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Mammoth lead puts Blackcaps on track for third-Test victory against England
Stephen Foote • December 16th, 2024 7:30 pm
Photo: Photosport
The Blackcaps are eight wickets away from securing an emphatic win over England in the third Test in Hamilton, with the tourists 18/2 and still 640 runs shy of their target.
Late on an abbreviated day three, New Zealand - fuelled by Kane Williamson's 156 - were bowled out for 453 - a mammoth lead of 657 runs - leaving their bowlers six overs to do some damage before stumps were pulled.
That was enough time for the retiring Tim Southee to force an inside edge from a charging Ben Duckett onto his stumps in his first over of the innings, before Matt Henry continued to haunt Zak Crawley, claiming his scalp for the sixth time this series - this time via LBW.
In the sixth over after tea, Williamson slammed a pair of fours to reach 150 - the 11th time in his distinguished career he's surpassed that mark.
But with the score at 310/4, he mistimed a sweep off Shoaib Bashir and was caught on the backward square leg boundary to end a magnificent innings, receiving a standing ovation from the Seddon Park crowd as he strolled to the pavilion.
Williamson's 156 featured 20 fours and a six, coming off 204 balls at a strike rate of 76.47.
Photo: Photosport
Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell set about increasing the rate of scoring, with the anticipation of a declaration looming.
Mitchell became the third NZ batter to pass 50, courtesy of 74 balls, six fours and a six.
He soon became Jacob Bethell's first Test scalp, caught at the long-off boundary for 60, with New Zealand's lead at 579.
Mitchell Santner (49) and Blundell (44*) kept the scoreboard ticking over quickly against the English spin attack, before Tim Southee provided the moment the Seddon faithful had been awaiting.
But after another guard of honour and despite his best efforts to provide one more six to his massive Test tally, the veteran was caught at the long-on boundary for two runs in his final stand at the crease.
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Henry was swiftly skittled for a golden duck by Bethell, finally bringing an end to the NZ innings and leaving a handful of overs to have a crack at the English top order.
Southee and Henry made the most of their late six-over spell, giving the team even more momentum heading into day four.
Williamson century anchors Blackcaps as second-innings lead balloons
An undefeated century from Kane Williamson powered the Blackcaps to a commanding lead at tea.
Williamson carried his bat into the break at 123*- his 33rd Test hundred - with New Zealand in complete control at 274/4, a lead of 478. Daryl Mitchell is not out at 18.
Once play resumed under the lights at Seddon Park, Williamson and Rachin Ravindra swiftly knuckled back down into their work under cloudier and more favourable conditions for the English bowlers.
Kane Williamson brings up his 33rd Test century for NZ | Sport Nation
Williamson took on the bulk of the scoring load, as Ravindra dug in and tried to find his scoring rhythm, resisting the temptation to again fall into the pulling trap set by Ben Stokes.
At 178/3, the duo passed the half-century partnership, with New Zealand's lead steadily approaching the 400-run mark.
With his score at 87, Williamson offered a difficult chance off Shoaib Bashir, with wicketkeeper Ollie Pope unable to pocket a tough catch down leg side.
Adding to England's growing woes was the injury-enforced departure of captain Stokes, who appeared to aggravate the hamstring he tore back in August. He left midway through his over, screaming in frustration as he entered the player room.
England have since provided an official update on the skipper's condition, stating that Stokes is receiving treatment for a left hamstring issue and won't return to the field, meanwhile he will undergo further assessment to determine his availability to bat in England's second innings.
Two overs later, Williamson danced down the pitch and hoisted Jacob Bethell over the rope to score the six runs needed to reach his 33rd Test century off 137 balls, including 15 boundaries.
It also carried his partnership with Ravindra - playing the unfamiliar anchor role adeptly - past the 100-run mark, with New Zealand comfortably placed at 232/3.
Photo: Photosport
Two overs later, Ravindra's knock came to an ignominious end, spooning a leading edge to Brydon Carse off Matthew Potts, throwing away a determined 44 off 90 balls.
Blackcaps resume second-innings charge after rain delay in Hamilton
The Blackcaps' charge towards a significant second-innings lead was momentarily halted by rainy conditions in Hamilton.
Early morning downpours have eased but the drizzle at Seddon Park has been consistent, with the entire main block still under heavy covers, meaning the 11am scheduled start of play on day three has been delayed.
But with the rain clearing and under brighter skies, umpires confirmed a revised start time of 1:30pm, with an early lunch taken at 12:30pm.
New Zealand took a 340-run lead into stumps on day two, anchored by Kane Williamson's half-century (50*) after Will Young's 60 set the tone, the team closing at 136/3.
Rachin Ravindra (2*) is the other unbeaten batsman.
Sport Nation has live ball-by-ball commentary of all the second Test between the Blackcaps and England - available on all NZ frequencies and the new Sport Nation app - available on App Store and Google Play.
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