New Zealand dominate with 340-run lead as England struggle in third Test

England lost their final eight wickets for just 66 runs, with O’Rourke leading the charge.

England were bowled out for just 143, leaving New Zealand in a dominant position in the third Test in Hamilton.

Continuing a troubling pattern of poor performances in series finales, England were bowled out for just 143 in 36 overs on a pitch offering no real assistance to the bowlers.

England's collapse saw them lose their last eight wickets for just 66 runs, with a brief resistance coming from Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes, who put on 52 runs. However, the final five wickets fell for a mere nine runs.

 

 

 

 

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Matt Henry claimed 4 for 48, but the real turning point came from Will O'Rourke, who tore through England's lower order, taking three wickets in just eight balls.

Spinner Mitchell Santner also played a key role, continuing his strong return to the New Zealand team with figures of 3 for 7.

The first breakthrough came when O'Rourke removed Jacob Bethell (12) at point, followed by Brook, who was dismissed for a golden duck.

After scoring centuries in the first two tests, Brook was caught playing on to an in-swinger, drawing applause from the Seddon Park crowd.

Root’s departure came soon after, as O'Rourke claimed him for 32, caught at point after a sharp bounce from a limp cut shot.

Earlier, England had been reduced to 54-2 at lunch, with Henry removing both openers. Zak Crawley was caught and bowled for 21, continuing his dismal series, where he has managed just 47 runs at an average of 9.6. Duckett fell for 11, trapped lbw by Henry.

Playing XI:

NEW ZEALAND: Tom Latham (capt), Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Will O'Rourke.

ENGLAND: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes (capt), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Shoaib Bashir.