By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent

A typically lionhearted spell after tea by Andrew Flintoff has given England an outside chance of winning the final Test.

Flintoff bowled an inspired spell late in the day

As New Zealand patiently set about compiling their lead, Flintoff tore in with the wind behind him.

He removed Stephen Fleming, lbw for 45 and then the dangerous Nathan Astle also fell leg before for a duck.

Suddenly New Zealand's position appeared precarious, with a lead of 199 and their bowling resources severely stretched.

But Scott Styris and Craig McMillan overcame some anxious moments to guide their team to a lead of 250 before Styris was despatched caught behind off Steve Harmison.

It was one of a number of questionable umpiring decisions today, with Simon Taufel the culprit.

Taufel has been so consistent up to today that his errors in giving out Thorpe, Fleming, Astle and Styris were surprising

Overall, it was New Zealand's day - just. They dismissed England by lunchtime, claiming the last five wickets for 94.

But Fleming will have taken note once again of England's high rate of scoring, and this might well have an influence on the timing of any declaration.

Chris Cairns bowled with far greater conviction than at Headingley to finish with 5-79, but New Zealand were frustrated by Ashley Giles, who played some terrific shots through the off side to end undefeated on 45.

Graham Thorpe was given out caught behind for 45 when the ball clearly brushed his pad straps rather than his bat, which was some way away.

Umpiring is always difficult, but Taufel has been so consistent up to today that his errors in giving out Thorpe, Fleming, Astle and Styris were surprising.

Both sides benefited from some questionable umpiring

Fleming and Mark Richardson quietly extended their lead from 65 to 159 and, at this stage, England were staring down both barrels.

But Richardson was plumb lbw trying to turn Giles to leg for the single which would have brought up his 50.

Giles struck again when Brendan McCullum - promoted to number three - was caught by Flintoff at slip for four.

So the game is perfectly set up, and with two days still to go, both teams have a chance to win.

Had Daniel Vettori been fit to play, New Zealand would be favourites.

But without him - and missing two front line bowlers through injury - Fleming will not be comfortable leaving England anything less than 400 to win.