It was a consolation win in terms of the series score, but a big win nonetheless, as New Zealand finished the third Test against England by 423 runs on the afternoon of the fourth day and sent Tim Southee into smiling retirement. Gave.
The coup came at 2.15pm local time when Mitch Santner completed a fine comeback into the side by stumping Brydon Carse. Ben Stokes, due to scans on his hamstring injury, never took the field and thus England were bowled out for 234 while chasing an absurd target of 658 to win – their fourth highest in history in terms of runs. Garland.
resistance? The day began in bright sunshine with England at 18 for two, having been slow-cooked 24 hours earlier. Jacob Bethel stood up first in the morning on 76, a very encouraging start to his life as a Test cricketer. Joe Root also scored 50 to take his tally to 1,556 Test runs in 2024.
But after their collapse at the hands of Will Rourke on the second day and then seeing Kane Williamson pile up the runs on the third day, the size of the task was always going to be huge. England left the country with a 2-1 series win – their third series win out of five in 2024 – but they suffered a slight injury on the way to the departure lounge.
“Congratulations to England on winning the series,” said Southee, who retired with 391 Test wickets, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee, who was present that day. “As always it was played in very good spirit. I have really enjoyed playing against him over the years.
“I would like to thank a few people. First of all, New Zealand cricket for everything in the last 17 years. my mom and dad, [wife] Braya and the kids – they are the ones who are with you during the journey, they see the ups and downs. I appreciate everything he has done for me.
“This group [teammates] Made the journey more enjoyable, as did all the players I’ve played with. I have loved every minute. Finally I would like to thank the fans. It’s always good to come up with numbers and this week has been really special.”
Santner was the player of the match – seven wickets and 125 runs in four days – but it could be argued that O’Rourke made the biggest impression on the hosts. He was the catalyst for England being bowled out for 143 in the innings, undermining Harry Brook’s excellent form in both the innings. As Southee’s career ended, a special talent emerged.
If ever there could be a defining moment that involved inevitability right from the start it came when O’Rourke turned to the City End in the morning session and seriously conceded defeat. The numbers – eight overs, four maidens, one for 25 – hardly do justice to the shock and awe, or to the panic it once again created.
O’Rourke had a hand in all three wickets to fall as England reached lunch, although a snare slipping off the shoulder of Brook’s bat was the only wicket that went against his name. Brook’s first Test as the world No. 1 ranked batsman was not particularly satisfactory, although disappointing with scores of zero and one.
Root was out LBW on a sweep off Santner after O’Rourke was out mid-ball, while Bethel was so delighted with his 94 mph rocket that his eyes flashed at Southee, who replaced him at away ball. Placed it on one end and stuck one straight inside. Air. Still, overall it was a statement from Bethel, his third half-century on his debut tour.
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Bethel was not intended to start the series, but having played all three matches, he has put Ollie Pope’s position at No. 3 – or perhaps even the misfiring Jack Crawley – under a bit of pressure . There’s a lot to like here, with courage on fire now able to be added to the list of attributes that have seen him make the leap to England.
Pope’s runs at number six were crucial to England’s victories in Christchurch and Wellington, while his performances as a stand-in wicketkeeper have been efficient. Having almost survived O’Rourke’s hostility before lunch – which included a vicious blow to the right biceps – Pope’s tour ended on a slightly disappointing note: bowled by the clever Matt Henry when he reverse-edged it over the wicketkeeper. An attempt was made to scoop.
Apart from Gus Atkinson’s 43, it was a procession, with Santner taking three more wickets – all three were talented enough – to trigger a handshake.
To see Ali Martin’s full report…