New Zealand secured a dominant victory over England in the third Test, thrashing the visitors by 423 runs to salvage a consolation win after losing the series.
Set a daunting target of 658 to win in Hamilton, England’s batting collapse in the face of New Zealand’s relentless attack saw them bowled out for just 234 on the fourth afternoon.
This crushing defeat marked England’s largest loss to New Zealand in terms of runs, and their fourth-largest defeat overall in Test history.
Despite the loss, England managed to secure the series with a 2-1 win, leaving New Zealand with just one win from the three-match series.
New Zealand had earlier posted a formidable total of 347 in their first innings, with contributions from Mitchell Santner (76) and the ever-reliable Tim Southee (38).
England’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings, but it was Matt Potts who was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets for 90 runs.
The hosts then extended their dominance with an imposing second-innings total of 453, thanks to a brilliant 156 from Kane Williamson, alongside solid contributions from Henry Nicholls (60) and Daryl Mitchell (60).
England’s response in both innings fell well short. In their first innings, they were bundled out for a meager 143, with Neil Wagner and Santner taking the lion’s share of the wickets.
Santner claimed 3 wickets for just 7 runs, while Matt Henry added a vital 4-wicket haul (4-48) to leave England on the back foot early in the match.
Set an almost impossible target of 658 to win, England’s batting once again crumbled under pressure. Jacob Bethell, whose promising career continues to blossom, top-scored with 76, having faced a testing spell from New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke.
Bethell shared a crucial 104-run partnership with Joe Root, who made 54, but after Root’s dismissal, wickets fell at regular intervals. O’Rourke claimed the key scalp of Harry Brook for just one run, and the collapse was rapid.
The lowest point came when England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope attempted an audacious reverse scoop shot against Matt Henry, only to be bowled out for 17, further compounding the team’s struggles.
England captain Ben Stokes, who had been carrying a recurring left-hamstring injury, did not bat in the second innings.
Having limped off on Day 3, Stokes was expected to undergo a scan on the fourth day but will instead be assessed at a later time. His absence added to England’s woes as they staggered toward defeat.
New Zealand’s victory was built on strong performances throughout the game, but it was the unwavering resolve of Santner, who claimed 4 wickets for 85 in the second innings, that helped seal England’s fate.
England’s last four wickets fell for just 19 runs, and New Zealand’s victory was secured with Southee leading his team off the field after an emotional final day.
The match saw the conclusion of Tim Southee’s illustrious career, with the 36-year-old seamer retiring from Test cricket after a 16-year, 107-Test career.
His remarkable contribution to New Zealand cricket, totaling 391 wickets, was fittingly celebrated as he led his team off the field in his final Test appearance.
While England still emerged as the series victors with a 2-1 win, New Zealand will take pride in their emphatic final match victory as they look forward to the future.
England now prepares for a busy white-ball schedule before their Test summer begins against Zimbabwe in May.
