Cricket Highlights, December 14-17: England tour of New Zealand (3rd Test) – New Zealand vs England

NZ vs ENG (3rd Test) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 3rd Test match between New Zealand vs England (NZ vs ENG), played from December 14 to 17, 2024, at Hamilton as part of England’s tour of New Zealand. This encounter showcased New Zealand’s dominance as they secured a massive 423-run victory, leaving England reeling in all departments.

The hosts posted commanding totals of 347 and 453 in their two innings, setting an imposing target of 658 runs. England, however, crumbled under pressure, managing only 143 in their first innings and 234 in the second. Let’s delve into the standout performances, key moments, and implications of this remarkable Test match.

In a gripping encounter between New Zealand and England, the visitors displayed remarkable all-around prowess to secure a comprehensive victory. New Zealand’s first innings total of 347 was built on the back of consistent contributions from their top order.

Tom Latham led the charge with a gritty 63 off 135 balls, supported by Will Young’s 42 and Kane Williamson’s composed 44. Mitchell Santner’s exceptional lower-order resilience stood out as he smashed 76 runs off 117 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and two sixes. Matthew Potts was England’s standout bowler, claiming 4 for 90, while Gus Atkinson chipped in with 3 for 66, showcasing sharp seam bowling.

In response, ENG faltered in their first innings, folding for a paltry 143. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett provided a brisk start, but both fell cheaply. Joe Root top-scored with a fluent 32, but the middle order crumbled under pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers.

Mitchell Santner spun a web with his left-arm spin, taking 3 for 7 in just three overs, while Matt Henry was lethal with 4 for 48. Will O’Rourke be impressed with 3 for 33, exploiting the conditions effectively? England’s batting collapse handed New Zealand a significant first-innings lead of 204 runs.

NZ capitalized on their advantage in the second innings, amassing a mammoth 453 runs. Kane Williamson was the linchpin of the innings, crafting a masterful 156 off 204 balls, adorned with 20 fours and a six. He was well-supported by Daryl Mitchell’s aggressive 60 off 84 balls and Mitchell Santner’s blazing 49 off just 38 deliveries, which included five towering sixes.

Will Young contributed a steady 60 at the top England’s bowlers toiled hard, with Jacob Bethell claiming 3 for 72 and Shoaib Bashir taking 2 for 170, but they failed to contain the relentless Kiwi assault. The massive total set England a daunting target of 658 runs.

In their second innings, England’s top order faltered once again. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were sent packing early by Matt Henry and Tim Southee, reducing England to a shaky 18/2 and putting them on the back foot. Jacob Bethell anchored the innings with a valiant 76 off 96 balls, laced with 13 fours and a six, while Joe Root contributed a gritty 54. However, the middle and lower order collapsed under pressure from Mitchell Santner, who was the wrecker-in-chief with 4 for 85.

Gus Atkinson played a cameo of 43 off 41 balls, but England could only muster 234 runs, falling well short of the target. Notably, skipper Ben Stokes was absent hurt, which further compounded England’s woes.

New Zealand’s bowlers showcased their dominance, with Matt Henry and Tim Southee taking two wickets each, and O’Rourke continuing his impressive debut performance with a crucial scalp. Santner’s all-round heroics were pivotal in New Zealand’s comprehensive victory, as he delivered in both the batting and bowling departments.

This emphatic performance highlighted New Zealand’s superiority across all facets of the game, securing a resounding win and underscoring their dominance over a struggling England side.

New Zealand vs England Scoreboard

New Zealand– 347 & 453

England – 143 & 234

Result – New Zealand won by 423 runs

Player of the Match – Mitchell Santner

NZ vs ENG Playing XI

New Zealand

Tom Latham (c), Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, and Will O’Rourke.

England

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and Shoaib Bashir.

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.

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