England in high spirits

Ryan Sidebottom is mobbed after claiming a memorable hat-trick © Getty Images

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Watch the end of day report on ECBtv - and see Ryan Sidebottom's post-play press conference

Hat-trick hero Ryan Sidebottom believes the England dressing room is “on a high” after his efforts with the ball put the tourists back into contention in the first Test at Hamilton.

Sidebottom claimed 5-37 in a superb display in the field, with Monty Panesar chipping in with three wickets of his own as New Zealand’s second innings slumped to 147 for eight.

That represents a 269-run lead for the hosts and, although any final-day chase is sure to be a nervy one, Sidebottom insists England are confident.

“We needed a couple of early wickets and after a couple of early boundaries the momentum changed,” he said.

“We didn’t bowl well the other day but it was reversing, so it was nice to get a few in the right area.”

Alastair Cook produced another fine catch to add to his growing collection on tour to dismiss key man Stephen Fleming, and Sidebottom acknowledged his debt to the outfielders.

“Cooky has caught fantastically well this Test and we’ve been working hard on our fielding. Long may it continue,” he added.

“The boys are on a high but it’s a big session tomorrow. Let’s hope we can put pressure on them, get the last couple of wickets and knock them off.

“The guys are confident now and it just shows what an hour can do.”

Stephen Fleming pulls Steve Harmison for six in his fluent innings of 66 © Getty Images

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But Fleming, whose departure for a fluent 66 was the second of seven wickets to fall for 42 runs, believes the home side have done enough to remain favourites.

And the former skipper, retiring at the end of the current series, even believes the late flurry of wickets could be a blessing in disguise for Daniel Vettori’s men.

“Yes, we are (favourites),” he said. “Getting over 270 in the final innings is a tough ask and the pitch is dry and wearing.

“When you try and score three runs an over it gives chances. It almost forced our hand but the wickets we lost could be a positive thing for us.

“We would have needed to bat on anyway and not do a risky declaration but somewhere near 280 or 290 would be ideal.”

Fleming also hailed some ambitious tactics by Vettori, his successor as skipper.

“We knew that we could lose wickets if we gambled and this is the worst-case scenario because we’d like to be safe,” Fleming said.

“But we’ve gambled to get ourselves where we are and I have no problem with that.

“It evens things up and I reckon that’s good for the game. Starting on nearly 270 ahead is the perfect script.”

Andrew Strauss catches Brendon McCullum in the deep, an example of England's excellent fielding at Seddon Park

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