New Zealand 113 (Robinson 5-39) and 55 for 5 (Conway 19*, Blundell 2*) need 199 more runs to beat England 140 (Brook 56, Jamieson 5-62) and 226 (Gay 57, Smith 6-70)

Still 199 shy of their target of 254, and with two full days to go, the game appears all but over. It had been set England’s way at the end of day two when the Black Caps were reduced to 36 for 3. And it was Robinson who tipped it even further in favour of the hosts with two wickets in the space of four balls, a burst reminiscent of the triple-wicket maiden on day one, his first over in Test cricket since February 2024.

Robinson converted that into figures of 5 for 39 in New Zealand’s first innings, marking a spectacular return to the England side after 24 Tests in the wilderness. And after scoring 29 on day two – the last man out in a second innings of 226 – Robinson prised out both Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell for the second time in the match from the Pavilion End.

After his best innings figures, Robinson, currently 2 for 18 from 9.3 overs in his second go, is currently in possession of a career-best 7 for 57 in the match. With two days still to come, there is plenty of time to convert that to a maiden 10-wicket haul to finish matters.

Overnight rain, and more in the morning, meant a delayed start, with the umpires calling a 12.20pm lunch at midday, at which point the covers were being removed. By the time the official interval came about, both set of players were on the outfield warming-up in bright sunshine. Typically, a blanket of dank clouds had congregated when play got back underway.

An eventful hour ensued, with two wickets punctuated by three further delays. The first 11-ball passage did at least see Ravindra avoid a king pair. Fresh from a golden duck in the first innings and two dropped catches across both England innings, he played out the first delivery, the last of Gus Atkinson’s fourth over, having dismissed nightwatcher Will O’Rourke with the final act of day two.

Ravindra eventually got off a pair outright during the second resumption, driving Tongue down the ground for four towards the pavilion. Another halt to play came at the end of the over, but the 26-year-old would only last six balls after the third restart.

Robinson, who had delivered the first full over from the Pavilion End, swapped back to the Nursery End where he had bowled his previous 15 overs. Coming around the wicket, as has been the case against all left-handers, Robinson angled one up the slope to take out Ravindra’s off stump, initially threatening middle-and-leg before pitching and seaming away.

With an end open, and the skies still relatively clear, England stuck again, removing the dangerous Mitchell for a third-ball duck. With Jamie Smith standing up to the stumps for the first time during Mitchell’s brief stay, Robinson angled one in from wide on the crease to find the front pad in front of middle and leg. Rod Tucker’s on-field decision of “out” was upheld due to a predicted clipping of leg stump upon the batter’s review. Mitchell’s swish of his bat upon seeing the shade of orange on the big screen characterised New Zealand’s frustration – it was the third time a visiting batter has been on the wrong end of the umpire’s call.

England captain Ben Stokes, looking for more breakthroughs before the next inevitable shower, ramped up the pressure, with two leg slips greeting Tom Blundell. But the wicketkeeper batter, 2 not out, and Conway were able to see out 12 deliveries before the rain return at 2.10pm.

Tea was officially called 90 minutes later. At 5.29pm, the sensible option was belatedly taken to abandon play altogether.