Veteran pacer Tim Southee ended his Test career in style with as New Zealand registered their biggest Test win by runs against England. New Zealand beat England by 423 runs at Seddon Park, Hamilton, their biggest Test in terms of runs. Chasing a massive target of 648, England were bowled out for 234 in the absence of their injured captain Ben Stokes.
England were 18/2 at the start of Dy 4's play. Jacob Bethell and Joe Root shared a 104-run partnership for the third wicket. Mitchell Santner broke the partnership with Root's wicket. He went for a sweep and got out lbw. The in-form batter scored 54 runs from 64 balls including 10 fours. Newly-crowned no.1 Test batter Harry Brook got dismissed for a single-digit score to William ORourke.
Southee got the prized wicket of Bethell who was looking to scored his maiden Test century. The 21-year-old departed after scoring 76 runs from 96 balls including 13 fours and a six. Gus Atkinson looked to score quickly whereas Ollie Pope took a traditional approach. Pope was knocked over by Matt Henry. He scored 17 runs from 36 balls. Atkinson hit seven fours and a six in his 41-ball 43 before falling to Santner. The left-arm spinner got rid of Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts as England were bowled out 234 in 47.2 overs. Stokes did not come out to bat after getting injured on Day 3.
While New Zealand registered their joint-biggest win by runs in Test cricket, England won the three-Test series 2-1.
What happened before Day 4 in third Test
Earlier in the Test, Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl first. New Zealand suffered a batting collapse despite a good start from the top order. After skipper Tom Latham's fifty, Santner's gritty 76 helped the hosts 347 on the board. New Zealand then bowled out the tourists for 143. Henry took four whereas ORourke and Santner took three wickets each.
In the second innings, New Zealand piled on runs and ruled out the possibility of an England comeback. Williamson scored 156 whereas Young, Daryl Mitchell's half-centuries supported by Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell and Santner's contributions helped New Zealand post 453.
Southee's farewell speech
"Taking this opportunity to thank a few people. First New Zealand Cricket, for everything you've done over the last 17 years. Much appreciated. Family. They're the ones there for the ride through the ups and downs. Teammates - made the ride so enjoyable, and support staff as well. Would like to thank the fans. Always great to turn out in front of numbers, and this week's been pretty special at Seddon Park to play in front of great crowds. Thank you. Look forward to watching on as a fan. All the best boys," Southee said in his farewell speech.
