ENG VS NZ TESTS

Right then, it turned out to be a resounding, series-sealing victory for Ben Stokes and his men. A lot for Tom Latham and Co. to reflect on before the third Test. The caravan now moves north to Hamilton for the third and final Test of the series. It promises to be a memorable occasion for Tim Southee, who will play his farewell Test in his hometown. New Zealand will be eager to give their veteran pacer a fitting send-off with a victory. The third Test begins on Saturday, 14th December, at Seddon Park, with the first ball scheduled for 10 pm GMT. As always, you can join us early for the build-up to what promises to be an emotional and action-packed finale. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Ben Stokes, the captain of England says that it is amazing to stand here and win the series. Adds that he thinks that Harry Brook and Ollie Pope were amazing in this match, especially on day one where they batted with bravery and showed their skills. Says that it was an unbelievable inning from Brook and that set up the game for them. Tells that the instructions were to just play with freedom. Talks about Bethell that he played really well at number three. Adds that he wants to give opportunities to new guys and Bethell has the talent to stay here. Tells that there was always going to be pressure on New Zealand to chase down the target. Feels that their bowling was exceptional in these conditions where they bowled against the wind. Concludes that Chris Woakes has been exceptional in this match too and he has a lot of experience.

The captain of New Zealand, Tom Latham says that it is disappointing to lose in this fashion. Mentions that Harry Brook took the game away from them and he praises him for the way he played. States that the English team kept them under pressure throughout the game and didn't take the foot off the pedal. Says that the guys tried really hard and he is not doubting their efforts. Further adds that they came up with hopes of putting up a fight and they are obviously not happy with the performance. Concludes by saying that they will turn up at Hamilton and with it being the last Test for Tim Southee, they will look to make it a memorable occasion for him.

Harry Brook is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for scoring 123 in the first innings and he followed it up with a fifty in the second innings. He says that he is happy to rescue the side after they were in early trouble at 43/4. Adds that the ball was swinging in the first innings and feels that the best form of defence is attack and he is happy to have done that. Mentions that it was an exceptional win and to win in three days, made it more special. Concludes that it is always amazing to win the series, and it is a record in itself for winning the series in NZ.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Mitchell fell, but Blundell, who was dropped on 0 by Bethell, continued on his merry way as he marched to his 5th Test century. Nathan Smith batted with similar intent, and although their efforts did little to alter the result, both batters would have gained plenty of confidence from their knocks. England's bowlers, however, remained relentless. Ben Stokes brought himself into the attack and wrapped things up in style, claiming three wickets in as many overs to seal a dominant victory by 323 runs.

With a mammoth lead at the start of Day 3, many wondered if England would declare overnight, but that wasn’t the case. They continued their batting indulgence, and the declaration came soon after Joe Root departed immediately after his 36th Test century as the tourists ended with a lead of 582 runs. New Zealand were put out of their misery in the field as the declaration finally came, but their woes with the bat continued. Their top four were blown away in the morning session by the English pace trio of Woakes, Carse, and Atkinson. However, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell stood firm and offered some much-needed resistance.

New Zealand’s response was lacklustre, with the English pacers dominating proceedings. Brydon Carse's incisive bowling brought him four wickets, but the moment of the innings belonged to Gus Atkinson, who delivered a stunning hat-trick to decimate the Kiwi tail. The hosts folded for just 125, conceding a hefty 155-run lead. After wrapping up the Kiwi innings within the first hour on Day 2, the visitors piled on the runs in their second innings. Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell both fell agonizingly short of centuries, but their contributions, along with vital knocks from Harry Brook and Joe Root, helped the tourists extend their lead to 533 by the end of the day.

A three-day finish, and it felt as though the Test was in fast-forward mode throughout. So, let’s press the rewind button and take you back to where it all began - the opening day. It all began with New Zealand opting to bowl first, a decision that paid them early dividends as England were reduced to 43/4 in the opening session. However, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope staged a brilliant counterattack, stitching together a 174-run partnership. Brook notched up his second century of the series, but England's hopes of a massive total were dashed as they lost 6 wickets for just 63 runs to be bowled out for 280.

England complete a thumping win to seal the series! This victory marks their first Test series triumph in New Zealand since 2008. As for New Zealand, this result will sting. Coming into the series riding high after a 3-0 sweep in India, they have failed to turn up for the second Test in a row on home soil. Their batting woes have been glaring, with no partnerships reaching the three-figure mark so far in the series. The 96-run stand between Blundell and Smith in the second innings of this Test stands as their highest - a telling statistic of their struggles.

OUT! CAUGHT! And that is that for New Zealand! Dug in short and angled towards the body. Tim Southee makes room and tries to hook it away but gets it skied towards deep mid-wicket where Chris Woakes is well in off the ropes. Takes a few steps backwards and completes the catch over his head. Stokes finishes with 3 wickets. England win by 323 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

OUT! CAUGHT! And that is that for New Zealand! Dug in short and angled towards the body. Tim Southee makes room and tries to hook it away but gets it skied towards deep mid-wicket where Chris Woakes is well in off the ropes. Takes a few steps backwards and completes the catch over his head. Stokes finishes with 3 wickets. England win by 323 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Dug in short and angled towards the batter. William O'Rourke stands tall and swings at it and it goes past short mid-wicket for a single.

Banged in short, over off, Tim Southee hangs back and stabs it down the deck.

FOUR! Shoaib Bashir gives flight to the ball, around off, Tim Southee shimmies down the track and thumps it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Flatter and quicker on middle. Tim Southee looks to heave it towards the leg side but gets the inside edge onto the pads.

Tossed up, on off, Tim Southee lunges to defend.