Three observations from the fourth day of the second test between New Zealand and England.
1. Framing England's demoralisation
In the 89th over of New Zealand's second innings Tim Southee came on strike to face Stuart Broad at 432 for seven. A glance around the outfield confirmed the impact of the visitors' innings on the hosts' psyche.
Five boundary riders were in place, two others were at deep mid-on and deep mid-off, along with cover and point. But no slips, after just 8.4 overs with the second new ball.
2. Finding the weakest link
By New Zealand's 454 for eight declaration, they had scored 116 runs in the opening session at a run rate of 7.25. Partnerships for the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth wickets read: 121, 53, 53 and 67. Stuart Broad, 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 to take the No.8's test average to 42.10 from 16 innings. The only New Zealanders to be dismissed for less than 31 were Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.
Add the fact New Zealand's last two wickets added 69 for the final two wickets in the first innings and it is further evidence of the order's depth.
3. How dominant is New Zealand's position?
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, the hosts started confidently, moving to 44 without loss before the rain came four overs after lunch. Led by Alastair Cook they can be stubborn. The test is far from a fait accompli with further rain forecast on the final day. McCullum made the right decision to declare when he did to pursue victory.
#Ford, the driving force behind the Black Caps
