The pitch might crack but England won't insists Bashir

SHOAIB Bashir backed England not to crack in their third Test decider against New Zealand but admitted the Trent Bridge pitch had already started to do so.

- By RORY DOLLARD

After two days of glorious batting conditions in the winner takes all clash in Nottingham, the bowlers finally got some payback as 11 wickets fell on a surface that had started to open up under the summer sun.

England lost eight for 130 to hand the Black Caps an 84-run first-innings lead, then shot back with three quick breakthroughs before Rachin Ravindra took control.

His 60 not out put New Zealand 204 in front at the end of the third evening, with seven wickets in hand as they attempt to leave a chase that kills off English hopes of victory.