England’s “Bazball” revolution has continued apace with the vacationers wrapping up a thumping 267-run victory over New Zealand within the opening session of the fourth day of the primary Test.
Still shellshocked after Stuart Broad’s good spell with the pink ball on Saturday night, solely Daryl Mitchell of the final 5 Black Caps batsmen provided actual resistance as they slumped to 126 all out of their second innings at Mt Maunganui’s Bay Oval.
It was a primary Test victory for England in New Zealand since 2008 and a tenth win in 11 matches since former Black Caps skipper Brendon “Baz” McCullum and Christchurch-born Ben Stokes took over as coach and captain.
“Another great performance,” stated Stokes. “Very clinical with the bat and very clinical with the ball. One of the most pleasing things is that whatever New Zealand threw at us we managed to react to that and come out on a positive side.
“It was entertaining cricket and that is what we need to do.”
Broad laboured in vain to get his 20th five-wicket haul in Tests and finished with figures of 4-49 but his partner James Anderson (4-18) led the mopping up of the tail.
New Zealand had resumed on 5-63 with the mammoth task of chasing down 394 for victory but England quickly re-established their dominance.
Michael Bracewell lasted less than 10 minutes before he spooned a Jack Leach delivery to Harry Brook at midwicket without adding to his 25.
Scott Kuggeleijn made two runs from six balls before being trapped in front by Anderson with skipper Tim Southee departing for a golden duck on the next delivery, prodding the ball to Joe Root in the slips.
Mitchell fended away Anderson’s hat-trick ball at the start of his next over and proceeded to stall the rout with an unbeaten 57 that got the hosts firmly into three figures.
Neil Wagner (9) gave Anderson his third wicket with an edge behind and debutant No.11 Blair Tickner scored eight runs, keeping Mitchell company in the final-wicket stand before Anderson took out his off stump.
England’s strategy of batting aggressively during the day and doing their best to expose New Zealand’s batting to the vagaries of the evening sessions paid huge dividends.
Stokes declared on 9-325 after England were sent in to bat on day one and although New Zealand responded with a first-innings tally of 306, the tourists always appeared to be in control.
After another “Bazball” onslaught at the start of day three, the England batsmen slowed the pace to extend the innings and ensure New Zealand’s top order started their second knock under the floodlights.
England’s 374 gave them a healthy lead but they barely needed it as Broad bowled Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham through the gate in short order before returning to remove first innings centurion Tom Blundell in the same style.
New Zealand have lost or drawn their last five Test series and now need to win the second Test in Wellington, which will start on Friday, to save this series.
“Disappointing, however I believe credit score to England. They performed it strategically very properly,” stated Southee.
“We have been on the receiving finish of a few evening intervals that weren’t clearly splendid.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
