Close of play report: England 364 v New Zealand 96-6

Close of play on the second day of the Third Test

(GETTY IMAGES)

James Anderson achieved his career best Test bowling figures in dismantling the New Zealand innings. He took all six of the tourists’ wickets to fall before bad light ended play with 17 overs left in a display of confident swing bowling.

Earlier in the day, Anderson had also made his best score in Tests, having come in as nightwatchman the evening before. His 28 in an eighth wicket partnership of 76 with Stuart Broad had helped England to establish a commanding position. Broad compiled a maiden Test fifty.

Anderson made swift incursions with a wicket in his first over and in his third had another. His second spell from the other end was still more telling as he accounted for Ross Taylor, caught at gully, and Daniel Flynn, leg before in the same over.

Where Anderson was brimming with confidence, New Zealand were bereft of it. Anderson claimed two more wickets, both caught behind, and the offer of light was accepted with alacrity.