The Black Caps have completed one of their greatest overseas performances, beating England by 160 runs at Trent Bridge to win the three-match test series 2-1 and spoil the retirement send-off of England captain Ben Stokes.
New Zealand had lost the first test but hit back to win the next two, taking the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy on the fifth and final day in Nottingham. England, chasing a distant target of 373, resumed on 103 for 4 and were bowled out for 212 soon after lunch, unable to survive on a worn pitch that had turned firmly in the tourists’ favour.
It is a result that will be talked about for a long time. As the New Zealand Herald reported, it was the Black Caps’ first test series win on English soil since 2021, and it was earned by a side stripped of much of its first-choice talent. Kane Williamson, the country’s greatest run-scorer, retired from tests before the series and was not available. For the decider, coach and captain were also without a clutch of frontline bowlers through injury, forcing several less experienced players into the firing line.
The foundation for the win was laid by Daryl Mitchell, whose unbeaten century in the second innings turned a useful lead into a match-winning one. Mitchell battled to 100 not out from 241 balls, striking 10 boundaries and one six, in an innings that owed as much to courage as to timing. He wore several blows to the head and body from deliveries that leapt off a length, refusing to give his wicket away and eventually opening up after tea to push the total beyond England’s reach. It was his sixth test century and his fourth against England.
He was ably supported by Rachin Ravindra, who looked a class above against England’s quicks before falling for 94, agonisingly short of a hundred, trapped lbw trying to work spinner Shoaib Bashir. Ravindra and Mitchell added 129 for the fourth wicket, the partnership that swung the game, before New Zealand declared their second innings at 288 for 9 and set the hosts 373 to win. As Stuff noted, captain Tom Latham judged that total more than enough on a deteriorating surface.
England, true to the aggressive style they have made their trademark, went hard rather than dig in, and it cost them. They lost wickets steadily on the fourth evening and could not build the sort of long partnership a chase of that size demanded. On the final morning the innings unravelled quickly. Emilio Gay and Joe Root both fell inside the opening hour, Root caught behind off Nathan Smith, and the tail followed.
Zak Foulkes led the bowling for New Zealand, finishing with figures of 3 for 52 and removing several of England’s most dangerous batsmen across the innings, including Stokes. Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith took two wickets apiece on the last day to close the game out. It capped a fine series for the young Foulkes, who stepped up in the absence of the side’s senior seamers.
The day belonged to New Zealand, but it was also the end of an era for the hosts. Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the match, then promoted himself to open the batting in what became his final innings, making 30 from 20 balls before Foulkes dismissed him. It was a typically defiant gesture from one of England’s great modern cricketers, but there was to be no fairytale finish. His side lost, and the trophy went south.
The context makes the win all the more remarkable. New Zealand had not won a test at Trent Bridge in decades, and few gave a depleted touring party much hope of taking the series after going 1-0 down. Instead they levelled with a big win at The Oval and then produced this comeback in the decider. According to The Post, it is a rare feat for any visiting side to come from behind to win a three-test series in England, and it lifts the Black Caps to third in the World Test Championship standings.
For a team that has spent the past year rebuilding after the retirements of Williamson and other long-serving names, it is a statement of intent. Latham’s side showed that its depth and its temperament run deeper than many expected, grinding out a series win in conditions that have often undone New Zealand touring sides in the past. The likes of Mitchell and Ravindra look ready to carry the batting for years to come, while Foulkes and Smith have shown they can shoulder a bowling load away from home.
It is the kind of win that defines a side. Away from home, against a strong England team, without several of their best players, the Black Caps found a way. Series wins in England do not come along often, and this one, earned the hard way, will sit near the top of the list.
What did you make of the Black Caps’ series win in England. Were you up watching the final day. Have your say in the comments below.
This article was written by AI, briefed to report the facts, hopefully without some of the bias people bring to the job 🙂
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