BBC Sportcricket

SECOND TEST, Old Trafford (day four):
England 202 & 294-4 bt New Zealand 381 & 114 by six wickets

Andrew Strauss hit a composed 106 to guide England to victory by six wickets in a topsy-turvy second Test against New Zealand at Old Trafford.

Set a target of 294, England reached 294-4 moments before the scheduled tea interval with Paul Collingwood 24 not out and Ian Bell on 21.

It was a tremendous result for the home side, who had trailed New Zealand by 179 on first innings.

Strauss hit 12 fours in his innings before being caught at slip.

By Sam Lyon

606: DEBATE Discuss the day's play on 606

1610: Understandably, New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori is gutted - "This will hurt this team for a long, long time" - while his opposite number Michael Vaughan immediately looks to the third Test in Trent Bridge - "We have to follow this through, because as tremendous an effort it was to turn it around, it's only 1-0 in the series."

The man-of-the-match award goes to Monty Panesar, who looks like a WAG in a designer label store as he chats on the boundary edge to TMS's Jonathan Agnew. Fair play to the lad, top performance.

A good win, in the end, then, but it will still be interesting to see whether England keep faith with this XI at TB given their struggles over the last few days. Tom Fordyce will be back in the chair for that one so until then, be good people and a huge thanks for all your chat - via email, 606 and text - throughout the weekend. Beautiful work.

"I hope this win doesn't paper over the cracks."
BigFella on 606

"Just curious, but do they still get tea even though they finished before? Shame to waste all that wonderous fare."
Cen via the TMS inbox

"Only NZ could lose after being 229 runs ahead with 9 wickets in hand on a difficult pitch. Atrocious batting, poor bowling and inept fielding... This will smash the Kiwis mentally."
ochuckles on 606
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1544 - ENGLAND WIN BY SIX WICKETS
Paul Collingwood decides he's going to have a punt before tea and he skews a hoik away to leg away for four second ball. A leg bye puts Ian Bell on strike, needing six from three balls to get the win before tea. The Shermanator grabs a single, surely Colly can't hit the winning runs in the form he's in?

He can! And on his 32nd birthday too! He slaps one over midwicket for four off Oram's fifth ball, leaving England one to win before tea, and then he trickles one off his legs for another boundary to fine leg. What a turnaround from yesterday lunchtime huh?!

1539 - Eng 283-4 (87 overs)
Vettori is still plugging away but he knows this is a lost hope, now. It's a maiden, Belly compact and assured, and the Kiwis will squeeze one last over in before tea. 11 to win.

1536 - Eng 283-4 (86 overs)
Again, Bell pinches a single off the first ball of the over - he's scoring at a run-a-ball in the last few overs. Unlike Collingwood, who's strike-rate is below 30 at the moment. England care not, though, as long as he sticks around to see the hosts home... right? 11 to win.

1532 - Eng 282-4 (85 overs)
The spice has gone out of New Zealand, folks, end of story. Ian Bell pinches a single off Vettori's first ball and Collingwood sweeps a couple more from an over that causes few alarms. 12 to win.

1528 - Eng 279-4 (84 overs)
As Jonathan Agnew points out on TMS, Paul Collingwood is treating this like a net session, just trying to get bat on ball and play his way back into form. He then grabs a couple off the final delivery through square leg, making it 15 to win.

"I'm not sure england know how to make it exciting, but the know how to make it hard work!"
James, York via text

1526 - Eng 277-4 (83 overs)
Bell, unlike Collingwood, has looked pretty decent since coming out to bat and he reduces England's runs-required to 17 with a nice cut for four off a shorter Vettori delivery. Tea is 14 minutes away, by the way, but the weather is holding up pretty well. 17 to win.

1523 - Eng 273-4 (82 overs)
Bell kicks off the over with a drive to cover for a quick single, leaving Colly to wobble his way through the rest of Oram's over. He's more out of touch than my old dear when she's trying to use predictive text, bless 'im. 21 to win.

1518 - Eng 272-4 (81 overs)
Daniel Vettori does indeed continue, but Collingwood digs in, digs deep, shows his mettle - all those cliches - and sees him off without alarm. A maiden, 22 to win.

"I'm not normally into Test Cricket much, but England know how to make it exciting, don't they?!"
tuesday_owl on 606
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1515 - Eng 272-4 (80 overs)
Jacob Oram comes on and he keeps it relatively tight, until a leg-side delivery gifts Ian Bell the chance to clip him away for four. 22 to win.

1511 - Eng 268-4 (79 overs)
Paul Collingwood uses his feet to clip Vettori away for a couple - although England almost throw another wicket away when Ian Bell has to scramble back into his ground on the dive to stop himself being run out looking for a third. Collingwood grabs another couple from a thick edge and that makes it 26 to win.

1508 - Eng 264-4 (78 overs)
More fortune for Collingwood, spooning an O'Brien slower ball back towards the bowler but the ball flies out of his reach on the stretch. He grabs a single - and then there's an even bigger let-off for Bell, the Shermanator offering the easiest of return catches to O'Brien, only for the seamer to conspire to spill it. 30 to win.

"I'm so nervous, I have the runs that England need."
James, Port Elizabeth, via the TMS inbox

1504 - Eng 263-4 (77 overs)
Plenty of chat around the bat for Collingwood, with Daniel Vettori sensing his vulnerability like a lion stalking its prey... and the spinner thinks he's got him lbw fourth ball, but Colly got a glove on it. The ginger ninja then back-cuts away for three off the final ball and England edge ever closer. 31 to win.

1501 - Eng 260-4 (76 overs)
I'm going to say it now, in the knowledge I have to impact on proceedings (touch wood), but I like Ian Bell as a batsman and I reckon he'll lead England home. He launches himself onto a short one from O'Brien, pulling over midwicket for four, and then spanks the same bowler away for four through point next ball. That's eased the nerves a bit. 34 to win.

"If KP was a doughnut (see below) he'd eat himself..."
Mathna on 606
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"It is always the way with KP - he always seems to do something completely rash and stupid when all he needs to do it relax and slowly get some runs. It seems he has a peanut for a brain."
Annabel via the TMS inbox

"If England lose from here, it will come back to the KP run out. We should have coasted from there."
Lee in Herts via text

1457 - Eng 252-4 (75 overs)
Vettori rips one by Collingwood's defence first up but it runs away for a bye, and Ian Bell gets off the mark from his 11th delivery with a nudge to the on side. 42 to win.

1454 - Eng 250-4 (74 overs)
Iain O'Brien continues and it's a maiden - thanks in part to Ian Bell missing out on a full toss on leg stump.

1451 - Eng 250-4 (73 overs)
Paul Collingwood - who's in worse form than, erm, something that's in really, really bad form - survives a huge lbw shout to Daniel Vettori off the final ball of the over. Replays suggest it was hitting the top of leg - massive let-off. This really is squeaky bum time.

1445 - Eng 247-3 (72 overs)
Kevin Pietersen, stand up son. And stand up he does, standing tall in crunching O'Brien through midwicket from outside off for four, and then pinching a two with a flick to fine leg. He then enjoys a bit of luck as a controlled outside edge goes down to third man. Agony for the Kiwis, 48 to win for England.

1440 - Eng 236-3 (71 overs)
Daniel Vettori continues - can he spark a bit of magic? Not this over, KP seeing him out and pinching a single. England need 58 to win...

"That's it - the kiss of death - "England are cruising". Squeaky bum time everyone!"
Nick Green via the TMS inbox

1433 - Eng 231-2 (69 overs)
New Zealand look utterly demoralised, now, a Jamie How misfield gifting Andrew Strauss a single to begin the over. A couple more singles and England are cruising.

"KP is just cashewing in on New Zealands misery!"
Simon Carter via the TMS inbox

"KP seems to be a hard nut to crack."
David Townhill via the TMS inbox

"KP is finally earning his salt 'n' shake(ing) up Vettori."
Rich, Santiago via the TMS inbox

"With a shot like that, is KP nuts?"
Anon via text

"Any chance of trying to exhaust once and for all Kevin Peitersen puns in an attempt to prolong his innings? E.g Another crisp drive from KP, KP beginning to look flaky out there, a fine chip from KP over mid wicket... I could go on..."
C Marsh, Southampton via the TMS inbox

1424 - Eng 223-2 (67 overs)
Pietersen's new approach, it seems, is to go after Vettori early in his over and he clubs the spinner down the ground for four first ball. A single puts Strauss on strike, and the left-hander edges through gully deliberately for a couple and, after four byes fly down the leg side - McCullum had no chance - he grabs a single to move on to 99 not out...

"Where's that fellow from yesterday who said he would eat his shoes if England win? I've got a lovely pair of trainers that would go well with a hearty beer!"
Paul in Leamington via text

1419 - Eng 211-2 (66 overs)
Iain O'Brien is brought on, presumably with Vettori set to replace Martin at the other end, but he can't put the brakes on Strauss, who is starting to open up now. The left-hander brings the drive out of the top drawer, punching a wide one through the covers and he moves on to 96 not out, 83 more runs to win. By the way, it so blooming windy at Old Trafford, I fully expect Simon Taufel to lose his trousers any moment. I'll keep you posted.

""Not one player has ever scored a century in the second innings to win a Test at Old Trafford" (see below). That's what I love about TMS; an unflinching dedication to finding irrelevant and superfluous statistics. By the way, he's also scored more centuries than any other player who has ever shared his name with a family of high-profile German composers."
Rob M via the TMS inbox

1415 - Eng 206-2 (65 overs)
Chris Martin continues and yields just the single to KP, but I reckon that'll be him done for a spell now.

"Re: the Strauss 'history' line below: Idiot! He'll be out for 99 now!"
Stuart, Brighton via text

1411 - Eng 205-2 (64 overs)
Straussy is starting to ooze confidence and class, the left-hander taking a step and deliberately dinking Vettori over midwicket and away for four. It brings up the 50 partnership - from 51 minutes - and also England's 200. He's not done there, though, as he chops a wide one away for another boundary to end the over. Bit of a statement, there? Strauss is onto 92 and England need 89 to win.

1408 - Eng 196-2 (63 overs)
Andrew Strauss gets in on the act, pouncing on a wide half volley from Chris Martin and tonking it away square for four. That takes England's runs-needed into double figures - and, incidentally, not one player has ever scored a century in the second innings to win a Test at Old Trafford. History beckons Straussy...

1403 - Eng 191-2 (62 overs)
Brutalised! That's one way for KP to deal with Vettori, taking a step and bludgeoning him back over his head for a monster six. I can't help but think it's imperative Pietersen remains positive in this innings and shots like that will soon ease the pressure on him. He drives for a single to end the over, England needing 103 more to win.

1400 - Eng 184-2 (61 overs)
The Kiwis are looking increasingly forlorn I must say - more hopeful than confident - and a misfield from Oram allows Strauss to grab a couple to add to Pietersen's earlier dashed single. The left-hander then clips another single to move to 80 not out.

1355 - Eng 179-2 (60 overs)
Andrew Strauss really is looking the bees' knees here, fending off Vettori expertly and then clipping a couple with a flick through midwicket. That's it boys, easy does it.

1352 - Eng 177-2 (59 overs)
That's more like it from KP - he's so much more comfortable against the pacemen - as he kerplunks a delicious drive though the covers for four. England just 117 away now.

1348 - Eng 172-2 (58 overs)
Vettori to KP - bowling to a slip and a short leg, with point, mid-on and mid-off all in close - and KP plays it out OK until the final ball when he comes down the wicket, fends it to short leg, and he would have been run out had James Marshall's flicked throw hit the stumps. Vettori the moral victor, there.

1344 - Eng 172-2 (57 overs)
The wind is really picking up at Old Trafford but Chris Martin does well to hold his line and length with the breeze behind him, Pietersen grabbing a dabbed single to the on side for the only scoring shot. 122 to win.

1337: The players are emerging for the afternoon session and it is still dry and breezy at Old Trafford, with the odd splash of sunshine. Be interesting to see what a lunchtime talking to will have done for the New Zealand team... Chris Martin to take the first over.

"For Graham in Gibraltar (Corby - SL). To make the illusion that much more convincing, set your desktop background to a screenshot of something which looks like work. That way, your boss will not even notice the clean screen! Use the Print screen key to grab a screenshot to edit."
Mark, Geneva via the TMS inbox

"New Zealand fans have to start doing a rain dance."
monsta666 on 606
"England fans have to start doing the 'oh-my-god-Kevin-Pietersen-can-you-please-actually-start-scoring-some-runs-instead-of-getting-out-to-weak-lbws-the-whole-time' dance!"
cackman764 on 606 in reply
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"In response to Craig (1300), poor Mr Lyon probably needs an entire editorial department just to sort through the drivel he gets sent..."
George Norton via the TMS inbox

1305: Right, I'm off for some grub and to see if I can't hunt down that bus driver that soaked me this morning. See you in half hour or so, people...

LUNCH

1300 - Eng 171-2 (56 overs)
Andrew Strauss - immaculate pretty much all morning - plays out the last over before lunch well, grabbing a bonus four with soft hands earning him an edge down to third man. Applause all round Old Trafford after what was a very good morning for England - 95 runs scored, only the one wicket lost, and the hosts need just (just!) 123 more runs to win.

"I can't believe you need an assistant editor to write this drivel ;)"
Craig, Gibraltar via the TMS inbox

1256 - Eng 167-2 (55 overs)
A bit better from Pietersen, looking to get his bat in front of his pad at every opportunity, therefore taking lbw out of the equation, and he plays out a maiden.

1253 - Eng 167-2 (54 overs)
Pietersen takes a couple off Oram through midwicket before a leg bye allows him to get off strike. Strauss plays it tight, though, giving Vettori another go at KP before lunch...

"To Anon (1212) a hint for those poor souls doing a full working day today, 'Start' + 'D' quickly minimises everything and shows your desktop. Handy for when your cricket hating boss walks past."
Graham, Corby, via the TMS inbox

"By my reckoning the first partnership was worth 60, the second 90 and therefore mathematically this one should be 120 by rights, which leaves just 24 to win. That's OK then."
Simon, London via the TMS inbox

1249 - Eng 164-2 (53 overs)
Daniel Vettori brings himself on immediately - he fancies KP, that's for sure - and he has the big man in trouble straight away, catching him on the pad but it was going down leg... just. It rolls away for four leg byes as a little KP bonus, and Pietersen gets off strike as soon as he can, allowing Strauss to pinch a couple with a clip to leg to end the over. Strauss is utterly more comfortable against the Kiwi spinner.

1245 - Eng 157-2 (52 overs)
Is there a more likely lbw candidate than Pietersen in world cricket at the moment? He gives England fans a heart attack every time he steps across to off stump, surely... anyway, he clips Oram away for a single, leaving Strauss to negotiate the rest of the over. England need 137 to win.

"Oh well, I don't know what all the fuss is about. We still have Broad to finish off what the middle order realistically can't do."
cackman764 on 606
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1241 - Eng 156-2 (51 overs)
Pietersen gets off the mark second ball, digging out a yorker, and then Strauss carries on merrily, guiding one down the leg side for four.

1234 - Eng 150-1 (50 overs)
Vaughan and Strauss have really run well between the wickets this morning and they bring up England's 150 with one such single. Oram is plugging away admirably but this pitch just doesn't seem to have the demons in it of yesterday.

"Ahhh!! It's starting to rain here in Birmingham - come on Straussy and MV - hit the maximum every over before the rain comes!"
Abbas, Birmingham via the TMS inbox

"Our middle order got a combined total of 39 runs last innings. So if we get another 100 runs without loss we might be ok."
fear_my_googly on 606
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1229 - Eng 149-1 (49 overs)
Well! Angus Fraser has just been talking about how England have enjoyed a bit of luck this morning and Michael Vaughan has a big slice there - Chris Martin squaring him up with a snorter and taking the shoulder of his bat, but the ball flying over gully and away for four. Mickey V rubs salt into the wound with a timed clip off his pads through midwicket for three, before Strauss is beaten on his off stump by another one that seamed off a footmark. 145 to win...

1225 - Eng 142-1 (48 overs)
Another good over from Oram, who appears to be feeling no ill effects from his neck and shoulder problems of yesterday. Just a single from it.

"All these proud parents have got me feeling neglected. I was in my late teens before my dad sorted my footwork out - bizarre really; I'd been playing cricket for 10 years unsuccesfully with no input before we talked about getting my head in line, but only six months into being unsuccessful with women he talked to me about the facts of life. At least my cover drive has improved."
Gaz in Guildford via the TMS inbox

1220 - Eng 141-1 (47 overs)
Deary me, that has to hurt. Chris Martin jags one in at Strauss from round the wicket and it catches the England opener flush in the mummy-daddy button. The left-hander shrugs it off, though, crunching a glorious cover drive for four two balls later. Perhaps he just needed a bit of a nudge to get him going... Strauss then nudges to the on side for a couple and the England fans are loving this. 153 to win...

"The 600 on Vaughan's chest is the number of balls he needs to get his eye in. I think."
fabuniquemembername on 606
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1216 - Eng 135-1 (46 overs)
Michael Vaughan plays a rare false shot as he prods uppishly at a drive, but it falls short of the man at point. A lot more confident in his stroke next up, the England skipper crunches through the covers for four. However, Vaughan bungs another leading edge just short of Jamie How at point again and then misses outside off. Good over from Oram, nervy from Vaughan for the first time this morning.

1212 - Eng 131- (45 overs)
A couple of runs from Martin's return over, Strauss turning round the corner for a couple, and it's all a bit wide from the seamer.

"I'd like to thank TMS contributors for introducing me to the F5 button. I feel ashamed to admit that I've previously wasted literally seconds of my life moving the cursor to and selecting refresh. Any other top keyboard tips out there?"
Anon via text

"It's not just you students - I'm in the middle of marking a pile of dissertations, and taking long pauses between literature reviews and methodologies to hit f5 a few times. Expect a better degree classification if England win..."
Bob Fox via the TMS inbox

"Uni students aren't supposed to prioritise, we are supposed to procrastinate! Hurrah for TMS and its welcome distraction from social psychology revision!!"
Dom, in Cambridge, via the TMS inbox

1207: As drinks are taken, Daniel Vettori calls in the troops for what appears to be a rather solemn, stern team-talk. He is not happy with how things are going, clearly, and Chris Martin is going to get his chance to become teacher's pet - he'll take the next over.

1204 - Eng 129-1 (44 overs)
Oram continues, but England remain on top, Andrew Strauss clipping a lovely three square on the leg side and these two have now put on 69. 166 more to win.

"Blimey, Sam. You nearly gave me heart attack then jumping up from my desk out here in Saudi Arabia when I saw the 150 caption! It took me a minute or two to see that it was for Strauss's 50."
Pete via the TMS inbox
(Ah yes, sorry about that folks...SL)

"I love how we students are blaming the cricket for out lack of work when we have all found the time and put in the effort to email/text in? And in my case...twice. They obviously don't teach the skill of prioritisation at uni do they?"
Kathryn via the TMS inbox

1159 - Eng 125-1 (43 overs)
Almost a bit of a scare, there, as Vaughan and Strauss ponder a second run against the arm of Iain O'Brien but wisely turn it down - Vaughan would have been short of his ground by a good couple of yards. The England skipper then clips a beauty off his pads through midwicket for three - Chris Martin doing brilliantly to save the boundary on the slide.

1156 - Eng 119-1 (42 overs)
Well, Oram holds up pretty darn well. A tight, accurate over, causing Vaughan the odd concern outside his off stump, and it is a maiden.

1152 - Eng 119-1 (41 overs)
Daniel Vettori continues to wheel away and Vaughan grabs a good, quick single. I wonder if that heavy roller (see below) really has taken a bit of spice out of this wicket for the spinner. Jacob Oram is going to turn his arm over next up, let's see how his shoulder holds up...

"You're doing better than me Fran (see below), I'm yet to pick up my notes because I'm pressing F5 too often."
Phil in Nottingham via the TMS inbox

"My nine- and 11-year-old daughters were part of a quick and accurate bowling attack for Surrey girls under-11 team at the weekend which gave them an emphatic win. If the England bowlers bowled like those girls in New Zealand's first innings we wouldn't have such a mountain to climb now!"
David, Croydon via the TMS inbox

1144 - Eng 114-1 (39 overs)
Daniel Vettori appeals - first for lbw, then for the catch at short leg - but it pitched outside leg and Strauss did not get any bat on it. The left-hander then pushed one into the off side for an easy run and that's the over.

1142 - Eng 113-1 (38 overs)
A more becalmed over from Iain O'Brien, a Strauss single the only scoring shot, but New Zealand won't be happy at all with this start. England needing 181 more to win.

"I have to say, on this pitch, I'd rather face Vettori than Monty Panesar. That's because, on a pitch spinning as much as this, if you can get it through quicker - like Monty can - you can have a far greater impact."
Vic Marks on TMS

1139 - Eng 112-1 (37 overs)
Oh dear, poor from New Zealand as Brendon McCullum's attempted run-out of Michael Vaughan flies past the stumps without a soul (rather than sole - thanks people!) backing up and it flies away for four to hand Strauss five. Daniel Vettori is not happy.

"Am sitting at my desk, trying to follow the match whilst also trying to revise for uni finals. Only wish I could answer questions about the state of the Old Trafford pitch in Wednesday's exam, as I'm likely to be far more knowledgeable on that by tonight than on Italian cultural identity..."
Fran (in Durham) via the TMS inbox
(Judging by the emails flooding in here, Fran, you are certainly not alone. Good work students, cricket is far more important... SL)

1134 - Eng 107-1 (36 overs)
Vettori, probably pre-occupied by his side's situation in this match, mis-fields to Strauss at mid on and allows the England opener to dash through for a single. O'Brien responds by getting one to jag back at Vaughan off a length and it rips past the England skipper's inside edge - close.

1131 - Eng 106-1 (35 overs)
Vettori continues and just as Jeremy Coney claims he has yet to look too dangerous, he rips a jaffa past Michael Vaughan's outside edge with one that spins off a crack. A no-ball hands England a run, but a good over, that.

1128 - Eng 105-1 (34 overs)
Encouraging this from England, with Michael Vaughan in particular looking to get on the front foot and play his shots. He grabs a couple with a steer past the slips and then takes three with a neat cut through square. Strauss gets in on the act with a clip to leg for two and the runs are flowing. England need 189 more.

1124 - Eng 98-1 (33 overs)
Good over for England, Andrew Strauss thick-edging one for three thanks to a Mills fumble in the outfield and Vaughan then pouncing on a fuller delivery to spank a cover drive for four. Twelve in total from the over, thanks to some handy running between the wickets for ones and twos, and New Zealand are casting nervous looks at each other all of a sudden.

"My congratulations to Nick in Ireland and his 12-year-old. I know how he feels. I nearly cried with pride when my eight-year-old connected with the ball for the first time ever in a 'proper' game the other day. He didn't get a run but he says he would have done if my shouting encouragement hadn't distracted him."
Paul in Lancs via the TMS inbox

1120 - Eng 86-1 (32 overs)
Iain O'Brien continues, but within two balls of the over the Kiwis declare their unhappiness with the ball and it is changed. The first delivery with the new ball finds Strauss's edge, the ball running along the ground through the slip cordon and away for four.

"Keep up the good work Sam. Watching in from Australia where I'm being subjected to Sex in the City re-runs by a cricket-phobic Aussie. I wonder if any other watchers are bing subjected to such torture?"
Thomas England via the TMS inbox
(I'd imagine the nerves surrounding this run-chase are a bit tortuous for some... SL)

1113 - Eng 82-1 (31 overs)
Better from Vettori, getting a couple to spin away from Vaughan's outside edge from the centre of the pitch. Strong defence from the England skipper, but decent signs for the Kiwi spinner there.

1111 - Eng 82-1 (30 overs)
England are working the singles well early doors and that can only be a good thing - especially if you're on the home balcony who are applauding every run - and Vaughan scurries through well second ball. One from the over - 212 more needed. And I'll be calling you on that European Pharmacopoeia discount you promised Nemo (below)... just as soon as I work out what and why I need it.

"Re: The bus driver. You take what perks you can get from your job though, don't you? Bouncers punch people, football stewards forbid people from standing up and bus drivers splash people. Everyone likes their little bit of power. Just like you will not publish this mail. That's ok though, if you ever try to buy a European Pharmacopoeia, I won't give you a discount..."
Nemo, Strasbourg via the TMS inbox

1107 - Eng 81-1 (29 overs)
Daniel Vettori will share the opening overs and he is greeted with cries of "Let's get Straussy early" by his fielders. The left-handed opener could be key for England today... and he gets the Kiwi captain away with a nudge to the on side for a single. Just a slip and a forward short leg around the bat for Michael Vaughan - not overly attacking, that - and the England skipper nudges away for a quick single.

"As the wind and rain lashes against my Berkshire windows, I am delighted that the rain hasn't yet reached Manchester. As a former 12-year-old girl, I am excited by the prospect of today's play, but just can't stop worrying... what is your mum's cat's Plan B?"
Carole in Maidenhead via the TMS inbox
(I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure sleep is on the agenda - aren't cats rubbish?! SL)

1102 - Eng 79-1 (28 overs)
A wayward start from Iain O'Brien, bowling a wide full-toss first up, and Strauss gets off the mark with a tap into the off-side, before Vaughan grabs a couple with a crisp drive through the covers. O'Brien then appeals for lbw against Vaughan, but it was going well down. England need 215 more with 97 overs in the day remaining.

1057: The players are making their way out onto the field and Mickey V and Straussy are greeted by a welcome spot of sunshine at Old Trafford... massive first hour, this, massive.

"Not sure I like the image of England players resembling 12-year-old girls. Kevin Pietersen in a gymslip? Yuk!"
Keith, Whitstable via the TMS inbox

"My local computer repair store is on standby with a replacement F5 key following today's action."
Andy, Nottingham via the TMS inbox

1049: Ian Bell, speaking on the outfield, says today is the day England "have to put their plans into action". It's a relief to hear they have a plan isn't it? Although I think my parents' cat could come up with a plan today... don't get out and score some runs. Jubbly.

"I'd personally be quite happy if we did bat like a bunch of girls after we recently won the Ashes in 'Oz with a team that batted exactly like a bunch of girls (of course that was due them all actually being a bunch of girls). It has proven historically a tough ask but if two batsmen get in there's bags of time..."
Steve the spinner via the TMS inbox
England women win to retain Ashes

"My 12-year-old daughter helped her school win the Leinster girls under-13 cricket trophy on Friday with an unbroken last-wicket stand of 42! Shall I send her along?"
Nick in Ireland via the TMS inbox
(If you could Nick, that'd be dandy... her and Broady - who is one of our better batsman and also resembles a 12-year-old girl - can lead our assault... SL)

"I think 12-year-old girls might take umbrage with your comments... the batting was more akin with that of 5-year-old girls."
Matt Loverock via the TMS inbox

1041: News from the middle is that England have used the heavy roller this morning in an attempt to "flatten out" the pitch and nullify the effectiveness of Daniel Vettori... interesting to see how that turns out. Also, Jacob Oram is going through his warm-up so it would appear he is fit enough to bowl following shoulder and neck problems yesterday.

"This match is made for a gritty innings from Bell or Collingwood to see us home... or we will bowled out before I make it home from work!"
James Black via the TMS inbox

1035: I'd also like to take this opportunity to offer my 'thanks' to the bus driver who deliberately drove through a puddle this morning and soaked me to the bone on my way to work. In your next life, you shall return as a toilet brush, sir.

"We will know the real strength of England's batting in this innings...Vaughan hasn't played a captain's innings in any England's wins so far..."
SwamyCricketAnanda on 606
Join the debate

1030: Right, first things first, it is bright and breezy again in Manchester, meaning not only should we start on time but also get a decent day's play in today (fingers crossed).

That means, one way or another, this is likely to be the final day's play of this crucial second Test - and it really could go either way.

England need another 218 runs to snatch a remarkable turnaround victory - but to achieve that they have to stop batting like the 12-year-old girls/boys they resembled in the first innings.

However, history suggests New Zealand remain in the box seat - England have never chased more than 231 to win at Old Trafford, the pitch is offering assistance to the likes of Daniel Vettori and Iain O'Brien, and England's batting in the first innings resembled that of 12-year-old girls/boys. Did I mention that?

So... what are we thinking people? Get involved by emailing me at tms@bbc.co.uk, on 606, or via text 81111.