Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
England vs New Zealand swung heavily in the visitors' favour on the opening day of the third men's Test at Trent Bridge as Tom Latham and Devon Conway both scored centuries to guide New Zealand to 361 for 4 at stumps. England recovered late with four wickets in the final session, but the tourists remain firmly in control after one of their finest opening day performances against England.
After being sent in to bat on a hot day in Nottingham, New Zealand's opening pair laid the platform with a remarkable stand of 317.
Captain Tom Latham compiled a superb 151 from 211 deliveries, while Devon Conway returned to form with an outstanding 157 that featured 22 fours and three sixes.
The pair frustrated England throughout the opening two sessions, combining patience with positive stroke play to leave the home attack without a breakthrough for more than 70 overs.
Latham and Conway punish England
Latham reached his 17th Test century with a composed innings built on excellent shot selection and disciplined risk management.
Conway also enjoyed a timely return to form, bringing up his eighth Test century after enduring a difficult series with the bat.
Their partnership surpassed 300 runs and placed New Zealand in a commanding position before England finally broke through late in the afternoon.
Ben Stokes claimed the breakthrough when Latham edged behind to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith for 151.
Only seven deliveries later, Joe Root removed Conway for 157 after the left hander was caught by substitute fielder Matthew Fisher.
England fight back late
Despite spending most of the day under pressure, England responded impressively during the final hour.
Gus Atkinson dismissed Rachin Ravindra after Shoaib Bashir produced an outstanding stop on the boundary that helped create the wicket.
Jofra Archer then struck with the final ball of the day, removing Henry Nicholls to leave New Zealand at 361 for 4 at stumps.
England collected four wickets for just 44 runs after New Zealand had reached 317 without loss, ensuring the contest remains alive heading into day two.
New Zealand still hold the advantage
Although England's late burst lifted spirits, New Zealand remain in an excellent position.
Conway admitted afterwards that losing two late wickets was disappointing but said the tourists hoped to build on their strong foundation when play resumes.
The visitors will look to push beyond 450 on the second morning, while England faces the challenge of limiting the damage before beginning its reply.
The situation evokes memories of the teams' meeting at Trent Bridge in 2022, when New Zealand posted a huge first innings total before England completed a memorable run chase under the aggressive approach that became known as Bazball.
Whether another remarkable turnaround is possible remains to be seen, but after one day the advantage belongs firmly to New Zealand.