Finn keeps England in the hunt

Fast-bowler equals career-best figures in 3rd Test against NZ.

AUCKLAND:

Fast-bowler Steven Finn equalled his career best Test figures of six for 125 as England fought their way back into the deciding third Test against New Zealand at Eden Park.

At stumps on the second day, England were 50 for two, 393 runs in arrears after dismissing New Zealand for 443 soon after tea.

Finn, who in the morning session claimed the prized New Zealand scalp of Peter Fulton for 136, ripped out the tail taking the final four wickets in the space of 21 balls.

England made an uncomfortable start to their reply when Alastair Cook was snapped up down the leg side by wicket-keeper BJ Watling off Trent Boult for four at the start of the third over.

Jonathan Trott reached 27 before he followed Cook back to the pavilion when Boult beat him off the pitch to be leg before wicket and England were two for 44.

Nick Compton (12 not out) and Ian Bell (six not out) then took a no risk approach through to stumps with only six runs scored in the final nine overs.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2013.