England claimed yet another crushing victory against New Zealand, winnings by 323
runs at the Basin Reserve, and consummating a comfortable series win – their first in
New Zealand since 2008.
Joe Root began the day for the visitors in emphatic fashion, bringing up his 36th Test
Match hundred with his (now) trademark ‘Root-scoop’. His partnership of 100 of just 81
balls with skipper Ben Stokes (49 not out) propelled England to declare just 30 minutes
into the day, finishing on 427/6, with an unassailable lead of 583.
Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse led the way for England with new ball in hand, toppling
the bewildered-looking Kiwi top order cheaply, and sending the hosts into lunch at 59/4.
Woakes in particular appeared to have the fresh Kookaburra moving at his command,
passing the bat on numerous occasions, and eventually claiming the invaluable wicket
of Kane Williamson (4), finding a rare edge which was taken comfortably by Pope
behind the stumps.
With an early lunch taken for rain, England were expected to swiftly skittle the
remainder of the Kiwi order promptly after the break – a consensus shared by a large
majority of spectators – as the players walked out onto the field after lunch to a sparse
crowd. Daryll Mitchell and Tom Blundell soon made it apparent that the Blackcaps were
not going to fall over easily, combining for a stubborn partnership of 47 off 104 balls,
before Mitchell poked at a wide delivery from Gus Atkinson, taken once more by the
grateful gloves of Ollie Pope.
Blundell (who prior to today was averaging just over 15 in Test Matches this year),
accelerated after Mitchell’s departure, taking a particular liking to the hapless Shoaib
Bashir, who bowled an expensive 17-over spell into the wind. Dispatching 5 sixes (4 of
which were off Bashir), Blundell gave something for the Blackcaps to smile about,
racing to his 6th Test hundred, bringing it up in just 96 balls.
The wicketkeeper was joined by a determined Nathan Smith (42), adding a further 96
runs together, until Blundell eventually was bested by Bashir, falling for 115, with Ben
Duckett claiming a spectacular diving catch running round to intercept a pre-meditated
scoop. Blundell's dismissal prompted Stokes to bring himself into the attack for the first
time, as he savagely claimed three wickets in just as many overs, ending the New
Zealand innings on 259 with the wicket of Tim Southee, who feebly pulled a short ball to
Chris Woakes at midwicket.
Speaking after the match, Stokes hailed England’s display as “Phenomenal”, stating
that the series so far has seen some “Dominant cricket” – adjectives that justly
summarize the first two matches. New Zealand have not been without opportunities
however, having had England 45-3 in the first innings at Christchurch, at 43-4 in the first
innings here at the Basin Reserve.
New Zealand captain, Tom Latham reasoned that Harry Brook (Player of the Match)
can be credited for these remarkable comebacks, stating; “Credit where credit is due.
The way Harry played in that first innings was outstanding. To play in the way he did
puts you under pressure from ball one.”
With six days to prepare ahead of the 3 rd and final test in Hamilton, New Zealand will
have to come up with a solution to the relentless pressure imposed on them by not just
Harry Brook, but the majority of the English top order – who (other than Zak Crawley),
have all made valuable contributions with the bat this series.
England will no doubt enjoy a few extra rounds of golf, as they head to Seddon Park
next week, with an eye on returning home for Christmas with a series whitewash to their
name.
