Cricket: Black Caps v England, Lord's day three - 3 key moments

Tim Southee celebrates after bowling Gary Ballance on Day Three of the test between New Zealand and England at Lord's. Photo / Getty Images

Herald cricket writer Andrew Alderson provides three observations from the third day of the first test between New Zealand and England.

1. Williamson treats the Lord's faithful

Patriotism had to be parked when witnessing such a masterclass which launched members into a standing ovation as he returned from his 132.

The elegant technician became the 18th New Zealander to earn an etching on the honours board and the eighth batsman to score 10 test centuries before the age of 25. He joins Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Alastair Cook, Garry Sobers, Neil Harvey, Graeme Smith and Javed Miandad.

Williamson has the highest test average, 47.25, for any New Zealander to have played more than 15 test innings. His average from 16 innings in the last year is 92.46 but, intoxicating as the numbers are, it's more about the character and confidence he imbues in the team. His humility, determination and influence are, and should continue to be, a core reason why this New Zealand team stays on its successful trajectory.

2. Watling and the tail

Since the 2014 test against India, when he was involved in the first of his two world record sixth-wicket partnerships, Watling has averaged 51.61. That's Adam Gilchrist territory. He came in at 420 for five today, 31 runs ahead of England. He survived to be 61 not out at innings' end on a swollen right knee. First he worked with Williamson and then coaxed the bowlers to push England 103 further runs into deficit. His bread-and-butter was easing the ball behind square, where he scored 39 of his runs.

3. Duel in the (watery and fading) sun

Senior England batsmen Alastair Cook and Ian Bell took responsibility in the final session against some tricky lines from Trent Boult and Tim Southee under lights. With the day finishing at 7.32pm, it was effectively day-night cricket without the pink ball.

New Zealand created an intimidating atmosphere after Boult angled a ball away from Adam Lyth (Southee pocketed the spoils at third slip) and Southee delivered a candidiate for 'ball of the day' to dismiss Gary Ballance for a duck. It pitched on middle but deviated to take the top of off stump.

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