The Prague Post - Santner strikes as New Zealand eye England series win

England had collapsed to 116-6 chasing a target of 373, with Emilio Gay and Joe Root dismissed in the space of five balls.

In a three-match series locked at 1-1, it now seemed England captain Ben Stokes was all but assured of a losing farewell after dramatically announcing Sunday he would retire from international cricket at the end of this match.

But a stubborn partnership of 75 in 23 overs between the Surrey duo of Jamie Smith, still there on 47 not out, and Gus Atkinson checked an injury-hit New Zealand attack's progress.

Left-arm spinner Santner, however, broke the stand when he had Atkinson lbw for 19 with a ball that kept low.

England were 191-7 at lunch, still needing a further 182 runs for an unlikely win.

England resumed on 103-4 following a day of extraordinary drama where a "burnt out" Stokes announced his impending exit from international duty.

The all-rounder then opened the innings, even though he is normally a middle-order batsman, as England set off in pursuit of a stiff victory target after New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell's gutsy 100 not out.

Stokes blazed his way to 30 before he holed out, with England losing a flurry of wickets Harry as they slumped to 103-4 at Sunday's close.

And they were in an even worse position early in Monday's play.

Nathan Smith had Gay caught behind for 10 and, four balls later Root, one of England's greatest batsmen, was run out for 18 by Henry Nicholls's brilliant direct hit from backward point, the fielder on target despite losing his footing and falling backwards.

New Zealand came into this match without injured paceman Matt Henry, their 11-wicket hero in a seriesl-levelling win at Oval, and in-form towering quick Kyle Jamieson, rested as a fitness precaution.

And in Nottingham, Blair Tickner could only manage three overs before pulling out with concussion suffered when the tailender was hit flush on the helmet by a Jofra Archer bouncer.

New Zealand suffered further bowling disruption just 35 minutes into Monday's play when fast bowler Will O'Rourke left the field with a hamstring injury.

Jamie Smith cashed in against a depleted attack, punching seamer Nathan Smith for four to deep cover before lofting Santner for a superb straight six.

Atkinson, like Stokes recalled for this match after being omitted from the second Test for breaking a midnight team curfew, offered sound support.

But when he was out fot 19, New Zealand were on the brink of what would be just their fourth series win in England in 20 attempts.

Y.Blaha--TPP