England were set a target of 455 to win the second Test against New Zealand on the fourth day at Headingley on Monday.
It left England needing to rewrite the record books if they are to win the match, as the most any side have 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-seven against Australia at Melbourne back in 1928/29.
New Zealand declared their second innings on 454 for eight 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.
Mark Craig finished on 58 not out off 77 balls, including nine fours and a six.
England lead the two-match series 1-0 after their 124-run win in the first Test at Lord’s last week.