Joe Root could not hide his delight after a masterful 226 ended his run drought and gave England a much-needed boost in the second Test against New Zealand as they ended Day 4 believing they can square the series. It took a five-wicket haul for the tireless Neil Wagner to bring England’s first innings to an end at 476, a lead of 101.

At stumps, New Zealand were 96/2 and needing to bat late into the final day to ensure a draw, although rain may yet have the last word with further showers forecast tomorrow. Root said it had been a frustration more than a worry that he had gone 14 Test innings without a century but his return to form gave him confidence.

New Zealand openers Jeet Raval and Tom Latham were out early in their second innings, and for Raval it continued a disappointing run in which he has failed to reach double figures in six of his last 10 innings. But after being 28/2, New Zealand’s most skilled batsmen Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor prevented further damage with Williamson on 37 at stumps and Taylor on 31.