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 neutralized New Zealand's opening batsmen the following morning, having Pocock and Rutherford caught leg before wicket and Crowe bowled out without scoring double figures. At 29/3, it seemed England might regain control of the match. Young (94) and Fleming, followed by Thomson, stabilized the innings and allowed the visitors to set a fourth innings target of 407 for England, which appeared fragile when Atherton and Stewart began aggressively.