Twitter Reactions: England crush New Zealand in Wellington to take unassailable lead

NZvsENG. (Source:X/Twitter)

England secured a dominating 323-run victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Basin Reserve in Wellington. The hosts never looked to be in the contest as the Ben Stokes-led side faced no difficulty in taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Batting first, England posted 280 runs in the first innings. Harry Brook played a scintillating knock of 123 runs off 115 deliveries after a precarious start, which saw the visitors being reduced to 43/4. Ollie Pope supported Brook in the middle, scoring 66 runs as the Three Lions managed to post a decent total on the board. Their partnership of 174 runs was vital for England to get the momentum.

New Zealand’s response was lacklustre as the team failed to cope up against England’s seam attack. Gus Atkinson clinched a hat-trick by dismissing Nathan Smith, Matt Henry and Tim Southee and picked up four wickets in total and so did Brydon Carse as the hosts were bundled for 125 runs. They were trailing by 155 runs and were on the backfoot. England extended their lead in the third innings.

Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell played some sensational cricket, scoring 92 and 96 respectively. Their incredible start set the tone for the visitors as New Zealand bowlers looked helpless. Later, batting at four, Joe Root hit his 36th Test hundred as they were in complete control. The former captain made 106 runs while Harry Brook made 55.

Check Out – WATCH: Joe Root hits reverse-scoop to complete 36th Test ton

Later, captain Stokes made 49 off 42 as England posted 427/6 in the third innings. They set up a massive target of 583 runs, which proved a mountain to climb for New Zealand. The top order failed to make a mark, which only put extra pressure on the Tom Latham-led side. Later, Tom Blundell scored a century, but courtesy of another poor display by the batting unit, New Zealand suffered a humiliating defeat at home.

Here’s how X reacted:

Still can’t believe it NZ beat us 3-0 at our home. #AUSvIND #NZvsENG pic.twitter.com/cD4WktEvDN

— Halla Bob (@kalalbob25) December 8, 2024

New Zealand in the last 4 Test series

Lost (0-2) v AUS
Lost (0-2) v SL
Won (3-0) v IND
Lost (0-2) v ENG*

After 16 Long Years, Newzealand Lost Test Series against England at Home!#NZvsENG

— Men’s Cricket (@MensCricket) December 8, 2024

TEST Centuries (Since 2021)

19 – Root*
18 – Kane + Smith + Kohli#NZvsENG pic.twitter.com/htckvBXhDr

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) December 8, 2024

🚨 Historic win 🚨

England beats NZ in a Test series after 16 years. #NZvsENG #JoeRoot pic.twitter.com/mu8W2rATXL

— RR_Cricket_Book (@RRCricBook) December 8, 2024

🚨England won the test series in New Zealand After 16 years.

– This is the Ben Stokes Era🤍#NZvsENG pic.twitter.com/LuvpZmp39M

— Sama Umair (@umair6723) December 8, 2024

ENGLAND BREAK THE 16-YEAR DROUGHT IN NEW ZEALAND! 🏏✨

Ben Stokes’ leads England to a historic Test series win in New Zealand after 16 years. 🥶#NZvsENG #INDvsAUS #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/7wt4yrBY03

— Sports World 🏏⚽. (@ShamimSports) December 8, 2024

🚨 England defeat New Zealand in Wellington Test by 323 Runs.
🔹️Eng lead 3-match Test series 2-0 with Final Test to be played in Hamilton from 14th December.#CricketTwitter #NZvsENG #ENGvsNZ
📷 @englandcricket pic.twitter.com/BIyNcZqxoI

— Cric-Updates (@GuessWh98609542) December 8, 2024

Huge win for England & they take the series in Basin Reserves.
New-Zealand lost their home test series after defeating India down under.
Cricket🙆‍♂️#ENGvNZ #NZvsENG #WTC25 #CricketTwitter @ICC

— Sports Geeez (@Sportsgeeez) December 8, 2024