NZ vs ENG 2nd Test 2024 Summary:
England: 280 (Brook 123, Pope 66, Smith 4-86) and 427/6 declared (Root 106, Bethell 96, Duckett 92, Brook 55)
New Zealand: 125 (Atkinson 4-31, Carse 4-46) and 259 (Blundell 115, Stokes 3-5)
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
Result: England won by 323 runs
England Dominates to Secure Historic Series Win
In a commanding display of Test cricket, England crushed New Zealand by 323 runs in the second Test at Basin Reserve, Wellington. The victory not only gave England a 2-0 series triumph but also marked their first Test series win in New Zealand since the 2007-08 season.
Despite strong winds sweeping across the ground from the Cook Strait, England remained unshaken. The hosts’ resistance was spearheaded by a remarkable century from Tom Blundell, but it wasn’t enough to overcome England’s overwhelming lead.
Read more: How to watch NZ vs ENG Test Series 2024.
England Sets the Stage – NZ vs ENG 2nd Test 2024
After a first-innings lead of 155, England batted with intent in their second innings. Contributions from Joe Root (106), Jacob Bethell (96), and Ben Duckett (92) helped them declare at 427/6. This set New Zealand an almost insurmountable target of 583 runs or a task to survive nearly three full days.
New Zealand Crumbles Under Pressure – NZ vs ENG 2nd Test 2024
New Zealand’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Within the first 14 overs, they were reduced to 59/4, effectively ending any hope of a miraculous turnaround. England’s bowlers, led by Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, made early breakthroughs.
Blundell provided a ray of hope with an aggressive 115 off 96 balls, smashing 13 fours and 5 sixes. His counterattack, reminiscent of Nathan Astle’s 2002 Christchurch heroics, briefly stalled England’s charge. However, he received little support, with Nathan Smith (42) being the next-highest scorer.
Blundell’s Brilliance and England’s Bowling Prowess
Blundell’s fifth Test century was a personal milestone, particularly after a tough stretch where he averaged just 13.52 across 14 matches. Unfortunately for New Zealand, his dismissal—caught by Ben Duckett off Shoaib Bashir—signaled the end of any resistance.
England’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance. Ben Stokes, with his short-ball strategy, claimed three crucial wickets, including those of Matt Henry and Tim Southee, the latter in his final Test at Basin Reserve.
Record-Breaking Achievements – NZ vs ENG 2nd Test 2024
England’s dominance was evident from start to finish:
- Joe Root recorded his 36th Test century in just 6.1 overs on the third day.
- England’s second-innings lead of 533 was a record at this venue.
- New Zealand’s task of chasing 583 was daunting, with no team having successfully chased over 418 in Test history.
NZ vs ENG 2nd Test 2024 Key Moments
- Chris Woakes’ Early Strikes: Woakes dismissed Devon Conway with a textbook nip-backer and sent Kane Williamson packing with a delivery that edged to the keeper.
- Brydon Carse’s Impact: Carse’s double strike included a spectacular return catch to dismiss Tom Latham.
- Ben Stokes’ Short-Ball Masterclass: The England captain’s fiery spell cleaned up New Zealand’s tail, cementing their resounding victory.
Looking Ahead – NZ vs ENG 2nd Test 2024
This emphatic win in Wellington highlights England’s resurgence in Test cricket under Stokes’ leadership. With consistent performances across batting and bowling, England now looks ahead to their next challenges with renewed confidence.
For New Zealand, this series loss underscores the need for introspection and rebuilding, especially as they transition key players like Tim Southee into retirement.
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