On the day he became the second player in history to reach 14,000 Test runs, Root (75 not out) saw England through to stumps on 182-5 alongside Jordan Cox - who is yet to score - with the hosts 281 runs away from an improbable victory.
Early wickets looked to have hampered an already daunting record chase of 463 before Harry Brook (58 off 54) and Root posted half-centuries after tea in a stand of 97 for the third wicket that had England daring to dream.
- Scorecard: England vs New Zealand, second Test, Oval
- Got Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on the Sky Sports app
- Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW - no contract
But the Black Caps landed telling blows in a captivating evening session, with Matt Henry dismissing Brook after he and Root had been spared by technology, before James Rew (15) fell lbw to Kyle Jamieson following a superb review.
With New Zealand just five wickets from victory, the odds remain stacked against England, but with Root at the crease, hope - however slim - remains that the unlikeliest of results is still possible.
More to follow.
England vs New Zealand - results and schedule
All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports
- First Test (Lord's) - England won by 115 runs
- Second Test (The Kia Oval) - June 17-21 (11am)
- Third Test (Trent Bridge) - June 25-29 (11am)
Watch the day five of the second Test between England and New Zealand live on Sky Sports Cricket on Sunday from 10am (first ball 11am).
