There is a chance of securing the series here if Hussain is of a mind to be positive

Umpire Dunne favoured neither team with his inconsistency

This was the cue for Caddick to produce an outstanding spell in which, either side of lunch, he took five wickets to add to the one he claimed on the previous evening.

This was Caddick at his very best: relaxed and rhythmical.

He bowled only two no balls in 28 overs, which is an indication of how easily he approached the crease today, and he found some swing from a full length.

Despite some howling errors by umpire Steve Dunne, who has made too many mistakes to mention but which have favoured neither team in particular, England chipped away.

And although McMillan counter-attacked with a robust 41, Caddick removed Butler to finish with six for 63 and Giles - in increasingly helpful conditions - four for 103.

Trescothick in form

We were all interested in how England's batsmen would respond and it was not long before we realised that Trescothick and Vaughan had the bit between their teeth.

Vaughan made 34 before being well taken at deep square leg as he swept Vettori, and this brought the free-scoring Butcher to the crease to join Trescothick who, for the first time in New Zealand, found his touch.

Trescothick is eyeing a third Test century

They have both scored half centuries - and both been reprieved by Umpire Dunne for catches at the wicket - to extend England's lead to 246.

It now remains to be seen when Hussain will declare.

It seems from afar that England's best chance of winning the match is to keep New Zealand mildly interested themselves because it seems that it is only when batsmen attempt to force the pace that they find problems with the deteriorating pitch.

There is an argument that says England should simply bat New Zealand out of the game and take their 1-0 lead to Auckland for the final Test.

But there is a chance of securing the series here if Hussain is of a mind to be positive and leave his bowlers enough time to bowl the Kiwis out.