England seamer Stuart Broad admitted it was not easy bowling the tourists into a winning position against New Zealand on day four of the third Test in Napier.
After finally declaring their second innings on 467 for seven and setting New Zealand a formidable target of 553, England had to work hard in the field to leave the hosts 222 for five at stumps.
Both sides' improved scores in the second innings make light of the batting struggles over the first two days and Broad, who took two for 40 after bowling in tandem with Monty Panesar for much of the evening session, acknowledged conditions did not favour the bowlers.
"It was not a quick pitch and it slowed down slightly," the Nottinghamshire paceman, who also hit a breezy 31 not out in the morning session, told Sky Sports 1.
"We knew we had to hit the deck and create some pressure. It was important to change it up as line and length wasn't really cutting through like it was in the first innings.
"It wasn't swinging today whereas yesterday it was swinging all day. It bowled a few leg cutters, a few bouncers and used some different angles on the crease to keep them on their toes.
"Hopefully tomorrow it will be cloudy and the swing will go again. We go back tomorrow needing five big wickets to win a Test match. If we get them it will be superb."
Panesar took three for 49 to help Broad establish English dominance but Matthew Bell (69) and former captain Stephen Fleming (66), in his last international knock, were defiant.
Bell hailed his former skipper, who ensured he would bow out with a Test average of greater than 40 by securing the 54 runs he needed in his final innings.
"Stephen got a really nice reception from the English. It was very emotional but we just had a real quick chat and let it all wash over.
"He has been very composed out in the middle and he makes your job easy at the other end.
"I was disappointed that after starting a really good partnership with Stephen I blew it straight after tea. I've been struggling for most of the series so it was nice to get out there and feel good for once."
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