ENG vs NZ 3rd Test: The day finally came when England won a Test Series. After leaving no chance for Newzealand in the first two tests, England ensured they put up a similar performance in 3 Tests, and well they did. England beats Newzealand by 7 wickets to whitewash the series 3-0.
When England was reduced to 55/6 in the first innings in response to New Zealand’s 329, they were in trouble at one point. The audience’s favorite YJB and Jamie Overton combined for a long partnership of more than 200 runs in the latter’s debut, ensuring their team takes a lead in the first innings. In their second innings, New Zealand got off to a respectable start until blowing it in the day’s final session.
Despite a century partnership between Mitchell and Blundell, the hosts were able to chase down their mark thanks to Potts and Leach’s outstanding bowling. Although England lost both of its openers in the final innings, Root and Pope batted well yesterday and eliminated more than 60% of the goal. Today, Bairstow wasted little time in scoring the winning runs. Second innings: 75* off 44; first innings: 162 off 157.
England had 113 needed when the day began. And it only took 15.2 overs for them to defeat Newzealand. After the rain stopped, Tim Southee bowled Ollie Pope (82) out in the first over of the day. But after that, everything was in England. Bairstow batted aggressively, as he has done throughout the series, and was primarily to blame for Root’s failure to reach another fourth-innings century. Bairstow concluded with 71 off just 44 balls, while Root completed with 86 off 125 winning the match by 7 wickets.
The losing captain, Kane Williamson had a few thoughts to share about the game as he said, “’s been an incredible series. We had opportunities in all three Tests but credit to the England side. We were in a fairly good position in this Test. For us, it’s a matter of regrouping. There is a new theme to their approach and they won those fine margins that went a long way in perhaps deciding the outcome of the match. We sort of opted for the balance and were curious after looking at the surface how it will play. It was seaming today as well. But it was frustrating, we hoped to create more opportunities but it wasn’t to be. It would have been nice for the top four to contribute more. I think everyone wants to give more and more to the team. Certainly love this group and love being a leader in this environment. It’s great to be out here, playing along with these guys and against England.”
The winnings captain Ben Stokes showed how proud he was of the team and how important this victory was for them, he said, “It has gone really well. A 3-0 win against the best team in the world, it’s absolutely phenomenal. It’s about the change of the mindset of the lads towards Test cricket. To say that we have done it so quickly is unbelievable. Huge credit to Brendon and the backroom staff. Trent Bridge was incredible but being 55 for 6 and then doing what we did and the manner in which we did was the most pleasing thing. It has really set the level for people to want to come in and perform for the Test side. Pottsy has taken it like fish to water. Broady, even at 36, bowling these many overs, and fantastic to see Leachy. When we got together, we picked the players who offer the best in every position. Pope’s been fantastic, carrying his form from Surrey and showing the world what Pope is about. India is a different opposition but we will come out with the same mindset.”
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: JACK LEACH (5/100 & 5/66)
PLAYER OF THE SERIES: JOE ROOT (396 runs • 1 wkt)
