Kane Williamson was officially and unofficially New Zealand’s best batsman on the fourth day of the second Test on Monday as his 26th Test century allowed the home team to set England a 258-run target after following on.

Tom Blundell made 90 and was the last man out as New Zealand’s second innings ended at 483 less than an hour before stumps.

Under New Zealand-born head coach Brendon McCullum, England already have pulled off their highest successful run chase in Tests, scoring 378 to beat India at Edgbaston last year. This chase for 258 with more than 100 overs available would seem a walk in the park by comparison.

Tim Southee removed Zak Crawley (24) with a ball that cut back and at stumps, England were 48/1, needing 210 from 103 overs on the last day to sweep the two-match series.

The odds still heavily favour the visitors but Williamson at least has given New Zealand hope.

When he reached 29 on his way to 132, he became New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in Tests, overtaking his former teammate Ross Taylor, who ended his career last year with 7,682 runs.

And in batting for all of the fourth day, in productive partnerships with Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell and Blundell, Williamson guided New Zealand from a 226-run deficit when England enforced the follow-on Sunday to a respectable lead.

“I don’t sort of think too much about records,” Williamson said. “It’s all about the team and the position you’re in and trying to do more.

“It was nice to be part of some partnerships and get a pretty good second innings effort on the board... all to play for tomorrow (Tuesday).”

It was Harry Brook, England’s latest batting sensation, who finally ended Williamson’s innings and claimed a first Test wicket, which will give him bragging rights for years to come.

The decisive ball was gentle and unthreatening, pitching short and heading down leg side. Williamson closed up his guard to glance behind square and the ball glanced across the bat en route to England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.