England will need four wickets on the final day to level their Test series against New Zealand after reducing the Kiwis to 242-6, chasing 438.

Ross Taylor (55) and Matthew Sinclair (39) shared 81 but Ryan Sidebottom (3-72) and Stuart Broad (2-38) raised the prospect of a quick England win.

However, Tim Ambrose missed a chance to stump Jacob Oram on a day when four catches were put down.

Oram fell near the end but Brendon McCullum (43no) was still there.

By Sam Lyon

Get involved. E-mail tms@bbc.co.uk (with 'For Sam Lyon' in the subject) or text on 81111 (with "CRICKET" as the first word). (Not all contributions can be used).

0455: Well, that's it from me tonight. I'll be back in the hot-seat Sunday evening so join me then to either see England tie up the series and set up a last-Test decider in Napier or New Zealand secure a world record victory. One thing is for sure - it is all to play on the final day, so join me then. Don't forget you can keep track of Lewis Hamilton's progress in the Australian Grand Prix with Ian Hughes, so check that out.

0445 - NZ 242-6, CLOSE
Ooh, you wouldn't be happy about that as a Kiwi. The umpires consult the light meter again and they're off - this time for good. Sidebottom's breakthrough may prove really rather crucial at the end, there, but even though the tourists remain on top, it's been a poor day in the field from Vaughany's men.

0442 - WICKET! Oram c Pietersen b Sidebottom 30, NZ 242-6
Huzzah!! Sidebottom, moments after beating Oram's bat and with the ball showing a bit of swing and lots of seam, throws down a beauty and Oram edges to Pietersen at gully attempting to clip to the leg side. England's reaction suggests they were starting to get a little nervous about that stand.

0438 - NZ 241-5 Blimey, talk about killing time and overs... this is a dull, I won't lie. One from a neat Monty Panesar over... but Ryan Sidebottom is warmed up and ready - and England immediately take the new ball. A breakthrough before close perhaps?

0435 - NZ 240-5 Tidy enough from KP but I think everyone has half an eye on the new ball. A few singles, no particular risks, and the lead is now under 200...

0432 - NZ 237-5 Panesar throws down his over, one from it, but interestingly it's Kevin Pietersen to bowl next up with the light a bit iffy.

"Calm down everybody...NZ are 5 down and barely half way to the target. New ball to come in the morning. So long as Anderson and Monty don't include Archery or Fencing in this evening's warm down activities, I think we should be fine tomorrow..."
Mark, Melbourne via email

0428 - NZ 236-5 Broad is causing McCullum the odd heart flutter with the short ball and so Alastair Cook comes in at short silly point to get in his face. McCullum responds by crashing one over his head for four. Kerplunked. Broad then bangs one into Oram's chest - prompting the Kiwis to draw the umpires' attention to the light. Cheeky.

0423 - NZ 231-5 A blink-and-you-miss-it over from Panesar, no runs yielded. The umpires meet again to discuss the light but are happy enough to continue and Vaughan, back on the field after his hamstring worry, talks Broad through his next over.

0421 - NZ 231-5 Broad gets a warning for running on the pitch - his first of the day but it has been coming - but he does at least cause McCullum a bit of bother with a shortish one that the wicket-keeper pushes up in the air and down.

"I'd start thinking seriously about New Zealand's chance of victory if this pair can put on another, I don't know, 100 runs or so."
Brian Waddle on TMS

0416 - NZ 231-5 You know what, this is starting to look a little dangerous, especially with Vettori - the form batsman in the Kiwi side along with Taylor - to come. Oram punches Panesar down the ground for four with a lovely stroke and the hosts are starting to tick along nicely.

"Oram and Vettori both can score quite heavy when they get going this match is far from over."
Aaron, London via email

0413 - NZ 227-5 Glorious timing from McCullum, who clips Broad away for four off his legs. A single brings Oram on strike and he negotiates the rest of the over comfortably enough. The sun is gazing over the Basin Reserve again - good news - but the pitch could not appear more placid at the moment - not such good news for England.

0409 - NZ 221-5 McCullum pinches a single in a tidy Panesar over and England are zipping through these final overs. Could really do with a wicket here.

0407 - NZ 220-5 Decent enough from Broad, yielding a couple of runs from a leg-side glance from McCullum but otherwise probing away outside his off stump.

0401: Well that was brief - the umpires call the players back on the field and we'll be resuming shortly. We hope. The sun is coming out... and I've just learned that Graeme Swann was on for Michael Vaughan, who has 'tightness in the hamstring'. Hhmmm...

"I hate to think what sort of post-mortems would result if England fail to win this game. The Kiwis are halfway to their target after all..."
Mike Selvey on TMS

0355: ...No he won't because the light is indeed offered and, unsurprisingly, the Kiwis bite the umpires' hands off. A terrible day's catching and fielding from England, really, but they remain firmly in the box seat. Hard to say if that will be the end of the day's play.

0354 - NZ 218-5 There's no waiting for the close of play from McCullum, the wicket-keeper batsman smashing Monty Panesar down the ground for a crunching six. Defence is the order of the day otherwise. Stuart Broad looks like he's going to turn his arm over again...

0351 - NZ 212-5 Jacob Oram crashes a short and wide one through square for four, but Sidebottom responds with a ripper that misses the all-rounder's outside edge by little more than a hair's breadth. Bit gloomy out there now, the light fading.

"England really should have had this wrapped up by now, they've certainly had the chances."
Jonathan Agnew on TMS

0347 - NZ 207-5 Panesar whips through another over, but it's a case of wait and see all round really. With barely over an hour left of play, we're looking at a fifth day finish I reckon. You see how I'm trying to tempt fate in a reverse-bok tactic styleeee?

0344 - NZ 206-5 Oopsadaisy Martin Hayesy - Graeme Swann, with Oram well in his crease, wangs the ball unnecessarily at Ambrose, it's too high, and it flies away for four overthrows. It's the only score off the over and Sid is not a happy bunny.

0340 - NZ 202-5 Close! Panesar draws Oram into a false stroke on the legside but it drops inches short of Bell at short square leg. Monty has had no luck, really. The chances of England wrapping this up today are dwindling by the second. I'm not sure who's more upset by that - Vaughan or the TMS crew.

0337 - NZ 201-5 Sidebottom continues and McCullum is still batting way down the wicket. A couple of singles apiece, but no great drama.

0330 - NZ 199-5 Kaboom! McCullum goes down on one knee and strikes a trademark six off Panesar on the slog sweep. A misfield then allows the wicket-keeper to dash through for three more. Boycott is getting angry in the TMS commentary box as Panesar refuses to probe at the footholes to Oram. He's got a point.

0327 - NZ 190-5 Appeal from England as Sidebottom raps McCullum on the pad - it pitched outside leg - and then a secondary appeal when Alastair Cook takes the catch at gully. Might have been a decent shout that, the ball apparently jamming between the pad and an inside edge. Unclear, though. Decent over, Oram yet to look comfortable, and if England can just nip another one or two out...

0323 - NZ 189-5 Missed stumping! Panesar yorks an advancing Jacob Oram, who missed with a waft, but Tim Ambrose can't collect and whip off the bails, failing to get down to the ball. Frustrating and even the affable spinner fails to hide his disappointment.

0319 - NZ 188-5 Bit of width from Sidebottom and McCullum doesn't miss out, throwing his arms through the line and swatting him away for a four through point. Jacob Oram then gets in on the act with a swipe through mid-wicket and that might settle him down a bit, you feel.

"Don't give McCullum room - that's the key - he won't be so defensive for long if you bowl it tight enough."
Geoff Boycott on TMS

0315 - NZ 177-5 Responsible stuff from McCullum as he fronts up for the first five deliveries before taking a single off a full toss last up.

0312 - NZ 176-5 Sidebottom zips one millimetres past Oram's outside edge with one that seamed, and then repeats the feat a couple of deliveries later as the all-rounder attempts a wafty drive. Unfortunately, it's not a case of third time lucky as Sid gets one past the bat off the penultimate delivery - unbelievable. Oram's feet are laid in concrete at the moment...

0307 - NZ 175-5 Oram grabs a couple on the leg side off a shorter Panesar delivery, but he still doesn't look quite comfortable...

0305 - NZ 173-5 Well, indications are that McCullum might be throwing his bat around. He's batting two or three feet out of his crease, but Sidebottom keeps him honest as he bowls out a wicket maiden.

0300 - WICKET! Taylor lbw Sidebottom 55, NZ 173-5
Massive wicket! He had an escape when KP spilled him earlier but Taylor has been the form man for New Zealand... but he's gone now. Sidebottom shapes one back in at him and he is trapped plumb in front, Rudi Koertzen barely hesitating in raising the finger. Be interesting to see if Brendon McCullum stays true to form and maintains his aggressive form...

0258 - NZ 173-4 Monty continues and Oram has a big swipe at one but misses. He gets a bit tangled next ball and he doesn't look entirely comfortable out there. A maiden.

0256 - NZ 173-4 Sidey does indeed switch ends - Vaughan reckons he's got the marker over Oram apparently - but there are no major alarms as three singles are pinched off the over.

"Sorry to hear about the fatigue. Hang in there! I'm an astronomer and regularly have to work nights ('cause, like, that's when the stars are out, don't you know), and recommend lashings of coffee and chocolate biscuits. But you pay for it the next day. Your call."
Alan, Mexico via email

0251 - NZ 170-4 Just the one-over spell for Sid, then, and Monty returns to the attack with Taylor on strike. It's tidy enough - a couple of singles taken - and the idea appears to be that Sidebottom switches ends.

0248 - NZ 168-4 James Anderson, wind at his back and buoyed by the wicket, flies in at Taylor - but Rossy looks in top shape and he gets a slice of luck when a slash square of the wicket goes through Stuart Broad for four. He then he brings up his 50 off 65 balls with a crashing cut next ball... he couldn't lead New Zealand home here... could he?

"Not only are England bound to start holding their catches any minute now cough!)"... Prophetic! Go Sam!!!"
Sarah, Canterbury via email

That's a bit harsh, I'm trying my best Sarah. Ohhh, 'prophetic'...

0244 - NZ 156-4 Panesar comes out of the attack and, with the wind having died down, Sidebottom returns. The seamer raps Oram on the pads but it struck him outside the line and the appeal is half-hearted. A couple off the over.

0240 - NZ 154-4 Ross Taylor ticks things over alongside Jacob Oram - these two can bat, so let's not get ahead of ourselves yeah?

0234 - WICKET! Sinclair c Bell b Anderson 39, NZ 151-4
James Anderson strikes - a loosener of a first delivery is spooned straight to Ian Bell by Matthew Sinclair, and he takes a simple catch at short cover.

0233 - NZ 151-3 Monty Panesar takes the first over after lunch and Ross Taylor continues on his merry way, spanking a lovely drive through the covers for four. A bit of turn from Monty but nothing prodigious just yet.

0229: The re-start is just a few minutes away now. Anyone else struggling to stay awake? I'm starting to regret a heavy duty outing last night I must say... Still, don't abandon us just yet. Not only are England bound to start holding their catches any minute now (cough!), but we've also got live commentary on the Australian Grand Prix coming up, in which Lewis Hamilton starts on pole. Go on, you know you want to...

"Ross Taylor, despite that drop from Pietersen, looks in real good shape. He is by far the most accomplished batsman in this side on this form."
Brian Waddle on TMS

0211 - NZ 145-3 A crashing drive through the covers from Taylor opens the over - lovely shot that - and a drive through mid-wicket brings him another three. Sinclair drills one down the ground for four to finish the over and this has been an expensive spell from Sidebottom. That's tea.

0206 - NZ 134-3 Panesar is certainly ticking the overs by for England, who have been a little slow on the over-rate today, and yields just a couple of singles.

"Just to pre-empt Neil (see 0039), yes Neil, we would have all caught that."
Mark, Rochdale via email

0204 - NZ 132-3 Three singles off Sid's latest over and the mood is a little darker in the England camp after that drop from KP.

"I believe that Billy Connolly is number one on the greatest stand-up comedians list (see below). I find him even less amusing than Peter Kay. 'GARLIC BREAD?!' Give it a rest already Peter."
Jack via text

0159 - NZ 129-3 Dropped! Shocker of all shockers from Kevin Pietersen, Monty luring Ross Taylor into an expansive pull that flies high into the air and yet KP spills the easiest of high catches. Panesar laughs it off, but Vaughan looks less amused. That's the fourth drop of the innings and I'm about as amused as Vaughany.

0156 - NZ 127-3 Well well well, it seems only moments ago that Broady was prancing about like a wally having bowled Stephen Fleming and yet Ross Taylor brings up the 50 partnership with Sinclair, off just 68 balls, with a cut for four through point. Sid shapes one at Sinclair and it flies through the gate but misses the stumps, and Alastair Cook then shells what would've been a stunning catch at gully and it goes away for four. Cook was holding those first Test, but it flew at him on the dive.

0152 - 116-3 Ooh! Sinclair slashes at Monty's first ball but the ball flies between Ambrose and Collingwood at slip and goes away for four. Would've taken a sharp effort to take it, but Colly was going the wrong way anyway. Just that score from the over.

0149 - NZ 112-3 Patience, as Take That say - you gotta have it. And England are going to have to work hard for their wickets on this pitch if recent overs are anything to go by. Taylor grabs a couple on the leg side off Sidebottom, not much happening off the pitch.

"I'm at home doing some multi-tasking, reading this while watching the "50 greatest stand-up comics". I have just found out Harry Hill is number five. I can think of at least 50 funnier comedians than him."
Daniel, Coventry via email

0145 - NZ 110-3 Decent start from Monty, who yields a couple of singles on the off side but beats Ross Taylor's bat with one that straightens off a length. Could be in for a long spell bowling like that Panesar.

0143: The Montster is coming on!

0142 - NZ 107-3 Expansive, if a touch loose, from Ross Taylor as he thumps Sidebottom over Vaughan's head at mid-on for four first ball. He then repeats the stroke, with a lot more authority, next ball for the same result. Sid thinks he's snuck one through but Taylor gets enough bat on it for a single and then an escape for Sinclair as he edges one wide - and possibly short - of Paul Collingwood at second slip for four. Eventful, expensive over, that.

0137 - NZ 94-3 Encouraging for Jimmy Anderson as the Lancashire paceman appears to find a touch of reverse swing in a decent enough over. Two singles come off it - and Ryan Sidebottom is getting ready to return to the attack. Come on Sid...

0132 - NZ 92-3 Ross Taylor grabs his first boundary of the day (the eagle-eyed among you will notice I wrongly attributed a previous four to him but, hey, it's stupid o'clock on a Saturday night, ok) with a delightful leg-side clip that he timed the absolute monkey out of. So, how many of you are catching up on the cricket after a night on the tiles? Any interesting - and publishable - shenanigans? A spot of drunken street cricket in town perhaps?

0129 - NZ 87-3 These two aren't holding back I tell you and Sinclair kerplunks a terrific shot through point for four. Both he and Taylor playing their shots and I don't suppose England will mind that at this stage. Seven off Anderson's over.

0124 - NZ 80-3 Ross Taylor has been in decent touch this series and he looks in good shape early in this innings, fending off a couple of sharp Broad deliveries and taking a couple on the pull.

0119 - NZ 78-3 James Anderson returns to the attack and it's a little bit of everything. He beats the bat once, goes down the leg side a touch and then sees one crashed magnificently through point by Matthew Sinclair who, as Boycott points out on TMS, is playing as if he's 200 not out. Expansive start from the new batsman.

"It was pretty brave of Vaughan to continue with Broad after lunch. The obvious thing to do would have been to throw the ball to Sidebottom but the youngster has taken on the responsibility brilliantly."
Jonathan Agnew on TMS

0112 - NZ 74-3 Broad is really ticking now - his celebrations in his previous over were blooming marvellous by the way, like an eight-year-old girl negotiating a rather tricky ballet manoeuvre - and he beats Ross Taylor's bat during another maiden over.

0108 - NZ 74-3 Matthew Sinclair punches a splendid one down the ground for four - and that should signal the end of Collingwood's spell I would imagine.

0102 - WICKET! Fleming b Broad 31, NZ 70-3
Goddim! Broad, the ball after Vaughan fails to run out Stephen Fleming with a throw from short cover, bowls the former Kiwi skipper when he leaves one alone and it takes out his off stump. Sensational from Broad, but I have no idea what Fleming was thinking at all.

0058 - WICKET! Bell c Ambrose b Broad 29, NZ 69-2
Hoorah! Another beauty from Broad - I've been impressed with him in this spell - and Bell can only edge behind to Ambrose, who takes a smart catch low down. That has been coming.

0057 - NZ 69-1 Ambrose does well taking a leg-side delivery off Collingwood - the slimmest of slim stumping chances, but that's being rather harsh - and it's just a single from the over.

0051 - NZ 68-1 Fleming, who has looked in decent touch all series to be fair, breaks the shackles of a tight few overs with a four, opening the face and running the ball between third slip and gully, and then a two into the covers. That's the 50 partnership. Let's hope the Montster (loving that anagram Pete) has pulled his pants up because I fancy him to make inroads here.

"If anagrams are the order of the day, then "Are my pants on?" might give a clue as to why Monty Panesar's mind might be wandering from his fielding duties."
Pete, Barcelona via email

"Jim (0035), no, but the anagram of Stuart Broad is Turbo Daarts, if that helps..."
Jim, Seattle USA via email

0048 - NZ 62-1 Collingwood continues to tie Bell up after Fleming pinches a single with a nudge wide of mid-on, but still the hosts keep nine wickets intact.

"To Neil, what relevance is it whether Sam would have caught it? It was Paul Collingwood (a professional cricketer) who dropped it. I strive to never criticise the England team, but that's just a silly thing to say. It was a dolly and Collingwood will know he should have caught it, any cricketer should, let alone one of his ability."
Steve via email

0043 - NZ 61-1 Broad's ticking along nicely now and twice he gets the ball to flash past Bell's outside edge. He's had no luck in this innings so far and has had Bell in all sorts of bother, but the opener survives. It's not going to be one of those days for England is it?

0039 - NZ 59-1 Collingwood bowls down a maiden, with Stephen Fleming looking in good shape at the crease but unwilling to take any unnecessary risks.

"Sam, re the Collingwood dropped 'dolly', I'm assuming you'd have caught it then?"
Neil via email

Yes.

0035 - NZ 59-1 More good stuff from Broad, though Bell seems to have sorted his feet out a touch and is able to get behind the line of the ball a bit easier this over. Broad ends the over with a smart stop off his own bowling to complete a maiden.

"Is there anyone in the England team whose name is an anagram of 'gets nine wickets'?"
Jim via email

0032 - NZ 59-1 Collingwood continues but it's easy enough for Fleming, who crunches one through the covers for four. Ambrose spills another delivery up to the stumps - there was no bat on it - he should go back for a spell I say.

0028 - NZ 55-1 Much, much better from Broady - the youngster gaining an edge off Bell with successive deliveries, only for both to fall short of the slip cordon. And that's a shocker!! Another beauty from Broad gets his third edge of the over and it's a dolly to Collingwood at second slip only for the safest pair of hands in the England side to spill it. Rubbish.

"What intrigues me about Daniel Vettori is less his on/off beard, more how he seems such a quiet unassuming bloke when his name is an anagram for both 'violent tirade' and 'titan evildoer'"
Paul, Lancs via email

0023 - NZ 55-1 Ever since I mentioned I liked Ambrose, he's been flapping about like a right wally up to the stumps to Collingwood and he fumbles the ball for successive deliveries to have the middle-pacer scratching his head Laurel and Hardy style. Bell then guides one down to third man for four and it's looking comfortable enough for the hosts.

0019 - NZ 50-1 Broad, bowling round the wicket, launches an appeal after trapping Fleming on the pad, but it could've struck him outside the line or it could've been missing leg. The former Kiwi skipper responds with a beautifully time clip off his legs for four.

"The good thing about Broad is that he is tall and generates good pace and bounce, but the trouble is he doesn't do much through the air and this morning he was gun-barrel straight."
Jonathan Agnew on TMS

0014 - NZ 46-1 Paul Collingwood takes the first over after lunch and Matthew Bell scores the first runs of the afternoon session for the Kiwis with a neat swat though mid-wicket for four. A spot of cloud threatening over one side of the Basin Reserve, but the sun is out as it stands... Stuart Broad will take the second over after lunch.

0010: The players are out and we're about to get back under way.

"Sam. Don't forget Monty! He could get 9 for 30!"
Phil via email

0000: Right, what's needed from England now then? New Zealand look determined to dig in and frustrate, full in the knowledge that there is more than enough time for them to knock off these runs if they keep wickets in hand, so how do England go about knocking them over? Gotta get them playing at it more, get Collingwood to keep kissing the surface as he did this morning, and hope Sidey, Broady and, erm, Andersony get a bit more movement through the air and off the seam. A bit of cloud cover wouldn't go amiss would it...?

"(Chris 2322) - C'mon Chris, not ALL cats love Whiskers. Its been proven only 9/10 do."
Pete, Leicester via email

"New Zealand are doing the right thing - I think you'll find that once the new ball has been seen off we will all see that this pitch is flat as a pancake."
Geoff Boycott on TMS

2332 - NZ 42-1 - LUNCH
Not what was asked for from Broad - the Notts seamer sends six deliveries down and Stephen Fleming is able to leave every single one alone. School report for England's bowlers in the morning session? Get 'em playing at it boys... That's lunch. Cuppa anyone? See you in a bit...

"As a Licence Fee Payer I demand that the B4s (Big Bad BBC Bosses) lift their online dating embargo. Are they Aussies in disguise? After all, with all these lovelorn cricket lovers waiting to meet each other we could have some potential Ashes-winners in the making 20 years from now if you can get them hooked up! I think they feel threatened. Alternatively, Iain and co will just have to set up a group on a social networking site� now there's an idea!"
Catherine, Letchworth Garden City via email

Ah yes, Catherine, Facebook... you've gotta love it haven't you? Utterly pointless and yet utterly addictive. Lovely stuff.

2327 - NZ 42-1 Collingwood's getting the ball to talk a little at the moment, and Bell is not looking at all comfortable. What the ball is not saying, unfortunately, is dolly me up to Mickey Vaughan's safe hands at short cover please, though, and Bell sees the over off. One more before lunch and it'll be Broady.

2323 - NZ 42-1 Broady strays onto Fleming's pads and the Kiwi skipper does not miss out, clipping a nice one down leg for four. Good response from the youngster, though, zipping one past Fleming's outside edge and then ripping one inches over the Kiwi's off stump.

"Perhaps Danny boy has bought himself a cat and this has eaten his beard... All cats like Whiskers."
Chris, Darlington via email

Awful Chris, truly awful...

2319 - NZ 38-1 Darn it! Paul Collingwood's first delivery is a beaut, it takes the edge of Stephen Fleming's bat, but Tim Ambrose - up to the stumps - shells it. A few balls later and the ginger ninja raps Bell on the pads, but it was going down leg. Good opening over, but it could've been even better...

2315 - NZ 37-1 Stuart Broad comes on first change and it's a decent but unexplosive start, just one run coming off it. If Boycott is right below, that's going to put paid to my Paddy's Day plans in a big way. Any hope of Paul Collingwood - he's next up with the ball - skittling a few here?

"Perhaps Vettori's facial grooming (see below) was a precursor to submitting himself to the tender ministrations of Sam Lyons - Matchmaker. Now he, like us, will be disappointed, what have the BBC bosses done?"
Brian, Westerham via email

"To: Big Mean Bosses, I like your assertiveness. Want to meet up? 22/M/Yorkshire W/GSOH. C'Mon England!"
Ian via email

"I've always thought this would go into a fifth day and that it would be tough to bowl New Zealand out in this innings. I've seen little to make me change my mind today."
Geoff Boycott on TMS

2310 - NZ 36-1 Poor ol' Monty - the cult hero of the spinning world makes a right rickett of some simple fielding to allow Bell to dash through for three with nothing more than a prod down the ground. Fleming and Bell grab a few singles between them before the latter leaves one at the end of the over that just zips past off stump. That's gotta be the end of his spell you would think.

2305 - NZ 30-1 Fleming nonchalantly flicks one off his pads for a couple on the leg side, but Sidebottom again keeps the hosts on a leash. They're finding scoring tough here New Zealand, but there has only been the odd demon in the pitch.

2300 - 28-1 Anderson continues and yields just one from another tight over, Fleming prodding one to mid-wicket.

"With regards to the big mean bosses of BBC sport not allowing you to set up some sort of TMS online dating service, do they not realise that if we went out into the big, bad world we wouldn't all be sitting here reading your commentary!!? Is it too obvious that I'm single!!??"
Iain, Durham via email

2257 - 27-1 I really like the look of Tim Ambrose, and the keeper shows his acrobatic side as he plucks one out of the air from a Sidebottom flyer having first wrong-footed himself in the wind. Sid throws down his third successive maiden, while the TMS crew debate the strange disappearance of Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori's beard... suggestions on a postcard please.

2252 - NZ 27-1 Fleming finally gets off the mark with a cut through point all along the ground for four. Anderson responds with a bit of a ripper which flashes past Fleming's willow and it's just that one scoring shot from the over.

2247 - NZ 23-1 It's now 19 deliveries without scoring for the hosts, a sign of things to come I hope not. Sidebottom bowls down another maiden and he is still causing the odd worry.

In other news I feel I must also bring up - a few of you are asking me to arrange dates or set up some sort of TMS online dating service, but I'm afraid this has been outlawed by the big, mean bosses of the BBC Sport world. Of course, they may just think that you young 'uns should actually go out and about to meet your future loved ones, but who knows. Blooming weirdos, huh?

"Tom from Watford may have actually met a lot of cricket-loving girls but just not know it. My friends are always telling me that I'm not allowed to talk about sport to any boy I meet as I usually know more than they do and it's 'emasculating'. Just because I only class someone as a real cricket fan if they can name a few more cricketers than Freddie Flintoff!"
Chloe via email

2241 - NZ 23-1 Another maiden, this time from Anderson - who's beginning to look comfortable again after a gingerly start on that ankle - and Stephen Fleming remains on nought having faced 12 deliveries.

2237 - NZ 23-1 Another big ol' shout from Sidebottom as he traps Bell on the back leg with one that seams in. Again Koertzen turns the appeal down, possibly on the grounds of height. Close. Maiden. I.e. - it was a close call and it was a maiden. Not that there is a maiden, here, close to me. Unfortunately. Anyway...

"Sam, you should be worried (about the emergency services, see below). I'm currently working in a custody suite in a Police station! I think Emma, Cathy, and me could cause anarchy just from following the cricket. Who'd have thought."
The Secret Police Man via text

2233 - NZ 23-1 Anderson drops one in a little short and Bell is onto it well, kerplunking one for four on the pull. Might be time for Broady to have a little warm-up methinks...

"Andrew (2221) you're just not looking hard enough!"
Jo, Newcastle via email

2228 - NZ 18-1 Vaughan smells blood as retirement-bound Fleming faces up for the last time at the Basin Reserve, and goes with three slips and two gullies. The Kiwi skipper need only play at a couple, though, and it's a wicket maiden for Siders.

2222 - WICKET! How c Bell b Sidebottom 8, NZ 18-1
Breakthrough! Just reward for Notts superman Sidebottom as How gets a thick inside-edge on one that comes in at him, it comes off his thigh and Bell takes a simple catch at short-leg.

2221 - NZ 18-0 Better from Anderson - going past Bell's bat with a bit of a rip off a length, before the opener just about gets enough wood on a defence to keep the ball out. Bell looks a little all over the shop at the moment, but he does slash one over point for four.

"Where have all these female, cricket loving university students come from? And more importantly, why aren't they at my uni?"
Andrew, Newcastle via email

"Can anyone explain why I have never come across a young woman that liked cricket yet there is clearly an abundance of them? Perhaps it's the lure of your rapier wit, Sam?"
Tom, Watford via email

2217 - NZ 14-0 James Anderson does brilliantly at cover to stop a certain boundary from a Matthew Bell slash, but How grabs a couple to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Sid goes up for another lbw shout against How, but it pitched outside leg and is rightly not given.

2214 - NZ 11-0 Decent but no better from Anderson, How flicking a couple to leg to take the hosts into double figures.

"Jo at Lancaster University, I agree with your theory, and firmly cast my vote for 'extra egg for breakfast'. And, it's a small world - I'm also at Lancaster University."
Charlotte via email

Ah, that's nice Jo - TMS, bringing sleep-deprived students together...

2210 - NZ 9-0 Oh my goodness - massive shout from Sidebottom as he jags one back in off a length and raps How on the pads, only for umpire Rudi Koertzen to turn the appeal down. Looked out in real time, but hawkeye suggests it was only just clipping the top of middle. An escape, that. How responds by crashing a cut for four.

"I am honestly not reading the commentary from a house party, on my phone. I swear."
Chris, Kingston via text

2205 - NZ 5-0 A leg bye gets the Kiwis up and running in their second innings, before How glances one off his hips for four. A becalmed start all round, really.

"Evening Sam, good to see you back. A quiet one for me this evening. TMS, a few cans of Stella, Viz magazine and Football Manager. Have those four things ever been brought together before?"
Ade O'Connor via email

"Aside from a half-volley or full toss early up, the best thing you can get as an opening batsman is a string of deliveries you don't have to play at. England's seamers have to hit the length, get a bit of movement and do both as early as possible."
Geoff Boycott on TMS

2200 - NZ 0-0 Comfortable start for Jamie How, who doesn't have to put bat on ball once as he watches every Sidebottom delivery skip outside off stump.

2154: England's players emerge to a bright and breezy Basin Reserve - I'm sure they'll be looking for a fast start while New Zealand, whose batsmen don't look doubly keen to get going I must say, have two days to pull off what would be a stunning victory. Ryan 'Sid' Sidebottom will bowl the first over. Here we go...

"I'm with Emma, stuck answering 999 calls, and trying to avoid getting caught by my supervisor reading your commentary!"
Cathy via text

Is anyone else worried about our emergency services or is it just me?

2146 - WICKET! Panesar c Taylor b Martin 10, Eng 293 all out
That's it folks - Panesar flays at a Martin delivery outside off stump and, even though it's windier than lunchtime in a beans factory out there, Ross Taylor pouches a neat one at second slip. The lead is 437 - meaning New Zealand would have to create a new world record Test match run chase to win.

"Does anyone else agree with me that sending the tail out is just an excuse from Michael Vaughan to have a lie in this morning or an extra egg for breakfast?"
Jo Holt, Lancaster Uni via email

2142 - Eng 293-9 My word - maybe Jimmy should roll his ankle over playing football more often - the number 11 cuts loose to a wide Gillespie delivery and slashes one behind square for four. No great threat from the opening few overs - not sure if that's good news or not for England really.

"Sam!! Fab to see you back! Has our Doctor Love found, erm, love, then? This talk of a missus - spill..."
Sarah, Canterbury via email

2138 - Eng 289-9 Chris Martin peppers Jimmy Anderson's hips and the Lancashire bunny grabs a few down the leg side again. Monty repeats the effort third ball before Martin resorts to the short stuff. To no avail.

2134 - Eng 284-9 Jimmy Anderson glances one down the leg side for a four off Mark Gillespie's second ball of the day to get the tourists ticking and Monty picks up the baton by drilling a nice cover drive for a couple. The Montster then gets away with one, dollying a short one up in the air and down, with short leg unable to cover the ground to take the catch.

"I'm sat in my room, in the same Uni halls as Chris (see below), only one block away from him. To be honest Sam, you shouldn't take any abuse off this guy - he looks like a ricicle. He also has a bizarre obsession with Fabio... I'm sat doing work and shall be getting the cricket on my laptop. It's going to be a long night, Grand Prix and all."
Rob, also Preston via email

Oh yes, good shout Rob - don't forget later on you can catch commentary of the opening F1 Grand Prix in Australia. Jubbly.

"Ignore Chris! He's obviously not down with the kids. Your intro rocked."
Adam, Sussex via text

Note to everybody out there - flattery gets you a long way in this business... nice one Adam.

2127: We are minutes away from the start now, people, and Monty Panesar and Jimmy Anderson - who has officially been passed fit to bowl by the way - will bat on for England in the hope of, erm, piling on the runs. I've checked my crystal ball and see an early wicket on the cards...

"Let's hope the criminal fraternity in the area where I work for the police are planning a quiet night so i can give the cricket my undivided attention!"
Emma via text

That's the spirit Emma! And if you are considering any criminal activity this Saturday evening - spare a thought for our lovely cricket-mad Bobbies and give it a rest, yeah?

"(See 2107): I think the big issue here is that Monty took a catch. What's going on? Is the world going crazy?"
Louis, Besancon, France via email

"Sam are you sure your post shouldn't have read "Monty Panesar apparently hurt a finger TRYING TO TAKE a catch in the fielding drills this morning"?"
Mike, Liverpool via email

"We're looking forward to the challenge - I think there's still a bit in the wicket if you put it in the right areas and that's what we're aiming to do. As for Jimmy, he's had his ankle strapped this morning and is fine to bowl, no problem."
England seamer and Roger Daltrey twin Ryan Sidebottom

"Sam, I must admit I expected more of you. You can't say "Hello everybody peeps" it's either "Hello everybody" or "Hello peeps". Rookie mistake, hope it isn't a sign of things to come..."
Chris, Preston via email

What's good enough for Stavros, Chris, is good enough for me.

2115: As my esteemed colleague David has just pointed out - the practice of playing football as a 'warm down' after a day's play was banned under Moores's predecessor Duncan Fletcher, but Pistol Pete brought it back in. That said, the practice of winning Test matches was deployed under Fletcher and that, also, seems to be in sharp contrast to the Moores regime!

Harsh? Yeah, I guess so...

"I think footy should be banned as a warm down exercise. Play a proper sport like rugby. Football - I'd say it was a girls sport but that would be unfair to girls."
Sean, Whitstable via email

Ooh, that there be fighting talk Sean...

"Sam, You better be as good a "good luck" charm as Paul or else you will have to listen to some abuse!"
Ravi, Ottawa via email

2107: Another bit of injury news from Wellington - Monty Panesar apparently hurt a finger taking a catch in the fielding drills this morning. What are Moores et al playing at? Football on the outfield, taking out the spinner during catching drills, maintaining a ridiculously positive outlook at all times no matter what England's performance out in the middle has been like? Weirdness.

"Grim, grey, cold, and windy in Welly today- the last 3 days have been shorts and t-shirt weather but this is a bit different. I only live 5 minutes walk from the Basin so I can go home and dump the jacket if it does warm up!"
Alex M, Wellington via email

2103: Quick update - Jimmy Anderson has been running around, looking ok, bowling on the practice strip and hitting the stumps nicely - good signs, we hope.

"Windy Wellington is certainly living up to its name today - it's blowing a gale out there today and it is very, very cloudy."
Jonathan Agnew on TMS

2100: Hello everybody peeps! Did you miss me?

That's right, after a spell on the commentaries of football, F1, tennis, golf and what not, I'm back in my spiritual home of Test cricket - and despite the fact that all my mates (and the missus, grrr) have been ribbing me about all their weird and wonderful Saturday night drinking plans, I'm pumped!

England have manoeuvred themselves into a cracking position and look well set to ram home their advantage today/tonight. In fact, with any luck they will skittle the Kiwis out in double quick time and, in doing so, not only restore pride to the national game but ensure I can enjoy St Patrick's Day as the big man intended - with lots and lots of the black stuff.

The big question before we start surrounds the fitness of Jimmy Anderson - as soon as I know whether the swing king is fit to bowl, you'll know.