England Crushed by New Zealand in Final Test
New Zealand handed England a massive defeat by 423 runs on day four of the third and final Test in Hamilton, securing a consolation win after losing the series 2-1.
Chasing an improbable target of 658, England were bowled out for 234, marking New Zealand’s largest margin of victory over England in Test cricket. Spinner Mitchell Santner led the charge with figures of 4-85.
England captain Ben Stokes, nursing a left-hamstring injury from day three, chose not to bat, leaving New Zealand needing just seven wickets to seal their win.
Despite the crushing loss, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell was a standout performer for England, top-scoring with an impressive 76 off 96 balls. Joe Root added a solid 54, while Gus Atkinson contributed 43, showing resilience against a relentless Kiwi attack.
However, their efforts couldn’t stave off defeat, as New Zealand took the last four wickets for just 19 runs. Retiring Tim Southee finished his illustrious Test career in style with figures of 2-34, including the key wicket of Bethell. Matt Henry (2-62) and Will O’Rourke (1-37) also chipped in.
Southee, who debuted against England in 2008, leaves the game with 391 Test wickets and 98 sixes, leading his team off the field to a standing ovation.
Bright Spots in a Dark Day
England started their chase with promise, as Bethell and Root put together a 104-run partnership for the third wicket. The duo combined for 23 boundaries and weathered a fiery spell from O’Rourke, who clocked speeds of up to 93 mph. Bethell reached his third half-century in as many Tests, offering England a glimmer of hope.
But New Zealand struck back after Root was trapped leg-before by Santner, a decision overturned on review. Harry Brook’s stay was brief, managing just 1 before falling to O’Rourke, leaving England at 133-4.
Root Shines Amid England’s Struggles on New Zealand’s Dominant Day.
Southee then returned to the attack and claimed Bethell’s wicket with a well-placed delivery caught at deep backward point.
England’s lower order couldn’t hold out. Atkinson and Ollie Pope (17) added a 49-run stand to push the total past 200, but Pope’s dismissal to Henry and a double strike by Santner sent England spiraling. Santner cleaned up the tail, dismissing Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse in quick succession to seal the match.
Series Wrap-Up
Despite the heavy loss, England walked away with a 2-1 series win. The team now has a five-month break to regroup before their next Test series against Zimbabwe in May.
