MONTY Panesar resuscitated England's hopes of winning the second npower Test at Old Trafford - although New Zealand still feel in the box seat.

Left-arm spinner Panesar claimed a Test-best six for 37 to help dismiss the New Zealanders for a paltry 114 and set up a chase of 294 for victory.

In all, 16 wickets tumbled on a blustery day in Manchester as England closed on 76 for one.

History spelt out the size of the task even after Panesar's effort - the highest successful chase on the ground in Test cricket is 231, made by England against West Indies in 2004.

As a unit we knew we had to bowl them out today if we were to be in this game,'' said Panesar.

With the variation in the pitch I got some balls to turn quite sharply and some to stay low.

The natural variation off the pitch was enough for me to get some wickets.'' Watching balls spit out of the rough at different heights got Panesar into his usual excitable mood and sparked numerous appeals for leg before wicket - four of which were answered in the affirmative by umpire Simon Taufel.

I tried to enjoy my bowling, get excited about it rather than feel tense,'' Panesar, who earlier watched fellow left-armer Daniel Vettori claim a 15th five-wicket haul, said.

I wanted to express myself like I normally do with the enthusiasm and excitement."

A switch to the Warwick Road end, where Vettori enjoyed his success, was more comfortable for Panesar, providing the wind at his back rather than into his face.

One further strike for Vettori in the 27 overs possible before the close of the third day left the contest more evenly balanced than it had been when England were shot out for 202 this morning, having resumed on 152 for four.

We have set ourselves a good platform, it is a tough pitch to bat on but with the batting line-up we have hopefully we can knock these runs off,'' Panesar added.

For us to end this day on a positive note was a good sign for us.'' However, Iain O'Brien, a wind specialist of a seamer picked for this match ahead of teenager Tim Southee, countered: Sixteen wickets fell today.

At the moment we are certainly in front - history says that and I think we are too.'' O'Brien claimed three for 49 as a perfect foil to Vettori, using his nous of such conditions expertly.

That's my job, it's what I have learned to do, having bowled at Wellington for seven or eight years. It is one of the windiest grounds you will come across and it's where I cut my teeth.

I enjoy it and certainly no-one else wants to do it.'' Away from the ground, batsmen Daniel Flynn was feeling nauseous still after having teeth removed both by James Anderson and local dentists.

He therefore did not bat while Jacob Oram came in as low as number eight after incurring a jarred neck in this morning's fielding warm-up.