Watch: Gus Atkinson floors New Zealand with maiden Test hat-trick, becomes first bowler to achieve this feat in Wellington

England pacer Gus Atkinson on December 7 created history at Basin Reserve, Wellington as he picked up a hat-trick against England in the second Test of the series. Atkinson became the first bowler to achieve this feat in Wellington in 94-year-old history of Test cricket at the venue. He is the 14th England bowler to take a hat-trick and fourth against New Zealand. 

Stuart Broad is the only England bowler who has done it twice in Test cricket. The last England bowler to take a hat-trick was former all-rounder Moeen Ali. The off-spinner took a hat-trick against South Africa in 2017. The previous England pacer to take a hat-trick in the format was Broad against England in 2014.

In the 35th over of the innings, Nathan Smith hit a four off the first delivery. On the third ball, Atkinson bowled one that kept low and knocked over Smith who scored 14 runs from 12 deliveries. On the next over, Atkinson banged it short and Henry could not get away. Ben Duckett took a good catch at gulyy as Henry departed for a golden duck. Tim Southee came out to bat at no.11. He was trapped in front of the wickets but opted to review. The review did not go in his favour as Atkinson completed his hat-trick.

Carse, Atkinson share spoils

New Zealand were bowled out for 125 as England pacers wreaked havoc.  While Atkinson took a four-fer including a hat-trick, in-form Brydon Carse was the wrecker-in-chief as he got four crucial wickets. Also, Chris Woakes and captain Ben Stokes got one wicket apiece.  England managed to take a lead of 155 runs after the first innings. 

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Duckett, Bethell pile on runs

Earlier, on Day 1, Harry Brook's 123-run knock and Ollie Pope's half-century helped England post 280 on the board. England are in full control of the second Test. Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell missed their respective centuries and were dismissed in 90s. 

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New Zealand out of WTC final contention?

If New Zealand lose the second Test, they will be practically out of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final contention. Currently, they are fifth on the table with 47.92 win percentage. 

New Zealand have been dominated at home by England after their historic 3-0 whitewash on Indian soil. This is their last Test series in the current WTC cycle.