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Stephen Fleming's final Test may not be ending in a memorable fashion with England nicely placed in the driver's seat after a superb spell from Ryan Sidebottom. The joy of bowling out England cheaply for 253 was short lived as the Kiwis themselves were bundled out for 168!

Left arm swing bowler Ryan Sidebottom was the hero of the day and had completely over shadowed the brilliant efforts of debutant Tim Southee who had got a 5-wicket haul for NZ. It was an unbelievable second day's play to see the home side lose as many as nine wickets at the cost of just 65 runs. Former Skipper Stephen Fleming top scored with 59 (from just 72 balls with 9 fours and a six). The southpaw had put on a solid 102-run stand for the second wicket with opener Jamie How who had made 44. This was after New Zealand had lost the wicket of opener Matthew Bell in the 3rd ball of their innings.

After the partnership between Fleming and How had ended, New Zealand succumbed quickly to the destruction from Ryan Sidebottom. The Kiwis collapsed in just 48.4 overs conceding a lead of 85. Just the three batsmen got into double figures! Sidebottom ended up with career best figures of 7 for 47 in 21.4 overs while getting complemented by the young Stuart Broad who got 3 for 54.

England in their second innings despite losing their skipper in the 1st over itself could drive home the advantage of bowling NZ out cheaply. The second wicket stand between Cook (37) and Strauss (42 not out) had given them the necessary solidity. With a second innings lead of 176 and with 8 wickets in hand, England are in a great position to win this match and also the series barring miracles. They will be looking to bat New Zealand out of the match with Strauss and Pietersen still at the crease.

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