Fleming, Bell pass fifty to lift New Zealand |
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Tuesday March 25, 08:07 AM
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By Greg Stutchbury
NAPIER, New Zealand (Reuters) - Stephen Fleming and Matthew Bell scored half centuries to continue New Zealand's solid start to their chase for an improbable 553 to win the deciding third test against England on Tuesday.
Fleming was on 60 not out with Bell unbeaten on 69, lifting New Zealand to 146 for one at tea on the fourth day.
Fleming brought up his 46th test half century with a drive past mid-on off Monty Panesar for his eighth boundary. He then drove a Paul Collingwood delivery to deep extra cover for three to surpass 7,160 career test runs.
The mark ensured he will end his international career at the conclusion of the match in Napier with a test average over 40.
Jamie How was the only batsman dismissed when he was trapped lbw by Panesar without adding to his lunch score of 11.
Bell, who had resumed on 35, was more circumspect in the afternoon session but still brought up his third test half century with his ninth boundary. His previous highest score in the series was 29.
England had declared their second innings at 467 for seven about 30 minutes into the day's play.
England's Andrew Strauss top-scored with 177 and Ian Bell made 110 in the tourists' second innings.
The hosts have scored in excess of 400 only twice before when batting fourth, both times against England, but they lost on each occasion. Their highest successful run chase was 324 for five against Pakistan at Christchurch in 1994.
New Zealand won the first test by 189 runs and England the second by 126 runs.
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