NEW DELHI: England’s pace attack made crucial breakthroughs in the final session, leaving New Zealand at 315 for nine after a promising start on day one of the third Test in Hamilton on Saturday.
Despite a solid opening partnership of 105, New Zealand’s middle-order batsmen failed to build upon the foundation established by Tom Latham and Will Young.
Tim Southee, playing his farewell Test, entertained the home crowd with three sixes in a quick-fire 23 from 10 balls, before falling whilst attempting another maximum. His Test career tally of sixes remains at 98.
At stumps, Mitchell Santner remained unbeaten on a brisk half-century, accompanied by Will O’Rourke, who is yet to open his account. The pair will continue on Sunday to add valuable runs to the total.
New Zealand, having lost the series following decisive defeats in Christchurch and Wellington, aim to secure a victory in Southee’s final Test appearance. However, England’s disciplined bowling effort yielded consistent results.
Matthew Potts (3-75), selected in place of Chris Woakes, dismissed Latham for 63, followed by Kane Williamson (44) and Glenn Phillips (5) in the final session.
Brydon Carse claimed the wickets of Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell, whilst Gus Atkinson impressed with figures of 3-55 on a predominantly bright day.
Ben Stokes demonstrated his fitness by delivering 23 overs and secured Matt Henry’s wicket for eight, thanks to Harry Brook’s skilful catch on the boundary.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, England encountered resistance as Latham and Young compiled the series’ highest opening stand, lasting the entire morning session.
Post-lunch, Young edged Atkinson to the slips for 42, whilst Latham, who survived chances on 12 and 53, was caught behind off Potts.
At 172-2 approaching tea, New Zealand appeared well-positioned until Ravindra’s dismissal for 18, caught at gully following an imprudent stroke.
Despite Williamson’s presence, his dismissal to Potts – the fourth in five Tests – initiated a collapse. Daryl Mitchell (14), Phillips, and Blundell (21) followed with poor shot selections, leaving New Zealand struggling at 231 for seven.
