Rain puts brakes on England Test run chase

Rain has delayed the start of play between England and New Zealand.
Rain has stalled England's bid for a series sweep against New Zealand on day five of the third Test. -AP

England's pursuit of a Test series whitewash over New Zealand has been hit by rain on day five at Headingley, with the first session washed out.

The hosts needed 113 more runs to complete a 3-0 scoreline, with Ollie Pope (81no) and Joe Root (55no) ready to resume the chase.

But persistent showers forced an early lunch, meaning no play would be possible before 1.10pm at the earliest.

England are chasing a winning target of 296 after dismissing the world Test champions for 326 with spinner Jack Leach taking 10 wickets for the match at Headingley.

With the emphasis now on entertaining and aggressive cricket under new captain Ben Stokes, England successfully chased down 299 with some 22 overs to spare in the second Test.

"I want to be contributing to wins and I'm really enjoying working with Stokesy," Leach said.

"It's really attacking and I'm enjoying that, and kind of trying to bowl attacking as well."