New Zealand stuns England with a historic series finale win.©(@toisports )
New Zealand delivered a crushing blow to England in the third and final Test match in Hamilton, securing a 423-run victory, their largest-ever win over England in terms of runs. Despite England claiming the series 2-1, the hosts ensured a memorable finale to send veteran seamer Tim Southee into retirement in style.
Set an improbable target of 658 runs, England’s batting faltered once more as they were bowled out for 234 midway through the fourth day. Jacob Bethell’s promising knock of 76 and Joe Root’s 54 were not enough to prevent the heavy defeat, with New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and young pacer Will O’Rourke leading the attack.
England Succumb Under Pressure
England’s chase began on shaky ground at 18-2 overnight, needing a near-miracle to avoid defeat. The first hour brought a semblance of stability as Bethell and Root combined for a 104-run partnership. Bethell, batting confidently, showcased his potential with elegant drives and well-timed pulls, even lofting a six off Tim Southee.
However, the momentum shifted when Joe Root, attempting a sweep shot, was trapped lbw by Santner. Harry Brook soon followed, fending off a fiery O’Rourke delivery for just one. Having survived an arduous spell from O’Rourke, Bethell fell to a sliced shot off Southee, missing out on a maiden century.
England’s batting woes were epitomized by vice-captain Ollie Pope’s dismissal for 17 while attempting an unorthodox reverse scoop. The tail collapsed swiftly, with the final four wickets falling for 19 runs. Captain Ben Stokes, who aggravated a hamstring injury earlier in the match, did not bat as England’s innings folded within 83 overs.
Tim Southee Bids Farewell
While the spotlight remained on New Zealand’s dominant performance, the occasion marked the end of Tim Southee’s illustrious Test career. The 36-year-old seamer, New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker with 391 scalps, led his team off the field to a standing ovation.
Southee’s farewell match saw limited involvement with the ball, as the damage was done by Matt Henry, who claimed four wickets in England’s first innings, and Mitchell Santner, who bagged seven wickets across both innings to seal the win.
Rising Stars Shine for New Zealand
New Zealand’s victory was built on strong performances from experienced players and emerging talent. Kane Williamson once again demonstrated his class with a superb 156 in the second innings, supported by half-centuries from Will Young and Daryl Mitchell.
On the bowling front, 23-year-old Will O’Rourke announced his arrival on the Test stage with an electrifying display of pace. Clocking speeds of up to 93mph, O’Rourke troubled England’s top order, dismissing Root and Brook with sheer hostility. His fiery eight-over spell was among the fastest seen in Test cricket in recent years.
Santner also played a key all-round role, scoring vital runs (76 and 49) and claiming match figures of 7-92.
England’s Series Takeaways
Despite the heavy defeat, England leaves New Zealand with their first series win on Kiwi soil since 2008. However, questions remain for captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum as they look ahead to a challenging year in 2025.
Zak Crawley’s inconsistent form at the top of the order continues to be a concern, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir’s development seems to have stalled. On a positive note, Jacob Bethell’s emergence as a reliable number three batter has given England an encouraging selection dilemma for the summer.
Stokes’s fitness remains the biggest concern. The recurrence of a hamstring injury raises doubts over Stokes’s ability to function as an efficient all-rounder.
Focus Turns to 2025
The defeat in Hamilton reflects a recurring trend for England, which has lost four out of their last five series finales, three of which were dead rubbers. While their record for 2024 stands at nine wins and eight losses, England’s young, revamped squad has shown promise during a demanding year that included eight Tests in Asia.
A crucial summer lies ahead, with a Test series against Zimbabwe marking the beginning of preparations for a defining 2025, featuring a home series against India and an Ashes tour to Australia.
What They Said
Tim Southee, New Zealand bowler: “I want to thank New Zealand Cricket for everything they have done. To my family, who have been there through the ups and downs, and to my teammates – these guys have made the journey much more enjoyable. I have loved every minute.”
Ben Stokes, England captain: “We aim to win every game we play. This is not how we wanted to finish, but we’re proud of the series win. There are lessons to take from this match as we look to improve.”
Tom Latham, New Zealand captain: “It’s great to end the series on a high. We adapted well to the conditions here, and the performances of the bowlers, especially the likes of Santner and O’Rourke, made the difference.”
England will now focus on their white-ball commitments after Christmas before returning to Test cricket in May 2025. Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to build on this performance as they prepare for their upcoming assignments.
