Duckett & Stokes haul England back into third Test
· Yahoo Sports
Third Rothesay Test, Trent Bridge (day two of five)
New Zealand 438: Conway 157, Latham 151; Stokes 4-70
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England xxx-x: Duckett 113, Bethell 74*
England are 215 runs behind
Ben Duckett's scintillating century built on an inspirational spell from Ben Stokes to haul England back into the decisive third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
In a remarkable turnaround from the Black Caps reaching 317-0 on the opening day, England took all 10 wickets for 121 runs to dismiss the tourists for 438, then closed the second day on 223-2 - 215 behind.
Captain Stokes, back in the side after the nightclub controversy that led him to miss the second Test, was the catalyst with a typically tireless stint in the sweltering heat.
After England failed to take a wicket in the first 40 minutes, Stokes' eight overs yielded three wickets and a dropped catch.
Shoaib Bashir took two in an over and Jofra Archer one, as well as striking Blair Tickner with a blow that eventually ruled the seamer out of the match with concussion. Overall, from their overnight 361-4, New Zealand lost six wickets for 77 runs on Friday.
Given the conditions and the flat pitch it was a superb effort from England, who set about cutting the deficit despite the loss of Emilio Gay for a duck.
With the support of Jacob Bethell, Duckett ended a tough year on and off the field with his first Test hundred since last June.
New Zealand were almost powerless to prevent England's rapid progress, as the second-wicket pair added 179.
Duckett was eventually out for 113, leaving Bethell to move to an unbeaten 74 - his first half-century at home and in the first innings of a Test. Joe Root, at one of his most fruitful venues, is 21 not out.
England spirit brings memories of 2022
England have endured a torrid eight months. If this series decider goes against them, it will rekindle scrutiny on those in managerial positions.
Given their poor run of results - two wins in nine - and faced with the task of dislodging the Kiwis on the road-like pitch and in extreme temperatures, England could have crumbled.
That they hung in this game - first with two wickets with the final two balls of day one, then by dominating the second day - is to their immense credit.
The home side are still a long way behind, so have plenty of work to do with the bat, but it could be argued England have the best chance of forcing a win simply because they have the earliest opportunity to take 20 wickets.
They have history on this ground and against these opponents, with this match plotting a similar course to England's memorable win in 2022, achieved despite New Zealand posting 553 in their first innings.
That was the Test that ignited England's Bazball philosophy. Another win here may ease the pressure on the leadership, at least temporarily.