February 27, 2023.
Basin Reserve, Wellington.
After a thrilling day of test cricket at Basin Reserve, which witnesses a fighting hundred by Kane Williamson, a surprising breakthrough by harry brook, Jack Leach’s fifer, a late NZ batting collapse, and a flying start by the English side, Wellington test sets up for the exciting final day finish.
England made found a way to come back late on day 4 after a marathon partnership between Kane Williamson & Tom Blundell. New Zealand was on the course to play through the day when the partnership between KW & Blundell was blossoming. But a lucky breakthrough by Harry Brook triggered the collapse in the evening session. Jack leach cleaned up the Kiwi tale. New Zealand lost five wickets for just 28 runs.
Steady Start by New Zealand & English Comeback
New Zealand resumes their day 4 steady and safe. They made steady progress in the first two sessions on day 4. They got themselves ahead of England by a considerable margin & only lost two wickets in the process. New Zealand’s batting lineup showed fighting spirit after being asked to follow on with 226 runs still trailing. Kane Williamson’s fabulous ton (132), Dary Mtchell (24) & Tom Blundell (90) lead the recovery. They were on the right path to take the lead beyond 300 runs and bat England out of the game.
But Lucky breakthrough towards the end by golden boy Harry Brook literally opens up the test match for visitors. He got Williamson caught behind. Soon after the KW’s wicket, Bracewell departs due to some lazy running. This triggered a colossal batting collapse. Captain Sounthee could not replicate his performance in the first Innings. Jack leach Cleaned up New Zealand’s tail for only 28 runs.
England Started their chase of 258 runs in typical baz-ball fashion. Zak Crawley played an attacking cameo of 28 off 30. He got cleaned up by Southee. Ben Duckett (23*) and night watchman Ollie Robinson (1*) safely negotiated the remaining period. England is 48 for 1 at the stumps.
England still requires another 210 runs with 9 wickets still in hand. It is not a very tough task for visitors who have specialties in record-breaking fourth innings chases.
Kiwi Fightback on Day 3
Even on Day 3, New Zealand’s batting lineup showed great fighting spirit after being asked to follow on by England. Kiwi opening pair of Tom Latham & Devon Conway lead the charge and scored a gritty 149-run opening stand. Conway fell after a well made 61. Tom Latham made a fighting 83 runs off 172 balls. After their fall towards the end of the day, the experienced pair of Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls made it to the stumps without any further loss.
Exciting final day to come
The exciting final day of the test match & the series is to come at the basin reserve, wellington, as the test match is nicely poised at the moment with all four results possible. Visiting the English team will have a slight edge at the moment. With the in-form batting lineup of Root, Brook, and Stokes. It should not be an impossible challenge for them to chase down the remaining 210 runs with 9 wickets still in hand.
Tomorrow England will definitely look to come and chase down the target comprehensively and warp up the famous series win. If they managed to win or at least draw the test, It would be their first test series win on New Zealand soil in the last 16 years. Last, they managed to win a test match series here, which was way back in 2007-08.
After a spirited batting performance job is in the bowler’s hand for the home side. Tim Southee-led bowling attack will be looking for an early breakthrough tomorrow morning. But It will be very challenging for them to keep their line & lengths in check while facing English Bazball. As the pitch has become placid throughout the match, NZ has to show some extraordinary performance with the ball to stop England.
New Zealand has a great chance to level the series here at basin reserve. They have not lost a test series at home since their 1-0 loss against South Africa in 2016-17. They will be looking forward to extending their unbeaten streak at home.
Score Card:
England 435 for 8 dec and 48 for 1 (Duckett 23*, Robinson 1*) need 210 to beat New Zealand 209 and 483 (Williamson 132, Blundell 90, Leach 5-157)
