New Zealand vs England 2nd Test Day 3 Live Score Updates

New Zealand vs England 2nd Test Day 3 Live: England inch closer to a win in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand. Gus Atkinson claimed a hat-trick before England's batsmen let loose to power the visitors 533 runs ahead of New Zealand on Saturday and in full control of thw game. The flagging home side will need to chase an enormous score in the fourth innings after England went to stumps at 378 for 5 in Wellington on day two. Captain Ben Stokes resisted any urge to declare, instead cementing England's position of power as four batters posted half-centuries to build on their first-innings advantage of 155. Joe Root was at the crease on 73 while Stokes struck a whirlwind 35 not out against a tiring attack, after Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett were both dismissed in the 90s. (Live Scorecard)

Not a single maiden over in 76 overs highlights just how much England have made New Zealand toil in the field. With the second new ball only four overs old, the hosts will be eager to capitalize on the early morning conditions on Day 3. Meanwhile, England, sitting in a position of absolute dominance, will look to double down and extend their already massive lead. There is a forecast for scattered showers on Day 3, but let's hope the rain stays away. The first ball on Day 3 will be bowled at 10 pm GMT, but you can join us early for the build-up. The excitement on this action-packed weekend is far from over. Not far from Wellington, over in Adelaide, Day 2 of the Day-Night Test between Australia and India is underway. Later in the day, you can also follow Day 3's proceedings of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka. You can switch tabs and keep track of those games. Cheers!

Gus Atkinson is down for a quick chat. He says