NZ Squander Sound Start as England Battle Back into Third Test

AFP/APP

Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand failed to capitalize on a strong start, ending day one of the third and final Test against England in Hamilton with a score of 315-9.

The hosts, who had been asked to bat, were led by openers Tom Latham (63) and Will Young (42), who put on a solid 105-run opening partnership.

However, their promising position was undone as England’s seamers, Matthew Potts and Gus Atkinson, fought back in the afternoon. Six wickets fell for just 89 runs at Seddon Park, as New Zealand’s middle order faltered with a series of reckless shots.

Late resistance from Mitchell Santner, who finished the day unbeaten on 50, helped restore some momentum for the home side. Santner’s innings included a straight six off the final ball of the day, providing a glimmer of hope for New Zealand. He will resume at the crease alongside Will O’Rourke, who is yet to score.

England’s disciplined seam attack was key to their fightback, with Potts (3-75) and Atkinson (3-55) sharing the wickets. Potts celebrated his recall, dismissing top-scorer Latham and danger man Kane Williamson (44), who was bowled out in unfortunate fashion after tea.

Atkinson’s three-wicket haul took his career tally to 51 wickets, second only to Australian seamer Terry Alderman’s 54 wickets in a debut year (1981).

The middle-order collapse reflected New Zealand’s aggressive approach, with 72% of their total runs coming from boundaries. Rachin Ravindra (18), Daryl Mitchell (14), Tom Blundell (21), and Glenn Phillips (5) all fell after mishitting shots to the off-side field.

Earlier, Latham and Young had shown resilience, with Young falling for 42 after a sharp catch by Harry Brook off Atkinson at second slip. Latham, who had been dropped twice in the slip field earlier, was eventually dismissed when he edged Potts down the leg side.

The key moment came after tea when Williamson fell for 44, playing on to Potts in a frustrating manner.

In his 107th and final Test, veteran Tim Southee entertained the crowd with a whirlwind 23 off 10 balls, including three sixes. The 36-year-old bowler moved closer to becoming the fourth player to clear the ropes 100 times in Test cricket.

England’s goal of completing a 3-0 series clean sweep remains on track, but New Zealand will hope that Santner’s late surge provides them with a platform to build on the second day.