14 Dec 2024

Cricket: Black Caps struggle as England stays in charge

7:00 pm on 14 December 2024
Kane Williamson laments the loss of his wicket.

Kane Williamson laments the loss of his wicket. Photo: Photosport

Once again, the day belongs to the English.

The third test between the Black Caps and England in Hamilton began brilliantly for the hosts, a century opening stand between Will Young and Tom Latham setting New Zealand up for a strong first innings total.

However, when the partnership was broken, the wickets began to tumble.

The foundation that was laid quickly crumbled, the Kiwis firmly on the ropes at stumps on 315/9, Mitch Santner the late saviour with a fighting fifty.

Replacing opener Devon Conway who is sitting out the match for the birth of his child, Young fell for 42 shortly after lunch, before Rachin Ravindra came and went for a brisk 18.

Latham followed for 63 with Kane Williamson falling six runs shy of a half century when he was clean bowled by Matthew Potts.

England bowler Matthew Potts celebrates with team mates the wicket of Tom Latham.

England bowler Matthew Potts celebrates with team mates the wicket of Tom Latham. Photo: Photosport

Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell Glenn Phillips, and Matt Henry all went relatively cheaply, leaving Mitch Santner to battle his way to stumps in hopes of batting a second day.

Tim Southee, in his final test, was given a guard of honour by the English as he made his way to the middle to replace Henry.

Southee was in typically aggressive fashion, smacking three sixes before he inevitably sent one straight up into the skies.

Santner also counterattacked with some lovely strokes, seven boundaries and two sixes seeing him reach fifty off just 54 balls.

He ended the day unbeaten with Will O'Rourke, who has yet to score.

Potts and Gus Atkinson caused majority of the damage, finishing with figures of 75/3 and 55/3 respectively.

Play resumes at 11am.

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