The National Times - Mitchell's 84 sets England 104 target to beat New Zealand

Mitchell was the last man out for a battling 84 with the scheduled lunch break on day four delayed 15 minutes until the innings closed.

Brydon Carse took 6-42 to add to his first innings 4-64.

England felt the end was close when they reduced the hosts to 209-9.

But they were frustrated by number 11 Will O'Rourke (five not out) staying with Mitchell for 13 overs in a 45-run partnership.

New Zealand resumed at 155-6, a mere four runs ahead, and took the score to 190 before Carse struck twice in the one over.

Nathan Smith advanced to 21, playing through a barrage of short deliveries before a fuller ball from Carse nipped back and rapped into his pads.

The 29-year-old Carse, in only his third Test, took his fifth wicket of the innings four balls later with a similar delivery that accounted for Matt Henry (one).

Tim Southee smacked two sixes off Gus Atkinson before he was caught by Joe Root on the boundary for 12 swinging for a third.

Mitchell posted the top score with 12 fours and a six in his 14th Test half-century.

A.Parker--TNT