England's Jacob Bethell ducks away from a delivery, third Test against New Zealand, Hamilton, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
England assistant coach Paul Collingwood admits they were undone by some magnificent hostile bowling on day two of the third and final test against New Zealand in Hamilton.
England were dismissed for 143 in their first innings with the Black Caps reaching 136 for 3 in their second innings at stumps with a lead of 340 runs.
Matt Henry took four wickets and Will O'Rourke three, in spells that impressed Collingwood.
"I think we witnessed a pretty special hostile spell of Test bowling," Coillingwood said.
"It was great to watch, I'm glad I wasn't the one facing it.
"Sometimes you've got to take your hats off, you don't see those kind of spells every day and I thought that was a real standout one for them."
Henry finished with four for 48, O'Rourke three for 33, while spinner Mitchell Santner took three for seven from three overs.
The highest successful fourth innings run chase in Test history is the 419 the West Indies scored to beat Australia in 2003.
Despite a rising target, Collingwood isn't giving up hope with still three days to play.
"We've got world-class batters who still have the belief that we can go out and chase whatever they get.
"Of course it's going to be pretty difficult from this position but you never say never."
Day three will start with New Zealand on 136 for three with Kane Williamson on 50 and Rachin Ravindra on two.
