Steve Finn will be hoping he and his team-mates can pick up quick wickets tonight as England face a big battle to avoid a series defeat in New Zealand after day three of the third and final Test in Auckland.

Having taken a Test-best-equalling six for 125 in the first innings, the Watford-born bowler delivered just four overs at a cost of nine runs as the hosts closed on 35 for three, a lead of 274 runs.

England started day two on 50 for two in reply to New Zealand’s 443 all out but were soon in deep trouble at 72 for five.

Matt Prior (73) and Joe Root (45) then put on a century partnership before Trent Boult (six for 68) saw off the majority of the tail, including Finn for a duck, to dismiss England for 204.

Perhaps surprisingly, the hosts chose not to enforce the follow on and their second innings was in early disarray when Stuart Broad (two for seven) and James Anderson (one for 11) reduced them to eight for three.

However, Brendon McCullum’s side suffered no further loss before the close to leave them in a strong position to win the match and the series after the first two Tests were drawn.