NZ vs ENG, 3rd Test: Kane Williamson scores his 33rd Test century as New Zealand press on in Hamilton

Hamilton: New Zealand great Kane Williamson scored his 33rd Test century as the Black Caps strengthened their hold in the third and final Test against England in Hamilton.

Williamson matched Australian counterpart Steve Smith to score his 33rd Test hundred as the Kiwis looked to salvage something from the series with a victory having already lost the opening two matches to the European side.

Only England right-hander Joe Root has more Test centuries than Williamson among current players, with the former New Zealand captain once again at his brilliant best as he reached triple figures with yet another knock that put his side in a dominant position.

After Williamson's departure on 156, New Zealand continued to flourish with middle and lowe-middle order batters adding valuable runs. Rachin Ravindra (44), Tom Blundell (44), Daryl Mitchell (60), and Mitchell Santner (49) helped fatten the lead and the hosts were finally bowled out for 453, setting England a massive target of 658.

In reply, England faltered in their second innings as well, losing both their openers in quick succession. Tim Southee removed Ben Duckett for 4 runs in a second over, after the batter missed a wild slash and dragged the ball onto the stumps, an ICC report said.

Three overs later, Matt Henry trapped Zak Crawley (5) in front of leg, a DRS decision that went in New Zealand's favour.

At the end of Day 3, England were 18/2, still needing 640 more runs with two full day's of play left.