Cricket: Black Caps have work to do

Kane Williamson of New Zealand makes his crease as England bowler Steven Finn looks on during day three of the second Test match between New Zealand and England. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand will need to set up camp in the middle of the Basin Reserve for at least the next day if they want to avoid defeat in the second cricket test against England.

The home side closed day three today on 77-1 and are still 134 runs behind after being forced to follow-on on the back of a limp first-innings effort.

Opener Peter Fulton is not out on 41 alongside No 3 Kane Williamson who is on 16.

Hamish Rutherford was the only New Zealand batsman to lose his wicket in the second innings this afternoon when he was caught by Ian Bell from the bowling of Monty Panesar for 15.

Earlier, New Zealand were bowled out for 254 in their first innings just before the tea interval, which gave England a massive lead of 211 runs.

A handful of New Zealanders made decent cameo knocks but nobody could push their way to three figures, which was an absolute must considering England had two centurions in their midst when they posted 465 in their first innings.

England's large total gave them an upper hand but their bowlers - namely Stuart Broad - have put the visitors in to the box seat with two days to play.

Broad picked up 6-51 in New Zealand's first innings, which marked the seventh time in tests that the tall seamer has picked up a five-wicket haul.

He was well supported by Steve Finn and James Anderson who each picked up a couple of wickets and they bowled well as a seam unit.

Brendon McCullum top-scored for the Kiwis with 69, while BJ Watling made 60 as the pair added 100 for the sixth wicket but both were guilty of not going on to a big one after getting a start.

New Zealand began the day on 66-3, 399 runs behind on the first innings and when Kane Williamson went for 42 after only adding 10 runs to his overnight score, the Black Caps continued to lose batsmen at regular intervals.

Mike Hesson's men will have to spend day four and part of day five at the wicket if they want to hold off their execution in this match.

Victory to England would give them a huge advantage in the three-match series after the first test in Dunedin last week was a draw.