stokes now has three of the 10 Bazball 50s that have taken 100+ balls (Root has four, Foakes two, Lees one). Stokes also has a 99-ball 50, so 4 of the slowest 11.

If Gus Atkinson continues playing shots like this, he will be, Nick.

Short again Nathan Smith and Gus Atkinson swivels on his heels, gets over the top of the ball, and confidently pulls it to the fence for four.

Lovely.

Always helpful when you can get your mum to text in under a different name, eh?

Anyway, Gus Atkinson has nearly knocked Tim Southee's block off with a powerful drive through the covers off Nathan Smith which races away for four.

Eng 401-7published at 89.3 overs

89.3 overs

Gus Atkinson has looked solid so far. He is given short ball by Matt Henry and quickly latches on to the length, elegantly pulling it for six over deep square.

That brings up 400 for England A lead of 53.

Image source, Getty Images

Paul Thompson: England need to be careful they don’t fritter away the chance of a good first-innings lead here. Still a great batting pitch and a 100-run lead is not unreachable.

Kieran Parmley
Cricviz analyst

Matt Henry has bowled 155 deliveries to Ben Stokes in Test cricket without dismissing him - no bowler has bowled so frequently at Stokes without taking his wicket.

Ouch, Kev. We're all friends here.

I'm a huge fan of Chris Woakes for what it's worth. Just stated facts, really.

He'll have a part to play with the ball in the second innings given the movement through the air which was absent on day one.

Gus Atkinson is the new batter, happily defending against Matt Henry at the moment.

You suspect England will want to get this lead up to near 100 runs, or so.

Sir Alastair Cook
Ex-England captain on TNT Sports

England have got an opportunity here to win the Test match batting in the first innings. If Ben Stokes goes and gets 100, you don’t lose many games of cricket with that kind of lead after the first innings. New Zealand, for their sloppiness, are still in this game. They are without a doubt still in this game.

Day four used to be moving day, but it’s slipped a bit earlier to day three. I think we’ve got a five-day Test match and I think it is going to go to the wire. England need to bat New Zealand out of this game.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport chief cricket reporter in Christchurch

I refer to my post of 22:54.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport chief cricket reporter in Christchurch

Out, surely?

First ball after drinks and Chris Woakes has nicked Tim Southee to second slip where Tom Latham has taken the catch.

However, umpire Rod Tucker is not sure this has carried...

The tourists have added 63 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first hour of day three.

Fairly healthy returns, although New Zealand will be pleased to have seen the back of Harry Brook.

Eng 382-6published at 86 overs

86 overs

A grimace from Ben Stokes as he take on a bouncer from Matt Henry and is clocked on the elbow.

Ouch. The England skipper takes a moment to gather his thoughts and mentally suppress the pain.