3rd Test: Prior positive as England face huge task

New Zealand lead by 274 runs with seven wickets in hand.

AUCKLAND: England wicketkeeper Matt Prior was doing his best to paint the cheery side of reality after New Zealand tilted the series-deciding third Test in their favour following the third day’s play at Eden Park yesterday.

The hosts were 35 for three in their second innings at stumps, 274 runs ahead after they chose not to enforce the follow on when they had bowled England out for 204 early in the final session.

“There’s still a lot of cricket to play,” said Prior. “I know it feels like the world is over but it’s not really.

“We’re now in a position where we need a bit of luck and a lot of skill, but if we come in the morning and get early wickets, who knows, it could still be a good day.“

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2013.