Gus Atkinson scored a hat-trick as England cruised to a resounding victory in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday, leaving them on 378 for 5 at the end of the second day and a commanding lead of 533. was recorded.
Most of England’s batsmen thrived at Basin Reserve with Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett making 187 for the second wicket, both falling in the 90s and first-innings centurion Harry Brook reaching a half-century before being bowled out for 55 .
Ollie Pope made 10 in the final hour and captain Ben Stokes, who decided against declaration, hit a quick-fire 35 with Joe Root collecting his 100th career half-century en route to an unbeaten 73 at stumps.
Atkinson (31 for 4) and Brydon Carse (46 for 4) bowled some fine seam in the morning to dismiss New Zealand for 125 and take England, who won the first Test by eight wickets, to their first series win. I did it. New Zealand since 2008.
Gus Atkinson, bottom left, celebrates after scoring a hat-trick during day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. | Photo credit: AP
Gus Atkinson, bottom left, celebrates after scoring a hat-trick during day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. | Photo credit: AP
The hosts started the day on 86 for 5 in reply to England’s 280 and Carse quickly deepened their predicament by sending Tom Blundell for 16 and returning nighwatchman Will O’Rourke with one over to go.
Atkinson cleaned up the tail with three deliveries at the other end, first removing Nathan Smith for 14 off an unfortunate inside edge.
Matt Henry brought up a lively bouncer and diverted to Duckett in the gully for a golden duck from the next delivery before Tim Southee was trapped in front of the plum.
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It was the 47th hat-trick in 147 years of Test cricket, the first since 2021 and the first by an England bowler since spinner Moeen Ali achieved the feat against South Africa at the Oval in 2017. It was a hat trick.
After the cheap defeat of opener Zak Crawley, Duckett and Bethell showed a scoring intent that was representative of England’s approach under New Zealand coach Brendon McCullum.
Bethell (left) is consoled by teammate Ben Duckett as he leaves the field after being dismissed after scoring 96 during day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. | Photo credit: AP
Bethell (left) is consoled by teammate Ben Duckett as he leaves the field after being dismissed after scoring 96 during day two of the second cricket test between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. | Photo credit: AP
Bethell explained why the selectors took a gamble on him with his excellent shot-making in this series and went close to his first first-class hundred with a knock of 96 in the second Test.
Veteran fast Southee spoiled Duckett’s day by bowling four overs later, giving the 30-year-old a 92 off the bottom of his bat.
New Zealand’s bowlers put in a futile effort, explaining Brook’s free celebration when he attacked Glenn Phillips’ spin and holed out to Will O’Rourke.
