New Zealand were 252-3 in their second innings at stumps on the third day in south London -- a huge overall lead of 352 runs -- with Nicholls 119 not out.The Black Caps, looking to level this three-match series after a 115-run defeat in the first Test at Lord's, had been faltering at 28-2 on Friday when Nicholls was joined in the middle by Rachin Ravindra.But the two left-handers restored New Zealand's grip on the game with an excellent third-wicket partnership of 161 in 33 overs that only ended when Ravindra was lbw for 76 to Jacob Bethell deep into the final session. New Zealand led by exactly 100 runs on first innings after Matt Henry took five wickets as England were dismissed for 291 earlier on Friday.England then had a glimmer of hope when New Zealand captain Tom Latham and fellow opener Devon Conway both fell cheaply.And the Black Caps were almost 48-3 when Ravindra was dropped on just seven by James Rew, the struggling debutant England wicket-keeper failing to hold a diving left-handed chance off Josh Tongue.- 'Great day' - Nicholls was given the unenviable task of replacing Kane Williamson at No 3 after arguably New Zealand's greatest batsman of all time shocked the cricket world by retiring from international duty following the first Test rather than waiting until the end of the series.