Black Caps squander wickets to leave Test finely poised

New Zealand built a lead of 238 with three second-innings wickets remaining heading into a delicately poised final day of the second Test in Nottingham.

Two run-outs and some poor shot selection from the tourists left them on 7-224 by the close and gave England a glimmer of hope that they can dismiss the Kiwis and clinch the series.

All outcomes remain possible although a draw seems the most likely and the main source of encouragement for New Zealand is that in-form Daryl Mitchell is unbeaten on 32.

"If we can get to somewhere around 280 - maybe 300 is a bit greedy – that would be good for us," said New Zealand batter Devon Conway.

"If we can then get the ball in the right areas it can put England under pressure on the final day."

In the opening session, New Zealand gained a 14-run first inning lead, after rattling through England's lower order, bowling the hosts out for 539 as Trent Boult claimed five wickets.

England added just 66 runs for their final five wickets to reach 539 but then made a swift breakthrough with James Anderson bowling skipper Tom Latham (4) – his 650th Test wicket.

A century partnership between Young and Devon Conway restored the dominance of bat before Conway (52) top-edged an attempted sweep off Jack Leach which was well taken by Jonny Bairstow .

Henry Nicholls followed for 3 before Will Young was run out for 56 following a mix-up with Mitchell.

Tom Blundell made 24 before turning a short, rising delivery from Stuart Broad to Ben Stokes at backward square, the England skipper indicating a plan had worked by pointing to new coach, New Zealander Brendon McCullum, on the pavilion balcony.

Michael Bracewell tried to force matters, scoring 25 from 17 balls, but his attempt to drive Matt Potts over the top finished with the ball in the hands of Broad at mid-on.

Another run-out gave England their seventh wicket, Mitchell turning blind for a second run and sending back Tim Southee, who was stranded.

"It's pretty finely balanced," said England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes. "Quite a lot has happened in the afternoon and evening sessions so it has left everyone in with a chance. We'll be looking to take early wickets and see where we can go.

"You don't know what is going to happen with the wicket – it is playing a little bit up and down. You would think anything under 300 is gettable," he added.