England sealed a series win over New Zealand by defeating the hosts by 323 runs in the second Test in Wellington, their seventh-biggest ever win in terms of runs.
Joe Root (106) started the third day with his 36th Test century – a reverse-ramp four – putting him tied with Rahul Dravid for fifth place among the game’s most prolific century-makers.
England began their second innings in the morning at 378–5, eventually declaring at 427–6 with the fall of Root and immediately collapsing New Zealand’s top order with the ball.
Set a record 583 runs to win, Chris Woakes (2-20) and Brydon Carse (2-53) combined to reduce the Black Caps to 59-4 at lunch, before Tom Blundell (115) himself scored in the afternoon. Enjoyed. Thrilling century in 96 balls.
However, New Zealand never came close to threatening the most epic of a comeback, with Shoaib Bashir (2-110) eventually accounting for the wicketkeeper-batsman, before England captain Ben Stokes (3-5) struck in a devastating three. Parted through the tail. -Burst over the strongest to win.
It is Stokes’ team’s first series win in two years after defeating Pakistan 3-0 in 2022, and their first in New Zealand since 2008. The third and final Test in Hamilton begins on Saturday, December 14.
Stokes hails Brook’s ‘phenomenal’ innings to seal win
England captain Ben Stokes:
“It’s amazing to be standing here after winning the series, especially after being 40-4 down [43-4] First day.
“Looking at the start of this game, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope were amazing to go out and play like that on the first day.
“In cricket terms, that wicket is what we call the snake pit. It was performing very well on the first day, there was a lot of help for the bowlers, but one also has to have bravery, backing one’s ability and the skill to go out and play. ” Like that was absolutely phenomenal.
“We have been unbelievable with the ball but the way Harry Brook played on the first day he set the game up for us.
“We believe giving people the opportunity to go out and express themselves in difficult situations is the best way to see what they are capable of.
“Jacob Bethel has certainly shown us what he is – and has shown the world what he is.”
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Ian Ward has been impressed by Jacob Bethell’s composure after scoring 96 for England on the second day of the second Test in New Zealand and believes his form could cause selection headaches.
Latham: It hurts that we didn’t do our best
New Zealand captain Tom Latham:
“We are feeling sad. It is disappointing to lose like this, we only scored 120 runs in the first innings and that put us on the back foot.
“Credit is given where credit is due. It was brilliant from England, they had a man [Brook] Who took him. The way he took it put us under pressure; He played some incredible shots.
“They put their foot on the throttle. We’re not able to absorb that pressure and put it back on them.”
“It’s sad that we didn’t play our best. The players worked really hard; I’m not doubting the effort. We came in today hoping to build some good partnerships but it didn’t happen.”
“We will come [in Hamilton] With the desire to win the last test match. We know we haven’t been at our best, but we will try and change that.”
