Williamson punishes England as Stokes limps off in third NZ Test
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England captain Ben Stokes hobbled off injured as New Zealand powered 478 runs ahead in the third Test Monday on the back of an unbeaten Kane Williamson century.
After the third day's opening session was lost to rain in Hamilton, Williamson found his methodical groove to advance to 123 not out.
Daryl Mitchell was alongside him on 18 as the home side reached 274-4 at tea in their second innings at Seddon Park.
Rachin Ravindra was the only wicket to fall, caught at mid-off off Matthew Potts (1-53) for 44 after resuming on two.
New Zealand batted sensibly to add 138 runs from 36 overs with Williamson -- who resumed on 50 -- posting a 33rd career century on a ground where he historically thrives.
England's struggles under gloomy skies were exacerbated by an apparent hamstring injury suffered by talisman Stokes in his third over of the day.
The influential skipper immediately limped off.
Williamson had struck 16 fours and one six but rode some luck on his way to three figures.
New Zealand's greatest run-scorer survived a tight Brydon Carse lbw appeal review on 73 and was later dropped by wicketkeeper Ollie Pope, when a difficult leg-side chance spilled from his glove off Stokes.
It allowed Williamson to score his fifth century in successive Tests at his home ground in Hamilton, where his career record is remarkable.
In 21 innings he boasts an average of 98.81.
His 1,581 runs at Seddon Park is now the most by any batter at any New Zealand Test venue, surpassing the previous record held by Williamson himself, at Wellington's Basin Reserve (1,538 runs).
Overnight rain had continued into the morning, forcing match officials to abandon the first session.
Play started two and a half hours later than scheduled once the outfield had dried.
The forecast for the remainder of the Test is favourable.
New Zealand resumed on 136-3, holding a 340-run advantage after the tourists were skittled for 143 on Sunday.
England have already wrapped up the three-match series, leading 2-0 after emphatic wins in Christchurch and Wellington.
Stokes limps off in injury scare
England captain Ben Stokes is in doubt to play any further part in the third Test against New Zealand after suffering another hamstring injury while bowling on Monday.
The inspirational 33-year-old, who suffered a torn hamstring on the same left leg in August, limped off Hamilton's Seddon Park in obvious pain midway through day three.
Stokes pulled up with a grimace after delivering the second ball of his third over of the day and headed immediately for the dressing room.
England released a statement saying Stokes was "currently receiving treatment for a left hamstring issue".
"He will not return to the field in this innings and will undergo further assessment to determine his availability to bat in England's second innings."
Stokes missed the entire three-Test home series against Sri Lanka in August-September and was only deemed fit enough to join the October series in Pakistan for the second Test after tearing his hamstring.
Despite the Hamilton match being a dead-rubber, with England already 2-0 up in the three-match series, Stokes has taken on a heavy seam bowling workload.
His 23 overs in New Zealand's first innings was the most he has bowled in a single day in his 110-Test career.
His 66.3 overs in the series is the most he has sent down in a series as captain.