2nd Test, Wellington (Day 2 of 5)
- England: 280 (Brook 123; Smith 4-86) & 378-5 (Bethell 96, Duckett 92)
- New Zealand: 125 all out (Atkinson 4-31, Carse 4-46)
- England Lead: 533 runs
Bethell Shines with Near Century
Jacob Bethell delivered a stunning performance, scoring 96 runs on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand. This 21-year-old rising star showed why he’s one of England’s brightest prospects. Batting with confidence, he was just four runs short of becoming the youngest Englishman in 85 years to score a Test century.
Batting alongside Ben Duckett, Bethell put up a brilliant 187-run partnership for the second wicket. Duckett himself scored 92 runs, further solidifying England’s dominant position in the game. When Duckett got out, England’s lead had already crossed 366 runs, giving them complete control of the match.
The young Bethell was dismissed after edging a shot from Tim Southee, but his elegant strokes and composed batting left a lasting impression. His innings, filled with pull shots, elegant drives, and confident cuts, made him the standout player of the day.
Atkinson’s Hat-Trick Stuns New Zealand
Gus Atkinson made history with a sensational hat-trick that crushed New Zealand’s hopes of a comeback. Atkinson’s hat-trick was the first by an England bowler overseas since Ryan Sidebottom achieved it in 2008.
Atkinson took the final three New Zealand wickets in three consecutive balls. Here’s how it unfolded:
- Nathan Smith played on, getting bowled.
- Matt Henry fended a short ball straight to gully.
- Tim Southee was trapped lbw on a ball that looked absolutely dead.
This outstanding performance left New Zealand all out for just 125, giving England a 155-run lead after the first innings. With this hat-trick, Atkinson continued his fantastic form this year, which already includes a 12-wicket haul at Lord’s and a hundred and five-for in the same match.
England’s Super Saturday
Day 2 of the 2nd Test was nothing short of a dream day for England. The first hour alone saw New Zealand lose five wickets for 39 runs. England’s bowlers, led by Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson, dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup.
Atkinson’s heroics with the ball set the tone for England’s second innings. Zak Crawley fell early to his familiar nemesis Matt Henry, but Ben Duckett (92) and Jacob Bethell (96) took charge, turning the game into a one-sided affair. Their stylish strokeplay and smart shot selection frustrated the New Zealand bowlers.
Joe Root (73*) and Harry Brook (55) continued the momentum, with Brook smashing shots all over the ground. Ben Stokes (35* off 26 balls) joined the party later, smashing sixes with ease. By stumps, England had scored 378-5, giving them a whopping 533-run lead.
Bright Future for Bethell
Bethell’s calmness and confidence have been the talk of the cricket world. His impressive debut against New Zealand in the 1st Test, where he scored a half-century, showed his promise. In this match, his 96-run knock further cemented his spot as one of England’s most exciting young players.
Many are now wondering if England should find a place for him in the main squad, especially with Zak Crawley struggling. Crawley has been dismissed by Matt Henry in all four innings of the series without scoring a run against him. With Bethell’s ability to handle both spin and pace, he could be the perfect fit at the top of the order.
Can New Zealand Pull Off a Miracle?
With a massive 533-run target to chase, New Zealand faces a near-impossible task. Their batting lineup, which crumbled under the pace of Atkinson and Carse, will need to play the innings of their lives to avoid defeat.
The pitch in Wellington has started to show uneven bounce, making it even more challenging for the Kiwi batters. Given how England lost to New Zealand by just one run at this ground in 2023, the visitors are not taking any chances. They’ve piled on runs to make sure New Zealand has no chance of a miraculous comeback.
What’s Next?
England is just days away from securing their first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008. With 533 runs in the bag and New Zealand on the back foot, the odds are heavily in England’s favor.
Can New Zealand pull off the unthinkable, or will England cruise to victory? Stay tuned for more updates on findcric.com.
FAQs
1️⃣ Who was the star of Day 2 of the 2nd Test?
Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson stole the show. Bethell scored 96 runs, while Atkinson took a brilliant hat-trick to put England in total control.
2️⃣ What is England’s lead after Day 2?
England leads New Zealand by a massive 533 runs after scoring 280 in the first innings and 378-5 in the second.
3️⃣ What happened to New Zealand’s batting?
New Zealand was bowled out for just 125 in their first innings. Atkinson and Carse took four wickets each, with Atkinson claiming a hat-trick.
4️⃣ How did Jacob Bethell perform?
Bethell scored a fantastic 96 runs, falling just short of becoming the youngest Englishman to score a Test century in 85 years. He played smart, elegant shots and was a standout performer.
5️⃣ When was the last time England won a Test series in New Zealand?
The last time England won a Test series in New Zealand was in 2008. They are now on the brink of achieving the feat again.