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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ali Martin at Lord's

Joe Root stands firm to give England hope of overhauling New Zealand

Joe Root Kyle Jamieson Ben Stokes England New Zealand de Grandhomme Ollie Pope Stuart Broad Tim Soue Trent Boult
England’s Joe Root celebrates his 50 as England dig in against New Zealand in the third day of the first Test.
England’s Joe Root celebrates his 50 as England dig in against New Zealand in the third day of the first Test. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Observer

Anyone travelling to Lord’s for the fourth day of this first Test is advised to take their seat early, likewise those tuning it at home. A classic finish awaits and, given a series opener that has lurched one way and then the other, further twists are highly likely.

The equation could scarcely be on more of a knife-edge, even if the final stanza could well be swift. England are chasing 277 to start the reign of Ben Stokes with a bang and will resume on 216 for five, with Joe Root unbeaten on 77 and 61 runs required. The former captain looks in fine touch and has Ben Foakes for company on nine not out.

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