Southee departs on a high as ENG win 2-1

On the final day of the third Test at Seddon Park, New Zealand completed a resounding victory by 423 runs, as they bowled England out for just 234 runs in their second innings, with the visitors needing an improbable 658 runs to win. England’s batting once again crumbled under pressure, and despite a fighting knock from Jacob Bethell 76 and some brief resistance from Joe Root 54 and Gus Atkinson 43, New Zealand’s bowlers were relentless, wrapping up the match before tea.

Set an almost impossible target of 658 runs, England began the final day on 18/2, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett both dismissed cheaply on Day 3. England’s hopes rested on their middle order, but New Zealand’s bowlers quickly destroyed those as well.

Jacob Bethell provided the only significant resistance for England, scoring a patient 76 off 96 balls, including 13 boundaries and one six. He played some elegant strokes but was ultimately dismissed by Will O’Rourke.

Joe Root, who had been solid in the first innings, showed grit again in the second, contributing 54 runs off 64 balls. However, his dismissal to Mitchell Santner (who claimed 4 wickets for 85) at a crucial juncture dashed England's hopes of mounting a substantial recovery.

At the close of play, England’s innings ended on 234, with Ben Stokes unable to bat due to injury, leaving his team to fall short by a huge margin. The final wicket fell in the 47th over of the day, as Brydon Carse was stumped off Santner, confirming New Zealand's overwhelming victory.

Mitchell Santner was the undisputed hero of the final day. He claimed a remarkable 4 wickets for 85 runs in England’s second innings and played an instrumental role in dismantling the opposition's lower order. His performance, combined with his crucial knock of 76 runs in New Zealand's first innings, earned him the Player of the Match award. (Santner finished - 14.2 overs 85 runs 4 wickets Economy rate: 5.93)

Alongside Santner, Matt Henry and Tim Southee were pivotal in the destruction of England’s top order. Henry took 2 wickets for 62 runs, while Southee claimed 2 wickets for 34 runs in his final test match. The support from Will O’Rourke 1/37 and Santner’s all-round brilliance ensured that New Zealand maintained their stranglehold throughout England’s second innings.

Despite England’s defeat in the final Test, Harry Brook was awarded Player of the Series for his stellar performances with the bat throughout the series. Brook amassed 350 runs across the three Tests, including two crucial half-centuries. His consistency in the middle order was one of the few bright spots for England during the tour.

England won the series 2-1, and now sit 6th on the World Test Championship Standings table. 

Dominate day from Kiwis on Day 3 of the 3rd Test

As Day 3 drew to a close, it was New Zealand's day as they hold a commanding position in the 3rd Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton. England finds themselves in a difficult spot, with just 18/2 on the board in their second innings, still needing an extraordinary 640 runs to win.

New Zealand, resuming the day at 136/3, pushed their total to 453 all out, thanks to a brilliant 156 from Kane Williamson. His knock was the highlight of the day as he showed masterful control and temperament, well-supported by Daryl Mitchell's 60 and Will Young's 60. Despite a few wickets falling towards the end of the innings, including Glenn Phillips and Tim Southee, New Zealand declared, setting England a daunting target of 658.

England’s second innings began with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opening the batting, but their hopes were quickly dashed. Matt Henry dismissed Crawley for just 5, and Tim Southee removed Duckett for 4, leaving England at 18/2 when play concluded. Jacob Bethell 9* and Joe Root 0* will resume tomorrow, with the visitors staring down the barrel of a mammoth chase.

With Steady the ship's 156 was a standout knock, featuring 20 fours and a six.  Kane Williamson's resilience and skill were on full display as he dominated England’s attack. His innings gave New Zealand a lead they hope will be enough to win the match.

England's response was subdued, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett falling cheaply to Henry and Southee. England’s top order has been under pressure throughout the match, and now, with Jacob Bethell and Joe Root in the middle, it will be crucial for them to build a partnership and make significant progress in the chase.

With 640 runs to win and 8 wickets in hand, England's chances of success seem slim. However, if Joe Root can find form and build partnerships, there is still a sliver of hope.

NZ stand with hopes high into Day 3

New Zealand strengthened their control over the 3rd Test against England on Day 2 at Seddon Park, Hamilton, extending their lead to an imposing 340 runs. After a commanding 347 in their first innings, the hosts took full advantage of an underwhelming England performance, reducing them to just 143 all out before declaring their second innings at 136/3.

England’s first innings ended disastrously, bowled out for 143 in just 35.4 overs. Matt Henry led the charge for New Zealand, finishing with figures of 4/48. Henry was well-supported by the spin of Mitchell Santner, who took 3/7, while debutant Will O’Rourke added a crucial 3-wicket haul, removing key England batsmen like Harry Brook and Joe Root.

Zak Crawley's 21 and Ben Duckett's 11 were the early casualties, both dismissed cheaply by Matt Henry, while Jacob Bethell 12, Harry Brook 0, and Joe Root 32 failed to provide much resistance. Ollie Pope 24 and Ben Stokes 27 showed brief signs of recovery but fell victim to Santner’s clever bowling.

New Zealand didn’t rest on their laurels. They came out to bat in their second innings with clear intent, adding another 136/3 by the close of Day 2. Tom Latham 19 was dismissed early by Gus Atkinson, but Will Young 60 and Kane Williamson 50* then took charge, combining for a crucial partnership of 89 runs.

Young played aggressively, reaching his half-century off just 72 balls, while Williamson’s 50 off 58 balls showcased his class and control. England's bowlers, particularly Atkinson and Stokes, struggled to make further breakthroughs. Stokes did manage to dismiss Young, but by then, New Zealand had built a solid foundation.