Steven Finn's career best keeps England in hunt

Fast bowler Steven Finn equalled his career best Test figures of six for 125 as England fought their way back into the deciding third Test against New Zealand at Eden Park today.

At stumps on the second day, England were 50 for two, 393 runs in arrears after dismissing New Zealand for 443 soon after tea. Finn, who in the morning session claimed the prized New Zealand scalp of Peter Fulton for 136, ripped out the tail taking the final four wickets in the space of 21 balls.

England made an uncomfortable start to their reply when Alastair Cook was snapped up down the leg side by wicketkeeper BJ Watling off Trent Boult for four at the start of the third over. Jonathan Trott reached 27 before he followed Cook back to the pavilion when Boult beat him off the pitch to be leg before wicket and England were two for 44. Nick Compton (12 not out) and Ian Bell (six not out) then took a no risk approach through to stumps with only six runs scored in the final nine overs.

While New Zealand had reason to feel satisfied with their bowling, it was a disappointing end to the innings after resuming the day at 250 for one. The overnight pair of Fulton and Kane Williamson added a further 10 runs before the final nine wickets fell for 183 on a placid wicket as Finn equalled his best figures of six for 125 set against Australia at Brisbane in 2010.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior was the other standout performer for England, taking five catches behind the stumps, including a spectacular one-handed diving effort to remove Fulton. The 34-year-old Fulton, who posted his maiden Test century, was in the middle for nearly eight hours and featured in a 181-run stand for the second wicket with Williamson (91).

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