score and latest updates from first Test, day four

Another day and more reasons to say James Anderson and Stuart Broad are “pretty decent.” “Pretty decent” is of course a gross understatement, and there’s no need to look for further reasons to suggest the obvious.

Broad’s wicket of Devon Conway in the final session of the third day increased his and Anderson’s wicket count as a pair (playing in the same Tests) to 1,002, overtaking Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath as Test cricket’s most successful bowling partnership. If that’s any testament to the pair’s longevity, then Broad’s recent brilliant spell – with which he clinched New Zealand’s top order with four for 21 in 10 overs – is testament that both he and Anderson still have more than it takes to scare the best batsmen in the world.

If they defy age and take the new ball against Australia this summer – many expect that – it will be because they are England’s best hope for early wickets, not out of misguided sentimentality.

Broad’s four wickets helped England reduce the hosts to 63-five, chasing an unlikely 394 to victory and underscoring he’s far from exhausted as a new-ball Test bowler. When play resumes later, many expect him to make his 20th Test five-fer, and after the fourth day he could think about making history.

“To get past two heroes of mine growing up (Warne and McGrath) – certainly we’re not in their category, the quality of those two – but being up there with Jimmy [Anderson]I feel very fortunate,” he told BT Sport. “I’m very blessed to be in the same era as him.”

Broad has been written off many times but seems to be given new life under the regime of Brendan McCullum and Ben Stokes. Barring a rather spectacular escape from 331 deficit, New Zealand will take their record among the pair to 10 wins from 11 games.

And Broad says it’s great to be a part of.

“It’s completely unrecognizable. It’s a bit of a shame there isn’t an amazing documentary about it because it was amazing to be a part of,” he said. “I’m so happy to see it first hand. Every day when Baz (McCullum) comes in, he’s like, ‘What a job this is. What kind of job do I have’.

“Everything is positive, it’s not fake. To be honest, I haven’t heard a negative word in the dressing room since June. It’s phenomenal to watch Baz and Stokesy go about their business up close.”

Stay here for all the action from Mount Maunganui with the game scheduled to start at 1am.