Sport

Swann puts England on verge of Headingley success

Poor weather forecast looks to be the only stumbling block

England Graeme Swann celebrates after dismissing New Zealand’s Ross Taylor during the second Test at Headingley in Leeds. Photograph: Philip Brown/Reuters
England Graeme Swann celebrates after dismissing New Zealand’s Ross Taylor during the second Test at Headingley in Leeds. Photograph: Philip Brown/Reuters
Mon May 27 2013 - 19:10

Graeme Swann spun England within touching distance of a 2-0 series win on day four of the second Test against New Zealand at Headingley, but all eyes will be on the weather forecast.

Swann claimed four wickets as the Black Caps slipped to 158 for six in the fourth innings, 310 short of an unfeasible winning target. Swann confirmed he was back to his best after elbow surgery by adding four wickets to his quartet from the first innings

Bad light forced the players off before further inroads were possible and only bad weather can realistically prevent a home win.

Captain Alastair Cook had earlier scored 130, his 25th Test century, but he will be sweating over the mixed forecasts after he delayed England’s declaration until their lead was a hugely conservative 468.

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Jonathan Trott made 76 in England's eventual 287 for five, while Ross Taylor fought hard with 70 classy runs for New Zealand before becoming Swann's final victim of the day.