Monty halts Black Caps charge

Resuming on the third morning 229 runs behind on 152 for four, England wanted to achieve parity at the very least but instead collapsed to 202 all out with their last six wickets falling for only 42 runs.

But New Zealand, who began their second innings 170 runs ahead, also underlined the difficulties of batting on the wearing Old Trafford square by slipping to 99 for six at tea with left-arm spinner Panesar claiming four wickets.

England's collapse started with New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori removing Kevin Pietersen in the eighth over of the morning with a turning delivery that was edged to Ross Taylor at slip, which was one of three catches for him.

Ian Bell followed three overs later before Paul Collingwood, who is yet to reach double figures in this series, was also dismissed.

Vettori completed his five-wicket haul, his second in successive innings against England, by dismissing wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose six overs later when he drove at a full-length delivery and edged low to Taylor at slip.

Monty Panesar lasted only three minutes before edging seamer Kyle Mills behind, before Stuart Broad drove straight to extra cover to leave England facing a major first-innings deficit and the prospect of defeat.

But as New Zealand attempted to build on their impressive lead, Panesar made amends for his disappointing one-wicket return in the first innings by claiming five of the first six wickets to fall.

Panesar won four lbw decisions, the last of which sealed his five-wicket haul and earned him his 100th Test wicket to dismiss Taylor for a determined 15 in more than an hour at the crease.

It left the tourists still in a strong position 278 runs ahead but the momentum with England, who already know they will have to break the record for the highest successful run-chase at this ground of 231 for three, set by themselves against West Indies in 2004.