England were staring at a world-record chase despite an improved bowling performance on the fourth morning of the second Rothesay Test against New Zealand.
Jofra Archer removed Henry Nicholls for 121 and picked up first-innings centurion Glenn Phillips for just three, while Josh Tongue dismissed Tom Blundell in a profitable first hour.
But their efforts could not paper over the cracks of a game that has swung definitively in the tourists’ favour.
At lunch they had moved to 345 for six, a crushing lead of 445. No team has ever chased more than 418, with England’s own record coming four years ago when they made 378 against India.
The tourists were already 352 in front at the start of play, a handful of self-inflicted errors having deepened England’s troubles on Friday.
Incredibly, they added another off the very first ball of the morning.
Archer played his part to perfection, taking Daryl Mitchell’s outside edge with an excellent opening delivery, only for Harry Brook – alone in the catching cordon – to parry the chance one-handed to the boundary. Mitchell, 32 at the time, was 66 not out at the break.
Archer’s frustration was not well hidden, but he charged back in to get his reward in his next over, Brook holding on to Nicholls after being joined in the slips by captain Joe Root.
Nicholls had added just two to his overnight score, but his innings had already left his side in a formidable position.
England’s initial burst was much improved on their day-three efforts and Tongue picked up Blundell for 16, spearing one full at the pads to spring a leg-slip trap.
Root parried the catch but was bailed out by wicketkeeper James Rew, who snapped up the rebound to improve what has been a shaky showing with the gloves.
After a single over out of the attack, Archer was reintroduced to rekindle his first-innings battle with Phillips. This time the bowler won it hands down as Phillips sprayed straight to gully.
New Zealand refused to loosen their hold, though, Mitchell bringing up his half-century and Nathan Smith scoring a rapid 30no to increase the already sizeable task awaiting the English batting group.
