A record opening partnership against New Zealand by Alastair Cook and Nick Compton highlighted the fourth day of the opening test at University Oval and showed why England has earned the world ranking of No 2.
The openers made 231 together, eclipsing the previous mark of 223 set by Graeme Fowler and Chris Tavare at the Oval in July 1983. It was their third century stand in 10 innings.
England enter the final day 234 for one, requiring another 59 runs to make New Zealand bat again. Compton was on 102 and nightwatchman Steve Finn was still to get off the mark.
Cook scored his 24th test century, extending his hold over the title `most centuries for England' which he inherited last year in India. Boult finally dismissed him caught behind for 116, less than three overs from the end.
The second innings shaped as vital for Compton to prove his credentials as a test opener. He entered facing the ignominy of a pair and exited with his maiden test century. In nine previous innings his best was 57.