WELLINGTON: England take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match Test series by comfortably winning the second Test by 323 runs against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve.
Root’s brilliance, complemented by England’s clinical bowling attack, left the Kiwis reeling despite a valiant century from Tom Blundell.
Root resumed the third day on 73 and reached his century with a reverse shot, underscoring his creative dominance.
His batting, spanning 127 balls, included a spirited 100-run partnership with captain Ben Stokes off just 79 deliveries.
England batted aggressively, adding 49 runs in 6.3 overs before declaring with a huge target of 583.
Chasing a daunting target, New Zealand faltered early. Chris Woakes removed Devon Conway for a duck in the third over, and Kane Williamson succumbed to Woakes’ consistent line and bounce, leaving New Zealand at 25/2.
Brydon Carse added to the misery with a sharp return to dismiss Tom Latham, reducing the hosts to 33/3.
Tom Blundell fought valiantly, capitalizing on an early takedown from Jacob Bethell. His counter-attacking century, replete with boundaries and two huge sixes, provided a brief respite for New Zealand.
Supported by Nathan Smith in a 97-run partnership, Blundell’s innings revived memories of his debut century at the same venue in 2017.
England’s bowlers continued to dwindle. Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir and Ben Stokes led the attack, dismantling the New Zealand lineup with precision.
Stokes struck the final blows, dismissing the tail with his signature short ball strategy.
Tim Southee, on his final appearance at the Basin Reserve, received a warm send-off from the crowd but his departure marked the end of New Zealand’s 280-strong resistance.
Harry Brook was named Player of the Match for his blistering knock of 123 runs in the first innings, followed by 55 runs in the second.
With one test remaining, they will attempt to complete a cleanup and maintain momentum heading into the next challenges.
