• New Zealand registered a dominant victory over England by 423 runs in the final Test at Hamilton.

  • Tim Southee bid farewell to his illustrious Test career with a spectacular win.

Fans celebrate as New Zealand seals win over England by 423 runs in Tim Southee’s farewell Test
Tim Southee (Image Source: X)

England’s 2024 cricketing year ended sourly as New Zealand crushed them by a massive 423 runs in the third and final Test at Hamilton. Despite already winning the series 2-1, England’s defeat marked a humbling finish, with New Zealand delivering a dominant performance to claim a consolation victory. The triumph also served as a fitting farewell for legendary seamer Tim Southee, who retired after a stellar 16-year career spanning 107 Tests and 391 wickets.

Set a near-impossible target of 658, England’s batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from New Zealand’s bowling attack. The margin of defeat was historic – England’s largest loss against New Zealand regarding runs and their fourth-largest by any opposition. The defeat underscored England’s struggles, as they failed to show resistance and were dismissed for just 234 midway through the fourth day afternoon.

Jacob Bethell and Joe Root shine amid batting disarray

Resuming at 18/2, England’s hopes rested on young Jacob Bethell and veteran Joe Root, who provided a brief glimmer of hope. Bethell, a rising talent, showcased immense promise with a fluent 76 that oozed confidence and elegance. The left-hander played late and exhibited superb shot selection, driving and pulling with precision, including a commanding six off Tim Southee.

Partnering with Root, Bethell added a vital 104 runs for the fourth wicket, briefly steadying England’s innings. Root, always dependable, made 54 before a lapse in judgment saw him miss a sweep against Mitchell Santner, falling lbw on review. Root’s dismissal opened the floodgates, exposing England’s fragile middle order.

Bethell’s dismissal soon followed. Having weathered a fiery spell from Will O’Rourke, who bowled with pace and hostility, Bethell sliced his first delivery from Southee’s new spell straight to deep point. It was a disappointing end to what could have been a maiden Test century, but the youngster’s innings offered a glimpse of England’s future.

England’s middle-order meltdown and Ollie Pope’s reckless shot

Harry Brook’s poor form continued as he fell for 1, fending off a snorter from O’Rourke. The pressure was compounded by vice-captain Ollie Pope, whose bizarre shot selection drew sharp criticism. Attempting an ill-advised reverse scoop against Matt Henry, Pope was bowled for 17 in a dismissal that typified England’s reckless and disjointed approach to the innings.

With the lower order exposed, the collapse was inevitable. Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts holed out in quick succession to Mitchell Santner, who wreaked havoc with his accurate left-arm spin. Brydon Carse was the last to fall, stumped off Santner’s bowling, as England’s final four wickets tumbled for just 19 runs.

In total, England’s innings lasted only 83 overs across the entire Test match, a performance that fell far short of the resilience needed against a dominant New Zealand side. Captain Ben Stokes did not bat after suffering a recurrence of his left hamstring injury on day three. Although a scan was initially planned, Stokes will now undergo further assessment on Wednesday. His absence further weakened an already faltering England side and raised questions over his fitness ahead of England’s upcoming commitments.

Also READ: Top 5 New Zealand players with most sixes in Test cricket ft. Tim Southee

Tim Southee: A glorious farewell to a legendary career

The Test also marked an emotional milestone for Southee, who retired from Test cricket after 16 glorious years. Although he was not required to bowl after lunch on the final day, Southee’s impact on the match and New Zealand cricket as a whole was undeniable. Leading his team off the field, the 36-year-old seamer bid farewell to an illustrious career that included 107 Tests and 391 wickets, leaving behind a legacy of consistency, skill, and leadership. Southee’s retirement was a moment of celebration for New Zealand cricket, honoring one of their greatest-ever pace bowlers.

England’s series win and road ahead

Despite the crushing defeat, England ended the series with a 2-1 victory, highlighting their ability to dominate earlier in the tour. However, the final Test exposed significant vulnerabilities, including a fragile middle order, inconsistent shot selection, and struggles against disciplined pace and spin. For England, the attention now shifts to white-ball cricket, before the Test summer begins against Zimbabwe in May 2024. The emergence of players like Jacob Bethell remains a silver lining, but the team will need to address their weaknesses to build momentum for a challenging year ahead.

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Also READ: Fans go gaga as New Zealand’s Kane Williamson shines with 33rd century on Day 3 of the final Test against England

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