Cricket: Rain curtails NZ push for victory

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's second innings declaration at 454 for eight has still given his side a chance of tying the series 1-1 against England after rain curtailed the fourth day, four overs after lunch.

England were 44 without loss, needing a further 419 runs to win. They have a maximum of 98 overs to do it on the final day. Further rain is forecast briefly around lunchtime.

The fact the visitors remain in a position to win the match is testament to their obsession with advancing the game. New Zealand have scored 804 runs at a run rate of 4.93.

That included a demolition of England's attack in the first session overnight. New Zealand scored 116 runs at a run rate of 7.25. Partnerships for the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth wickets read: 121, 53, 53 and 67. Stuart Broad, usually an omnipresent threat, was hit for 42 runs from his last three-over spell. Mark Craig completed the test with an unbeaten aggregate of 99 runs. In 16 test innings his average is 42.10, useful by anyone's standards, let alone a No.8. He has scored more than 40 six times and had as many not outs.

The only New Zealanders to be dismissed for less than 31 were Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.

The fact New Zealand's last two wickets added 69 in the first innings is further evidence of the order's depth.

One scene in the 89th over captured the extent of England's struggle. Tim Southee came on strike to face Broad at 432 for seven.

A glance around the outfield confirmed the impact of the visitors' innings on the hosts' psyche.

Covers are seen on the pitch as rain falls on the fourth day of the second Test. Photo / AP

Five boundary riders were in place, two more were at deep mid-on and deep mid-off, along with a cover and a point. That's right, no slips, after just 8.4 overs with the second new ball.

New Zealand's position appeared dominant, given England are chasing 37 runs in excess of the world record to win in the fourth innings, set by the West Indies against Australia at Antigua in 2003. It is 51 runs in excess of the ground record set by Australia in 1948.

However, England started confidently. Led by Alastair Cook they can be stubborn. The test is far from a fait accompli, even if a full day is completed.

Regardless of the result, it is not hyperbole to suggest New Zealand's revolutionary brand of test play is captivating the cricketing world. Attrition is out, aggression is in.

The usually objective sanctuary of the English media box ooh-ed and aah-ed several tail-ender boundaries. Fair enough, too. A team enacting the vision of McCullum and coach Mike Hesson is a team which cricket followers worldwide can appreciate by clicking through turnstiles or turning on televisions, win or lose. New Zealand Cricket must seize on this asset to ink in future series while the going is so good.

The style comes with associated risk, but not at casino-like odds. Far better to play with joie de vivre and be a desirable commodity globally than beg for scraps of attention and sympathy from The Big Three.

After being anointed the first New Zealander to score a test century at the venue, B-J Watling extended his innings to 120 before shouldering a catch to third slip Joe Root off James Anderson in the second over with the new ball.

His dismissal unleashed the wrath of Southee who backed his eye to smack 40 off 24 balls and make captain Cook scratch his head.

A fascinating day awaits if the weather accedes to the spirit of the game.

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