HAMILTON: England’s hopes of a series clean sheet were all but extinguished on Sunday when they collapsed on the second day of the third Test, allowing New Zealand to take the lead with a 340-run lead.
The home team, who had been defeated throughout the series, enjoyed a much-needed breakthrough day.
After dismissing England cheaply, New Zealand reached 136-3 at stumps in their second innings. Kane Williamson stood firm on 50, with Rachin Ravindra supporting him at the other end for 2.
The turning point came after England lost their last eight wickets for just 66 runs.
The collapse was triggered by New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke, who scored 3-33 in a post-lunch spell.
Matt Henry (4-48) and Mitchell Santner (3-7) further sealed England’s fate with devastating final periods.
England’s problems began after lunch, where they crumbled under pressure. O’Rourke first dismissed Jacob Bethell (12), caught at point, before removing the ICC’s top two ranked Test batsmen, Harry Brook and Joe Root, in quick succession.
Brook, who was in fine form during England’s victories in Christchurch and Wellington, lasted just one ball before bowling to an in-swinger.
Root, on the other hand, was caught at 32 on a lackluster shot.
Santner’s brief stint saw Ollie Pope (24) and captain Ben Stokes (27) depart. Pope advanced to Daryl Mitchell at first slip, while Stokes was trapped when attempting a sweep.
England’s tail quickly folded, losing the last five wickets for just nine runs. With an impressive lead of 204 runs, New Zealand chose not to enforce the follow-on.
Earlier, England reached 54-2 at lunch, but it was another disappointing morning for goalkeeper Zak Crawley, who lost just 21 to Henry.
It was Crawley’s highest score of the series, having struggled with just 47 runs at an average of 9.6.
Henry then scored again, dismissing Ben Duckett for 11, leaving England in a precarious position.
New Zealand resumed their first innings at 315-9 and added another 32 runs before Santner was bowled by Matthew Potts for 76.
Potts finished with figures of 4-90 as New Zealand set a dominant pace in the match.
