Top 5 Tests played between England and New Zealand

#3 4-wicket win for England at Christchurch, 1997

Mike Atherton

Winning a series-clinching Test match away from home after conceding a big first innings lead is one of the biggest achievements for any team and England managed that at Christchurch back in 1997.

England won the toss and put the hosts in to bat. Although no one got a big score, there were meaningful contributions throughout and New Zealand ended up scoring 346. When England batted, left-arm fast bowler Geoff Allott proved to be New Zealand's trump card as he picked up 4 wickets, bowling the visitors out for 228.

Despite gaining a substantial 118-run first innings lead, New Zealand could not drive home the advantage and were dismissed for 186. England spinner Phil Tufnell and fast bowler Darren Gough picked up 3 wickets each.

Chasing 305 to win in around 5 sessions, England captain Mike Atherton produced a superb innings of 118 and despite the loss of wickets, the lower order consisting of John Crawley (40) and Dominic Cork (39) made crucial contributions to see the chase through.