England strike late to seize control of Headingley test

LEEDS, England : England's bowlers struck three times in quick succession late on day three to take control of the final test against New Zealand at Headingley on Saturday and stay on course for a 3-0 series sweep.

The tourists were on 168-5 and led England by 137 runs when rain brought a premature halt to the day's play.

New Zealand got off to a promising start in their second innings thanks to a fluent half-century from Tom Latham (76) but lost their way after the opener was dismissed by debutant Jamie Overton (1-34) off the first ball after tea.

Devon Conway (11) was soon to follow, succumbing to Joe Root's part-time off-spin before England landed the big scalp of opposition skipper Kane Williamson, who perished for 48 after edging behind to Matthew Potts (2-20).

Jack Leach (1-26) also got in on the act after Henry Nicholls (7) chipped one straight back to him as New Zealand collapsed from 125-1 to 161-5.

Earlier, Jonny Bairstow smashed a magnificent 162 while Overton fell three runs short of a century as England were dismissed for 360 in their first innings for a 31-run lead.

Resuming on their overnight total of 264-6, Bairstow and Overton continued to play positively early in the morning session before the latter edged paceman Trent Boult to Daryl Mitchell at first slip to miss out on his landmark.

Bairstow and Overton came together with England at 55-6 and their brilliant rescue act resulted in a 241-run partnership for the seventh wicket to keep the hosts afloat.

Overton struck 13 fours and two sixes in his 136-ball knock.

His dismissal brought Stuart Broad to the wicket and he struck a 36-ball 42, targeting fellow pace bowler Boult in the 60th over by smashing him for two fours and a massive six and punishing Neil