England open up 31-run lead in third Test against New Zealand by reaching 360 all out at Headingley

England opened up a first-innings lead of 31 runs in the third Test against New Zealand in the third day’s morning session as Jonny Bairstow was denied a double century. 

After a thrilling 209-run partnership from Bairstow and Jamie Overton dragged the hosts back into the game yesterday, the pair started conservatively with only six runs in the first four overs as Trent Boult’s excellent bowling continued with a maiden. 

Overton would fall agonisingly short of a remarkable debut century as he was eventually dismissed for 97.

Jonny Bairstow’s magnificent innings concluded as he was dismissed for 162 from 157 balls

The Surrey fast bowler, selected for his express 90mph pace rather than his abilities at number eight, was within one shot of reaching a ton in his first ever innings as an international cricketer when he was caught at slip off Trent Boult.

He had resumed on 89 alongside centurion Bairstow but never quite found the timing that had served him so well on the second evening. He managed one clean hit through the covers for four but was otherwise uncertain around his off stump and it was no surprise when Boult took his outside edge.

He was granted a huge ovation by the Yorkshire crowd, having put on a game-changing 241-run stand with Bairstow, who eased past 150 earlier in the session.

The arrival of Stuart Broad brought some familiar fun, with the number nine swinging freely from the off.

He struck 14 in three deliveries from Boult, with two fours and a six launched straight down the ground, before helping himself to another swiped six off Neil Wagner. His assault was wonderfully received and carried England into the lead at 330 for seven.

Trent Boult celebrates after taking the wicket of Jamie Overton, denying the debutant a ton

Stuart Broad struck 14 in three deliveries from Boult and he carried England into the lead

Broad continued to enjoy himself, reaching 42 in 36 deliveries before Southee clean bowled him to end his own suffering.

New Zealand made it two wickets in as many balls when Bairstow holed out to the first ball of Michael Bracewell’s next over, ending his magnificent innings on 162 from 157 balls.

The lead stood at 22 as last man Jack Leach came to the crease for his first innings at Leeds since his cult classic one not out in the Ashes Test of 2019.

Leach rewarded his fans in the Western Terrace with a pair of boundaries to start his innings, but was lbw soon after as England were bowled out for 360.