Rain delayed New Zealand’s push for victory on the fourth day of the second Test against England at Leeds.

England ended the day solidly on 44-0 after Brendon McCullum declared on 454-8 after smashing 116 runs in 16 overs on Monday at a rate of 7.25 runs per over.

BJ Watling, 100 not out overnight, took his score to 120, and Tim Southee struck a quickfire 40. Meanwhile Mark Craig finished on 58 not out off 77 balls, including nine fours and a six.

The declaration set Alastair Cook and his men a record target of 455 to win. The most any side has made in the fourth innings to win a Test is the West Indies’ 418 for seven against Australia at St John’s, Antigua, in 2002/03.

England’s corresponding record is 332 for seven against Australia at Melbourne back in 1928/29.

England lead the two-match series 1-0 after their 124-run win in the first Test at Lord’s last week.

Adam Lyth (24) and Cook (18) will continue England’s innings on the final day on Tuesday.

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