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Day 3 of the Hamilton Test between New Zealand and England showcased the home side’s dominance as they tightened their grip on the match. After declaring their second innings at a mammoth 453/7, New Zealand set England a near-impossible target of 658 runs.
Kane Williamson’s sublime century, combined with New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, left England reeling at 18/2 by stumps. The early dismissals of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett highlighted England’s struggles against a potent bowling unit on a deteriorating surface. With two days remaining, New Zealand are in complete control, while England faces an uphill battle to avoid a crushing defeat. Here’s an in-depth look at the key moments from Day 3.
Kane Williamson’s batting masterclass
Williamson was the architect of New Zealand’s commanding position, crafting a flawless 156 off 204 deliveries. His innings was a clinic in patience, technique, and precision, as he pierced the gaps with surgical accuracy, finding the boundary 20 times and clearing it once. Williamson started cautiously but soon took charge, frustrating England’s bowlers with his ability to rotate strike and capitalize on loose deliveries.
His partnerships with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell ensured New Zealand steadily built their lead. England’s bowlers appeared toothless, unable to exploit the conditions or unsettle Williamson, who played with serene authority. His knock not only ensured a formidable target for the visitors but also reaffirmed his stature as one of the finest batters in the modern game.
Also READ: Fans go gaga as New Zealand’s Kane Williamson shines with 33rd century on Day 3 of the final Test against England
Jacob Bethell’s efforts amidst the carnage
Despite New Zealand’s dominance, Jacob Bethell emerged as a bright spot for England with his tenacious bowling effort. The left-arm spinner claimed 3 wickets for 72 runs, providing occasional breakthroughs in an otherwise tough day for the visitors. His spell included the dismissal of Mitchell Santner, who contributed a brisk 49 off 38 balls, and Tom Blundell, caught behind for 18.
Bethell displayed admirable control and variation, troubling New Zealand’s lower order on a surface offering inconsistent bounce. However, his efforts were insufficient to prevent the Black Caps from amassing 453/7. Bethell’s performance was one of the few positives for England in an innings where their bowlers collectively lacked penetration and consistency.
England’s top-order collapse
England’s response to the daunting target began disastrously, with the top order crumbling under New Zealand’s disciplined attack. Crawley was the first to fall, trapped lbw by Matt Henry for just 5 runs. Duckett followed soon after, bowled by a peach of a delivery from Tim Southee for 4. Both dismissals highlighted England’s inability to handle the swing and seam movement extracted by New Zealand’s pacers.
With the scoreboard reading 18/2 at stumps, England is already staring down the barrel. The responsibility now falls on experienced campaigners like Joe Root and Bethell to mount some resistance on Day 4. However, with the pitch showing increasing signs of deterioration, their task will be monumental against a relentless New Zealand attack.
Day 3, Stumps
England: 18/2, need 640 runs to win 🏏#Cricket #NZvENG #Newzealandcricket pic.twitter.com/rIwZcQp7Cs
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 16, 2024
