NZ Vs ENG 3rd Test: Seddon Park Hamilton Pitch Report

Jatin

Seddon Park Hamilton Pitch Report [Source: @SnakeMcHardy/x.com]Seddon Park Hamilton Pitch Report [Source: @SnakeMcHardy/x.com]

The third and final Test between New Zealand and England is all set to kick off at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Saturday, December 14. Riding high after sealing the series with comprehensive wins in Christchurch and Wellington, England will be looking to complete a whitewash.

On the other hand, the hosts have their pride on the line and will be desperate to give their fans something to cheer about at home.

England’s stunning performances in the series, especially in Wellington where they thumped the Kiwis by 323 runs, have left no doubt about their dominance. Harry Brook has been the standout performer, and the collective brilliance of England’s bowling unit has backed their batters perfectly. For New Zealand, Kane Williamson has been their lone warrior, and they’ll be counting on him to step up once again.

As the teams head into this final clash, let’s dive into what Seddon Park in Hamilton has in store and which players could make the biggest impact.

Seddon Park Hamilton Stats And Records In Tests

Criterion
Data
Total Matches Played28
Matches Won Batting First9
Matches Won Bowling first11
Average Runs In 1st Innings310
Average Runs In 2nd Innings324
Average Runs In 3rd innings234
Average Runs In 4th Innings172


Seddon Park Hamilton Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The pitch at Seddon Park is expected to have a fair amount of grass cover, much like the other venues in this series. Pacers will have a field day, especially in the first two days, with seam movement and swing on offer. Batters will need to dig in and weather the storm early on.

As the match progresses, the pitch tends to ease out, with the bounce becoming more predictable. This shift will give batters a chance to play more freely. Spinners, however, will find little help here and will need to stay disciplined if they’re to make any impact.

Historically, teams batting second have had the upper hand, with 11 wins compared to 9 for teams batting first. The toss will be crucial, and the captain winning it will likely opt to bowl first to exploit the early conditions.

Players To Watch Out For At Seddon Park Hamilton

Kane Williamson

  • There’s no denying Kane Williamson’s love affair with Seddon Park. With 1414 runs in just 11 matches, including six centuries and five fifties, he’s been extremely successful at this venue. His highest Test score of 251 was recorded at this venue.
  • Williamson has been New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in the series, and his team will need him to deliver another masterclass to fend off England’s in-form bowlers.

Harry Brook

  • Harry Brook has been England’s golden boy this series, and his numbers in New Zealand are sensational. With 678 runs in seven innings at an average of 96.85 and a strike rate of 101.04, the No.1 Test batter has been a nightmare for the Kiwi bowlers.
  • He was the Player of the Match in the last game, and all eyes will be on him to light up Hamilton with another scintillating performance.

Tim Southee

  • This match is Southee’s farewell to Test cricket after a glorious career. With 52 wickets at Seddon Park, Southee knows this ground better than anyone.
  • He’ll be fired up to leave a lasting impression on his home turf, and with the pitch favouring pacers, he might just produce a vintage performance to bow out in style.