Fighting knocks from captain Ben Stokes (54) and Joe Root (77 not out) took England closer to the victory against New Zealand on the third day of the first Test, here on Saturday. 

England were 216/5 at stumps on Day 3 with Root and Ben Foakes (9) unbeaten at the crease. 

Brief scores: England 141 and 216/5 (Joe Root 77 not out, Ben Stokes 54; Kyle Jamieson 4/59) need another 61 runs vs New Zealand 132 & 285 (Darly Mitchell 108, Tom Blundell 96; Matty Potts 3/56, Stuart Broad 3/76)