Eng vs NZ 3rd Test Live Score - England 5 wickets away from Series win

England is in the commanding position in the third and final test against New Zealand on the fourth day in Napier. England need just 5 wickets on the last day to win the match and the series. This is the last natch for former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.

Monty Panesar took over from England's quick bowlers as the main threat on the fourth day in Napier as he claimed three wickets to bring a series victory closer. Stuart Broad played his role with another extended spell that yielded two wickets against New Zealand's flimsy middle order and they will start the day five down in a forlorn chase of 553. For a while, as Matthew Bell and Stephen Fleming added 99, there was stubborn resistance in benign conditions but both fell to Panesar in quick succession after tea.

England had batted on for just 35 minutes this morning in the hope that Middlesex left-hander Andrew Strauss, who had resumed overnight on 173, would progress to the first double hundred of his career.

S ovation for former New Zealand captain Fleming, who strode to the crease for his final Test innings and was given a guard of honour by the England side. Fleming, who had needed 53 to finish with a Test average over 40, had achieved that objective and looked on course to claim the 10th century of his illustrious career. Just three overs later, however, Fleming attempted to cut Panesar and instead gave an edge behind to wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose standing up to the stumps for 66.

On the final day New Zealand require another 331 runs with 5 wickets remaining.