WATCH: Tim Southee falls for England’s bluff as Gus Atkinson grabs hat-trick in Wellington

WATCH: Tim Southee falls for England’s bluff as Gus Atkinson grabs hat trick in Wellington. (Photo Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Gus Atkinson clinched his maiden international hat-trick in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. On Day 2, the 26-year-old picked back-to-back wickets of Nathan Smith, Matt Henry and Tim Southee to complete his hat-trick and bundled the hosts to only 125 runs in the first innings. With that, Atkinson made the headlines by becoming the 47th cricketer to clinch a hat-trick in Test cricket history.

It took place in the 35th over of the game, which was Atkinson’s ninth. First, he dismissed Smith for 14 as the batter attempted to play a shot but the ball kept low, resulting in an inside edge and ricocheted onto the stumps. In the next delivery, Atkinson bowled short to Henry, who edged towards gully. Ben Duckett, stationed there picked up a simple catch as Henry departed for a golden duck.

England spent some time in the middle to finalize their plan for Southee. Southee is naturally aggressive and keeping that in mind, captain Ben Stokes made several changes in fielding positions and it seemed like the visitors have settled on the idea to bowl short to the new batter in the crease. Interestingly, Atkinson instead bowled a fuller delivery as it went on to hit Southee’s pads.

Watch the video below:

Gus Atkinson Hat Trick
NZ v Eng – 2nd Test Day 2 pic.twitter.com/WlyTEBtj8P

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The umpire raised his finger immediately and the England players were elated following the hat-trick. Southee decided to review it, but in vain as the DRS confirmed a plumb. It was hitting the middle pole and England players were overjoyed. Notably, this was for the first time since 2017 when an England international picked up a Test hat-trick. Moeen Ali was England’s last cricketer to achieve that feat against South Africa.

Meanwhile, England managed a 155-run lead in the first innings and looked brilliant with the bat in the second. Opener Duckett made 92 while youngster Jacob Bethell hit 96. The visitors are completely in control of the game as New Zealand is on the verge of another defeat.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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