After a sensational first test at Lord’s, which concluded with a 124-run England victory, New Zealand have it all to do if they are to level the series with just one test remaining in the series.
Set a final day 325 to win after England were bowled out for 478 in their second innings, the tourists fell short despite Brendon McCullum maintaining his attacking instinct throughout.
As the Black Caps fell to 12-3, BJ Watling was promoted to No.5 so that Brendon McCullum could hold back and plan a ‘second launch’.
Corey Anderson set the early platform but ultimately the tourists couldn’t overturn the early damage, something they will look to put right in the second test at Headingley, starting on Friday.
"It just organically happened that we realised it was probably a little bit beyond us," McCullum, who was out for 0 in the second innings, said.
"But at least when Corey was batting, he's such a free-scorer and with the field the way it was, who knows, if he'd been able to manufacture a partnership, how close we may have got.
“I thought our No. 10 and 11 did well to hang on there as long as they did and BJ Watling for me, it was another example of how important he is at soaking up the pressure which is why we promoted him to try and set up for a second launch.”
With a short turn around between tests, New Zealand’s bowlers will be relying on their top levels of fitness having all bowled for large stints of the Lord’s test.
However, McCullum believes that his players are up for the challenge of trying to share the spoils in the two-match series.
"It hurts a lot, I won't lie. At the same time there's an element of pride that we continue to play a style of cricket that gives us our greatest chance,” he said,
“There will be times when teams can stand up to you and withstand the pressure and come out on top. You just have to doff the cap, say well played and make sure next time you get the chance you go hard again and ask the same question.
“Who knows, at Headingley we may see a different result but I'm sure our guys will continue to play the same style.
"To England's credit they were too good for us in the crucial stages but I'm still really proud of our guys and the way we kept going.
“I thought it was a fantastic Test to be a part of, to play five days in front of full houses at Lord's and for it come down to the final 10 overs is a testament to how good it was.
"Emotionally our guys are really steady and that's allowed us to be able to play some good cricket so that will be the message, no knee jerk reaction to a performance like this because we were pretty good for most of it."
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to watch England's rivalry against the Kiwis continue with explosive white ball action and secure your seat now.