Discover how Bethell’s 96 and Atkinson’s Magic propelled England into a commanding lead. Explore match highlights, player performances, and expert analysis.
Introduction:
England are poised to win their first Test series in New Zealand since 2007-08 on the brink of a historical victory after a day of sheer dominance at the Basin Reserve. From Gus Atkinson’s stunning hat-trick to Jacob Bethell’s highest first-class score, the visitors have shown brilliance across the board. New Zealand will be facing the daunting task of chasing a record fourth-innings target in three days.
See also: Brook and Pope Shine as 15 Wickets Fall on Day One in Wellington Test
Atkinson’s Hat-Trick: A Spell for the Ages
Gus Atkinson wrote his name into cricketing folklore, as the first player to take a Test hat-trick at the iconic Basin Reserve. England’s bowlers picked up New Zealand’s remaining batters in just 45 minutes of the morning session after resuming with a lead of 155 runs. Atkinson’s hat-trick was the highlight of an exceptional spell, cementing his place among the fastest achievers of cricketing milestones.
Having taken 12 wickets on debut six months ago and a century in his fifth Test, Atkinson became one of the very few to have achieved ten-wicket haul, a century, and a hat-trick in his 10th Test match. It took him fewer matches than any other player since Irfan Pathan, who had taken 26 matches for similar accolades.
Atkinson’s hat-trick started with Matt Henry deflecting a bouncer to gully. He followed it up by trapping Tim Southee lbw with a full, straight delivery after bluffing him into expecting a short ball. Southee’s forlorn review confirmed Atkinson’s landmark achievement and further deepened New Zealand’s troubles.
Carse and Atkinson Crush New Zealand’s Batting Line-Up
A complementing four-wicket haul for Brydon Carse would complement Atkinson’s brilliance. New Zealand picked up where it had left the first day by opening up with Tom Blundell and nightwatcher Will O’Rourke at the crease but was soon found to be in tatters. He produced a gem by bowling Blundell; an unplayable delivery crashed into the top of off stump.
O’Rourke then followed, and was plumb in front, and although Nathan Smith and Glenn Phillips tried a short counter-attack, their 29-run stand was brief. Extra bounce from Atkinson found Smith out, and Phillips went to Carse as England tightened their grip on the game.
Bethell and Duckett: An Unabating Assault
With a 155-run lead, England’s batting piled on the pressure, and Jacob Bethell of No. 3, batting only in his fourth Test career innings, ensured an innings of exceptional quality. With Ben Duckett he put up a 187-run combination that pushed England into the unassailable position.
Bethell, playing in only his second Test, was sublime. He brought up his fifty in just 52 balls, displaying an array of strokes that highlighted his talent. From driving Nathan Smith to hooking him for sixes, Bethell dominated the New Zealand attack. His innings ended in heartbreak when he fell for 96, attempting an expansive drive off Tim Southee.
Duckett, who scored a quick 61, kept the momentum going after he was dropped early in his innings. His knock ended with a deflection onto his stumps, but by then, England’s lead was already insurmountable.
Root and Brook Continue the Carnage
After Duckett and Bethell’s fireworks, Joe Root and Harry Brook took over, adding 95 runs with minimal fuss. Brook, in red-hot form against New Zealand, brought up his sixth 50-plus score in seven Test innings before holing out to Glenn Phillips.
Root, unflustered as ever, reached his 100th Test fifty to join an elite group of players. He ensured the crease calmness meant that England was in a complete dominance while Ben Stokes made a late-day blitz on the final day. It seemed the England captain wanted to declare soon enough given the fact that England were well over 350 runs ahead.
New Zealand’s Tough Fight
New Zealand had little to smile at, but at least they bowled no maiden overs on this chastening day. England scored more than one run an over throughout, and the five-man attack told them even less against Bethell and Duckett.
The hosts now face a monumental challenge. New Zealand have a history of remarkable fourth-innings escapes—such as Brendon McCullum’s famous 680-for-8 innings against India at this ground—but a repeat seems improbable given their current form and the quality of England’s attack.
England’s Strategy: A Winning Formula
It was in the Basin Reserve that England played out their bold, daring game under Brendon McCullum’s tutelage. From Atkinson’s hat-trick to Bethell’s scintillating knock, every one of them contributed to an almost impossible position.
England are left with three days. The bowlers would look for any help that the pitch gives them on day three. The batters have already made sure that New Zealand’s task is almost impossible.