“It’s not something I’ve thought a whole lot about,” said Williamson after the day’s play. “But it is an honour. You look at that list, and I’ve admired all of those players over those years, whether that’s watching from afar growing up or playing alongside a number of them as well. Like I say, it’s not a focus point but it’s special to be amongst that company.”

“It would be pretty special for sure,” he said on the prospect of becoming only the fourth team to win a Test after following-on. “It’s exciting going in to day five. As a bowling attack and a team, we want to make sure we’re on come tomorrow. There’s still some assistance there and some assistance for the slower bowlers as well. All to play for, which is exciting.”

“He was on point” – Kane Williamson

Williamson, however, was angry at being let go. Not just because it was the beginning of a five for 28 collapses from a dominant position of 455 for 5, but also because the bowler who got rid of him was not even a bowler. Harry Brook, whose achievements have all come with the bat, was introduced in the 148th over to allow Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, and James Anderson a break before the possibility of a third new ball.

As Brook miscued his third of seven medium-pace overs, he sent a delivery down the leg side that Williamson flicked into Ben Foakes’ gloves as he was positioned near the stumps. He shook his head and thought about it.