On day three in Hamilton, England found themselves at 18-2 after openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were dismissed within the first six overs. New Zealand, bowled out for 453, needed eight more wickets to secure a consolation victory after losing the first two Tests to England. If injured captain Ben Stokes doesn’t bat, they may only need seven.
Stokes suffered a hamstring injury while bowling, forcing him to leave the field. Duckett’s quick exit for four runs gave Tim Southee his first wicket in his 107th and final Test. Crawley was trapped lbw for five, marking a disappointing series where he managed only 52 runs across six innings.
Kane Williamson shone with a score of 156, helping New Zealand with a crucial 105-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra, who contributed 44. Williamson’s innings included 20 fours and one six, bringing his Test run total at Seddon Park to 1,614, the highest at any New Zealand venue.
Daryl Mitchell scored 60 before being caught, providing Bethell with his first Test wicket. Mitchell Santner fell short of a half-century, making 49. Southee finished his last innings with just two runs, unable to add to his career tally of 98 Test sixes, which ranks him fourth all-time.
