England will push for unlikely win: Root

Batsman Joe Root says England are capable of breaking a world record fourth-innings chase and beating New Zealand on the final day of the second Test at Headingley.

The hosts had reached 44-0 when rain ended the fourth day's play soon after lunch, a sound start to their pursuit of 455 from 171 overs to win the two-Test series 2-0.

They now require an improbable 411 off a minimum 98 overs on Tuesday but that hasn't put off an optimistic Root.

"There is quite a bit of work to do but we've got an opportunity to do something special," he said.

"Obviously, rain coming, in a way, has made things a little bit harder for us because we've got every intention of going out tomorrow with a view to win the game.

"That obviously means we've got less time to do that now."

Image Id: ~/media/1FFA1C7521CB4BA98083F4AB9E55158APrepared to work hard: Joe Root // Getty Images

England's highest successful fourth-innings run chase was 332, against Australia in Melbourne in 1928.

The West Indies hold the record with a score of 418 against the same opponents in Antigua 12 years ago.

It would therefore be understandable if England set out their stall to bat all day for a draw and clinch series success, having won the opening Test at Lord's last week.

However, vice-captain Root is targeting a 2-0 win.

"At least one person is obviously going to have to stand up and play a really important innings. You look around that changing room and one to 11 they are match-winners really.

"I think (we need to) just go out there and look at that first hour and make sure we get as much from that. The best start possible will give us the best opportunity of setting the chase up."