Kiwis frustrate England

England's leading left-arm spinner struck two overs after lunch to end a 48-run opening partnership - New Zealand's best of the series - and 21 overs of frustration for the tourists as they attempted to seal a series-winning victory.

But it was England's only success as under-fire opener Matthew Bell, who had scored only 48 runs previously in the series, and Stephen Fleming guided New Zealand to 85 for one by mid-afternoon on the fourth day.

The tourists resumed at McLean Park already 501 runs ahead on 416 for five and batted on for 35 minutes before declaring on 467 for seven to give themselves a minimum of 168 overs to secure victory.

England had continued in the hope Middlesex left-hander Andrew Strauss, who had been 173 not out overnight, would progress to the first double hundred of his career. But Strauss added just four runs before attempting to hit off-spinner Jeetan Patel over the top in the second over of the day and was caught by Bell running back from mid-off.

Wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose, who had resumed on 28, added just three before falling in the next over when he attempted to turn Daniel Vettori off his legs and gave a return catch to the bowler.

Stuart Broad took on the challenge of scoring quick runs and added 31 off only 26 balls, which included a six from what proved the final ball of the innings from Patel as captain Michael Vaughan called a halt.

Hoping to make early inroads, England were instead given an indication of New Zealand's desire to resist with openers Jamie How and Bell making their best start of the series, eclipsing the 44-run stand they forged during the opening Test in Hamilton.

Just two overs after lunch, however, Panesar claimed the first breakthrough with How pushing forward tentatively and being given lbw by umpire Darryl Harper.

His dismissal sparked a standing ovation for former New Zealand captain Fleming, who strode to the crease for his final Test innings and was given a guard of honour by the England side. It did not affect his concentration, however, and after getting off the mark with a superbly-timed drive through point off Broad, quickly moved on to an unbeaten 29.