New Zealand crushed England by 423 runs on the fourth day of the third test in Hamilton on Tuesday to claim a consolation victory and send Tim Southee out a winner in his final match. England, who had already sealed the series by winning the first two tests, crumbled to 234 all out after lunch in its improbable chase for 658 runs to sweep the series. Captain Ben Stokes, who is being treated for a left hamstring injury sustained on Monday, did not bat in England’s second innings to further hasten the conclusion.
The end came swiftly with England, who looked determined to go down fighting before the break, losing its last three wickets in 12 deliveries for the addition of three runs. Mitchell Santner (4-85) was named Player of the Match after ripping through the England tail to give New Zealand its biggest-ever win by runs and inflict the fourth-worst defeat by runs on the tourists. “It’s obviously pleasing to finish in that fashion,” said New Zealand captain Tom Latham.
“We certainly knew we weren’t quite at our best those first couple of games, but I think the way we came in here and were able to adapt to the surface was very pleasing,” he added. ALSO READ | Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Allan Border wonders whether Virat Kohli has lost his edge Southee failed to add to his extraordinary tally of sixes on Monday and will retire with 98 but he did take two wickets in his final test innings to finish his career with 391, the second highest for a New Zealander behind Ric.