New Zealand holds a commanding place within the third Take a look at towards England in Hamilton. The hosts posted 347 within the first innings, powered by Mitchell Santner‘s resilient 76 and essential contributions from Tom Latham and Will Younger. England’s response faltered towards Matt Henry‘s incisive 4/48 and Will O’Rourke’s 3/33, folding for a mere 143.
With an enormous 204-run first-innings lead, New Zealand prolonged their dominance within the second innings, reaching 136/3 by stumps on Day 2. Kane Williamson‘s unbeaten 50 and Will Younger‘s gritty 60 ensured a hefty total lead of 340 runs. England’s bowlers, led by Ben Stokes‘ 2/45, struggled to include the Blackcaps. New Zealand appears to be like set to dictate phrases on Day 3, aiming to bat England out of the sport.
England’s struggles deepen towards ruthless New Zealand bowling
England resumed at 54/2, hoping to rebuild, however their innings crumbled beneath relentless strain from Henry and debutant O’Rourke. Joe Root provided temporary resistance with a well-compiled 32, but wickets tumbled quickly on the different finish. Mitchell Santner delivered a decisive spell, taking 3/7 in simply three overs, together with the prized wickets of Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope. Henry’s fiery tempo earned him 4/48, and O’Rourke’s sharp accuracy yielded three scalps. England’s innings folded for a dismal 143, leaving them trailing New Zealand by an enormous 204 runs on the finish of a disastrous first session.
New Zealand tightens grip with regular progress
Starting their second innings with a commanding lead, New Zealand’s openers Latham and Younger supplied a measured begin. Gus Atkinson’s sharp supply accounted for Latham’s wicket early for 19, however Younger dominated proceedings with a classy 60 off 85 balls, together with 9 crisp boundaries. Williamson joined the fray with a masterful unbeaten 50 off simply 58 deliveries, demonstrating his trademark composure. Collectively, Younger and Williamson added an important 50-run partnership, guaranteeing the hosts maintained management. By the tea interval, New Zealand had constructed a commanding lead, reaching 124/2 and retaining England beneath immense strain.
Additionally WATCH: Kane Williamson’s unlucky dismissal on Day 1 of the NZ vs ENG third Take a look at
England fights again however Kane Williamson anchors New Zealand
The ultimate session provided England some respite as Ben Stokes struck to take away Younger for a well-made 60 and O’Rourke cheaply. Nevertheless, Williamson continued to dominate, showcasing unmatched temperament and precision. Partnered by Rachin Ravindra, who performed a cautious but decided knock, Williamson guided New Zealand to 136/3 at stumps. England’s bowlers, led by Stokes, tried to claw again with probing spells, however the hosts remained agency. With a commanding total lead of 340 runs, New Zealand sits ready of power, eyeing a declaration early on Day 3 to push for victory.
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
A 340-run lead at Stumps on Day 2 in Kirikiriroa – Hamilton. Half centuries for Will Younger (60) and Kane Williamson (50*) serving to push the lead in direction of 350 after a powerful group efficiency within the area earlier within the day. Compensate for all scores | https://t.co/gATDuNhj6S 📲 #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/gKQiiA34eD
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 15, 2024
Poor day for Eng. Conceded big lead and handed management of #NZvENG Take a look at to hosts. Robust to see how Eng can recuperate. Finish of time period really feel to batting efficiency. Much like last Take a look at v SL. Finest groups are ruthless, even when sequence is received. This Eng group not fairly there but#Cricket
— MediumPaceDobbler (@MediumPaceDobb1) December 15, 2024
By means of all of the criticism Stead has copped and lots warranted I need to pay tribute to him deciding on Santner on this check, his presence alone has actually swung the momentum of the check. Simple to criticise him however simply need to give him props for that.#NZvENG
— Jamie Dally 🇳🇿 🇩🇰 🏴 (@DallyJamie) December 15, 2024
Wouldn’t have guessed @BLACKCAPS would outscore 🏴 on Day 2, however that’s what occurred: 168/4 v 143 all out
Younger’s delicate dismissal aside, that day couldn’t have gone a lot better for 🇳🇿
Now, a few extra classes of excellent batting are wanted to push this Take a look at out of 🏴’s grasp
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) December 15, 2024
Third fifty of the sequence and thirty eighth profession fifty for Kane Williamson 👏 #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/kin0Pmdhda
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 15, 2024
How did England obtained bowled out on this wicket for 143 ? Typically i’ve to assume why did i obtained into this career #NZvENG
— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) December 15, 2024
There’s been loads of speak about who would be the subsequent gen ‘fab 4’ however gosh there’s some thrilling younger bowlers rising in Take a look at cricket. I actually, actually like Will O’Rourke, for one. #NZvENG
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) December 15, 2024
Ending touches with the bat, magic with the ball 💫#NZvENG #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/cl4SaMUrRP
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 15, 2024
Gahhhh that was so dumb 🙃 Why did not Rachin simply come out anyway?! We didn’t want an evening watchman main by over 320 runs.. That wasn’t honest on O’Rourke, he did sufficient for us at this time! 🖤 #NZvENG @BLACKCAPS #worldwide #check #cricket #newzealand @englandcricket
— Soph’s Sports activities Stats 🏐🇳🇿🇹🇴 (@sophie_acklin) December 15, 2024
That is that for Day 2 in Hamilton. pic.twitter.com/TNJp3CQ0Oj
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 15, 2024