NZ vs ENG 2nd Test Highlights: Tom Blundell’s Ton Wasted As Pacers Lead England To Stunning Win
England beat New Zealand in second Test to win the 3-game series with 2-0 lead [Source: @englandcricket/X.com]
England beat New Zealand by 323 runs in the second Test match to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-game Test series. After setting up a steep target of 583 runs, the Kiwis succumbed to 259, despite Tom Blundell’s century. Ben Stokes picked 3 wickets, whereas Chris Woakes, Shoaib Bashir, and Brydon Carse contributed with 2 wickets each.
Here's how the NZ vs ENG day 3 of second Test panned out in Wellington
NZ vs ENG Highlights: Joe Root slams 36th Test ton to expand England’s lead
On Day 3 of the 2nd Test between New Zealand and England, Joe Root converted his overnight 75 into a splashing 106 off 130 balls. That marked his 36th Test century and 6th for the year 2024. On the other end, captain Ben Stokes supported him strongly with a quick 49* off 42 balls.
To neutralise Joe Root, William ORourke bowled a classic fuller delivery outside the off-stump line. Set batter Root was tempted to go for a drive but an outside edge was latched by Blundell in a terrific effort behind the stumps. With that wicket, England declared the innings, setting up a mammoth 583-run target for the Kiwis.
NZ vs ENG Highlights: Woakes’ dual strike rocks New Zealand
Chris Woakes drew first blood early for his side by dismissing Devon Conway for a 5-ball duck. A quick-length delivery angled in, and Conway looked clueless. It broke his defense and crashed into the stumps. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson was Woakes’ next target. It was a similar delivery from the previous wicket, but this time, the ball bounced extra, leaving Williamson uncomfortable. The batter went for a false defense and edged it to wicket-keeper Ollie Pope. With just 25 runs on the board, the Black Caps were two wickets down.
NZ vs ENG Highlights: England pacers dominate the session
Brydon Carse joined the party to dismiss set batter Tom Latham for 24 off 35 balls. Latham tried to hit on the leg side, but a leading edge went straight back to the bowler. Rachin Ravindra was the last wicket to fall before lunch break. The conditions got overcast, and rain stopped play, thus adding to the Kiwis’ woes. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips had a 47-run partnership for 5th wicket before Atkinson struck right after the drinks break to end the resistance. New Zealand dipped to 141/6 in 35 overs, with the chase looking improbable.
NZ vs ENG Highlights: Tom Blundell leads gusty resistance
With New Zealand’s back against the wall, Tom Blundell and Nathan Smith joined hands to stitch a 96-run partnership for 7th wicket. Blundell scored an inspiring 115 off 102 with 13 fours and 5 sixes, whereas Smith also contributed with 42 off 51 balls. Just when the Kiwis had some confidence, Shoaib Bashir dismissed centurion Blundell to leave the hosts with just 3 wickets in hand.
Post Blundell’s wicket, New Zealand’s tail managed to add just 20 odd runs to the board. The hosting team were bowled out for 259 runs as England secured a gigantic 323 runs victory to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-game Test series. Harry Brook was awarded player of the match award for his century in the first innings and a fifty in the third.