New Zealand secured a resounding victory against England in the third Test at Hamilton, winning by a massive 423 runs on the fourth day. This win provided a fitting farewell for Tim Southee in his last international match.
England, having already secured the series win with victories in the first two Tests, were set a daunting target of 658 runs. They fell significantly short, being bowled out for 234 after lunch.
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England captain Ben Stokes, nursing a left hamstring injury from the previous day, did not bat in the second innings, accelerating the match’s conclusion.
England’s resistance crumbled quickly in the final session. They lost their last three wickets in just 12 deliveries, adding only three runs to their total.
Mitchell Santner, with figures of 4-85, was named Player of the Match for his crucial role in dismantling England’s tail. This victory marked New Zealand’s largest ever win by runs and inflicted England’s fourth-worst defeat by runs in Test history.
“It’s obviously pleasing to finish in that fashion,” said New Zealand captain Tom Latham.
Latham praised his team’s adaptability after their earlier struggles in the series. He highlighted the significance of adjusting to the Hamilton pitch conditions.
“We certainly knew we weren’t quite at our best those first couple of games, but I think the way we came in here and were able to adapt to the surface was very pleasing.”
Tim Southee, in his final Test innings, took two wickets, ending his international career with 391 Test wickets. This places him second on the all-time list for New Zealand, behind only Richard Hadlee. He didn’t add to his six sixes hit on day three, finishing with 98 career sixes.
“We’re certainly leaving one of the greats behind, but I’m sure he’s got a bright future ahead of him, whatever that may be,” Latham added.
Despite the heavy defeat in the final Test, England’s series victory remains a significant achievement. They became the first England team to win a Test series in New Zealand since 2008.
Young batter Jacob Bethell continued to impress in his debut series, scoring his third half-century. He eventually fell for 76, becoming Southee’s final Test wicket.
Joe Root, a mainstay of the England batting lineup, contributed a half-century, scoring 54 before being dismissed by Santner.
Harry Brook, who played a key role in England’s earlier victories, could not replicate his success in the third Test. He scored only one run before being caught in the slips off Will O’Rourke’s bowling.
O’Rourke’s delivery, which climbed sharply to find the edge, further cemented his reputation for extracting bounce and movement.
Gus Atkinson provided some late entertainment with a brisk 43 off 41 balls. His innings included seven fours and a six.
Atkinson’s dismissal, caught in the deep off a mistimed shot, signalled the imminent end of the match.
“We want to come out and win every game that we play,” said Stokes.
Stokes acknowledged the disappointment of the heavy defeat but emphasised the importance of the series victory.
“It’s obviously disappointing as a team to finish like we have done but … the first two test matches is where it really counted for us, and that’s where we played our best cricket.”
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