Ben Duckett scored a vital century on day three of the third Test at Trent Bridge, providing a significant boost for England as they aim to win the series. England reached 223 for two by stumps, trailing New Zealand by 215 runs, with Jacob Bethell contributing an unbeaten 74.
The day saw England overcome an early setback and a formidable New Zealand opening stand. Duckett's century, his first in 22 Test innings, came off 88 balls and helped him and Bethell establish a 179-run partnership. Duckett was eventually dismissed for 113 by Nathan Smith.
Ben Stokes played a pivotal role with the ball earlier in the day, taking three wickets in an eight-over spell. His performance helped England collapse New Zealand's middle order, taking 10 wickets for 121 runs. Stokes' wickets included Daryl Mitchell, nightwatchman Will O'Rourke, and Mitchell Santner. This spell marked Stokes' 250th Test wicket, placing him alongside Jacques Kallis as the only Test all-rounders with that many wickets and over 7,000 runs.
New Zealand's bowling attack faced challenges, with key bowler Matt Henry absent due to a calf injury and Ben Sears playing in only his third Test. Blair Tickner left the field with concussion after being hit by a Jofra Archer delivery, and Zak Foulkes, who replaced him, was making only his sixth Test appearance. Mitchell Santner also bowled his left-arm spin for the first time in the match.
The momentum shift occurred after New Zealand had reached 317 without loss. England's bowlers, led by Stokes, Shoaib Bashir, and Archer, managed to restrict New Zealand's progress. The day's play has given England belief that they can secure the series win.