NZ vs Eng, 2nd Test, Day 3: Tom Latham, Devon Conway Lead New Zealand Fightback To Frustrate England

New Zealand are contemplating the possibility of a rare Test win after following on, having dug in with the bat on Sunday to set up an absorbing last two days of the second Test against England. The Black Caps unearthed some much-needed tenacity to reach 202-3 in their second innings at stumps on day three in Wellington, closing within 24 runs of the tourists. Their gritty response after being asked to follow on was founded on half-centuries by openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway.

Kane Williamson was a patient 25 not out at the close, needing just four more runs to surpass Ross Taylor as New Zealand's greatest Test run-scorer.

The former skipper will resume on Monday alongside Henry Nicholls (18 not out) with New Zealand harbouring slim hopes of squaring the two-match series on a Basin Reserve pitch starting to offer turn and variable bounce.

Only England (twice) and India have achieved the feat of winning a Test after following on.

Latham says his team have belief they can topple the tourists if they can carry momentum into day four.

"Absolutely, you've always got to look at ways to win a Test match," he said.

"We certainly know there's a lot of work to do to reach that point but whether it's 200 or 250 (target), you never know what's enough.

"We've seen with the wicket, whether it's the old ball or the new ball, there's plenty of turn there.

"To be close to parity at this point is really pleasing."

'Aggressive approach'

A New Zealand victory looked a distant prospect when dismissed for 209 in their first innings midway through the morning session, 226 runs behind England's 435-8 declared.

Latham (83) and Conway (61) combined to frustrate England for 149 runs before the first wicket fell, unveiling combative qualities