The Black Caps found a new way to end up in the same old predicament against England. After finally building the type of platform required to belatedly seize control in this series, the hosts steadily reverted to type on the opening day of the third test at Seddon Park . Playing to avoid a historic 3-0 whitewash , New Zealand showed why they were in this mess when tumbling from 105-0 to 231-7, before the tailenders lifted flagging hopes and the total to 315-9.
The first day once shaped as by far their best since this series started a fortnight ago at Hagley Oval, where a stumps score of 319-8 represented parity and, as it transpired, the most hopeful night fans would enjoy. The series went downhill, fast, as England earned victories of eight wickets and 323 runs to easily collect the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy. And after a revamped opening partnership looked determined to infuse some life into this dead rubber, today deteriorated in similarly rapid fashion.
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