Joe Root and Ollie Pope tons hand England control of Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand

Ollie Pope and Joe Root hit commanding centuries as England dominated world champions New Zealand's bowlers on the third day of the second Test at Trent Bridge on Sunday.

Pope hit his highest Test score of 145 while former captain Root continued his fabulous run with the bat by scoring an unbeaten 163 off 200 balls as England cruised to 473-5 by stumps.

The hosts needed a strong reply after the Black Caps amassed 553 in the first innings, and they got one in the form of Pope and Root who took full advantage of a docile pitch.

Pope's second Test century, and his first on English soil, came after he was handed a surprise promotion to No 3 by England captain Ben Stokes at the start of the series. It was Pope's first Test ton since scoring 135 not out in South Africa in January 2020.

The 24-year-old's England place has been in doubt at times in the last few years due to shoulder injuries and a lack of form. But, batting in a position he had never previously featured in for England or Surrey prior to the first Test, Pope has repaid the faith of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

Root was in aggressive mood himself as he unfurled his full array of strokes for his 27th Test century. The star batsman needed only 116 balls to reach his fastest Test ton, picking up where he left off at Lord's with a second successive century.

This one means a lot. An outstanding knock!