After being left with a run mountain to climb if they are to take anything from the second Test, England have conceded they once again stumbled in the game’s key moments. Just as they did throughout the winter they have allowed their opponents to take control. The upshot is that New Zealand go into day four with a lead of 352 and seven second-innings wickets remaining.
Since the Ashes Brendon McCullum, the England head coach, has spoken of the need to “be slightly smarter in those significant moments”, and to “identify moments where games can be won or lost and win more of those than not”. But in dressing-room conversations he has admitted that ambition remains unfulfilled.
