NEW DELHI: Gus Atkinson secured a hat-trick before England’s batting display pushed their lead to 533 runs against New Zealand on Saturday, establishing firm control of the second Test.
New Zealand faces a daunting fourth-innings chase, as England reached 378-5 at stumps in Wellington on day two.
Rather than declaring, Captain Ben Stokes opted to strengthen England’s dominance, with four batsmen achieving half-centuries, building upon their initial 155-run advantage.Joe Root remained unbeaten on 73, whilst Stokes scored a quick 35 not out against weary bowlers, following Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett’s dismissals in their 90s.
Despite the Test’s rapid progression allowing the Black Caps sufficient time for any chase, they face a significant challenge to level the three-match series after their eight-wicket defeat in Christchurch.
Statistical evidence suggests a difficult task ahead, as the highest successful fourth-innings chase at the Basin Reserve stands at 274, achieved by Pakistan against New Zealand in 2003.
New Zealand’s prospects diminished within the first 40 minutes when their final five wickets fell, resulting in a total of 125.
Atkinson (4-31) dismissed three consecutive batsmen, becoming England’s first Test hat-trick taker since Moeen Ali against South Africa seven years ago.
The bowler celebrated after removing Nathan Smith for 14, followed by Matt Henry’s catch in the gully and Tim Southee’s lbw dismissal.
Bethell (96) and Duckett (92) demonstrated superior batting skills, constructing an untroubled 187-run second-wicket partnership.
Bethell missed his maiden Test century, edging Southee to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. The young batsman appeared devastated after his 118-ball innings, featuring 10 fours and three sixes.
Duckett approached his fifth Test century before playing onto his stumps off Southee (2-72), concluding a 112-ball effort.
Harry Brook reached 55 before falling to spinner Glenn Phillips, whilst Root achieved a significant milestone, becoming the fourth player to score 50 runs in 100 different Test innings.
Ollie Pope departed for 10 off Matt Henry (2-76), who earlier dismissed Zak Crawley for eight, highlighting the opener’s struggles against New Zealand, with just 193 runs at 10.15 across 19 innings.
Brydon Carse’s impressive bowling (4-46) included dismissing both overnight batsmen after resuming at 86-5. Blundell was bowled for 16, and nightwatchman Will O’Rourke departed lbw for a 26-ball duck.
New Zealand added 39 runs in 8.5 morning overs, with Phillips remaining not out on 16.
