Brook, Root, Carse, and Atkinson Lead England to 323-Run Victory Over New Zealand, Securing Series 3-0
Wellington (New Zealand), December 8: Harry Brook and Joe Root’s scintillating centuries, combined with fiery spells from pacers Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse, powered England to a dominant 323-run win over New Zealand in the second Test of the three-match series at Wellington on Sunday. This victory saw England secure the series 3-0.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first, but England struggled early, collapsing to 43/4. However, Brook and Ollie Pope mounted a recovery with a brilliant 174-run stand for the fifth wicket. Brook smashed 123 off 115 balls, with 11 fours and five sixes, marking his eighth Test century and second consecutive ton against New Zealand. Pope contributed 66 off 78 balls before being dismissed by Will O’Rourke (3/49). Following a run-out of Brook, England were all out for 280 in 54.4 overs, with Nathan Smith (4/86) also shining with the ball.
New Zealand’s response was meek, managing just 125 runs in their first innings, as Atkinson (4/31) and Carse (4/46) dominated. Kane Williamson top-scored with 37. England’s lead stood at 155 runs.
In their second innings, England lost Zak Crawley early, but Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell’s 187-run partnership steadied the ship. Bethell made 96 off 118 balls, while Duckett scored 92 off 112 balls. Root added a solid 106 off 130 balls, and a late partnership between Root and Ben Stokes (49*) helped England declare at 427/6. Tim Southee (2/72) and Matt Henry (2/78) were the best bowlers for New Zealand.
Chasing 583, New Zealand’s response crumbled, losing half their side for just 106. A defiant 96-run stand between Tom Blundell (115) and Nathan Smith (42) briefly revived hopes, but England’s bowlers cleaned up the tail, and New Zealand were all out for 259 in 54.2 overs. Stokes (3/5) was the standout bowler, supported by Carse, Shoaib Bashir, and Chris Woakes, each taking two wickets.
Brook’s stellar performances earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his knocks of 123 and 55.