England's Ryan Sidebottom took a hat-trick to spark a spectacular collapse by New Zealand and leave the first Test finely balanced after the fourth day's play on Saturday. Sidebottom dismissed Stephen Fleming (66), Mathew Sinclair (two) and Jacob Oram (0) on successive deliveries as England reduced New Zealand from 99-1 to 119-7 in the final session at Seddon Park. New Zealand finished the day on 147 for eight with two wickets remaining, an overall lead of 269 after England were bowled out for 348 just after lunch. Paul Collingwood top-scored for England with 66 and debutant Tim Ambrose made 55. Sidebottom finished with figures of five for 37 off 14 overs and Monty Panesar three for 33. New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori was not out on 13 with Jeetan Patel on six. "Pity we didn't get the last two wickets, it would have been nice to get another one tonight," Sidebottom told reporters. "The first half-hour (on Sunday), we have to be right on the money. "Daniel Vettori will be a key wicket, he's in good nick, but if we can open up an end and get Chris Martin in, the onus is on us to play well."
This series has been revived by some good bowling performance by England and the match is wide open at this point. Do have a look at this space, for more on England's reply.
