DeFreitas made quick work of the New Zealand top order the next morning, having Pocock and Rutherford leg before and Crowe clean bowled before any of them could make double figures, and at 29/3, it looked as though England make a comeback in the match. Young (94) and Fleming, and then Thomson, dug in and allowed the visitors to set a fourth innings target of 407 for England, which looked in danger when Atherton and Stewart got off to a flyer.
DeFreitas swiftly overpowered New Zealand's opening batsmen the following morning, dismissing Pocock and Rutherford leg before wicket and Crowe bowled clean, preventing any of them from scoring double figures. At 29/3, it seemed England might stage a comeback in the match. Young (94) and Fleming, followed by Thomson, dug in and allowed the visitors to set a fourth innings target of 407 for England, which appeared precarious when Atherton and Stewart began strongly.