England’s year ended on a disappointing note as they were handed a crushing defeat by New Zealand in the third and final Test, with the Black Caps securing a 423-run victory and sending seamer Tim Southee into retirement with a consolation win.
Chasing an improbable target of 658, England were bowled out for 234 on the fourth afternoon, their largest defeat by New Zealand in terms of runs and the fourth-largest defeat by any team.
Jacob Bethell impressed once again, scoring 76 runs despite a fiery spell from New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke. Bethell formed a key partnership with Joe Root, who contributed 54 runs, adding 104 for the third wicket. However, the innings began to unravel once Root was dismissed, and Harry Brook followed soon after, falling to O’Rourke for just one.
The innings reached its low point when vice-captain Ollie Pope, attempting a reverse scoop against Matt Henry, was bowled for 17. Captain Ben Stokes, who had sustained a recurrence of a left hamstring injury on day three, did not bat. Stokes had been expected to undergo a scan before day four but will instead be assessed on Wednesday.
England’s collapse continued as their last four wickets fell for just 19 runs, ensuring that Southee was not called upon to bowl after lunch. The 36-year-old finished his 16-year career, which included 107 Tests, with 391 wickets, leading his team from the field in his final match.
Despite the heavy defeat, England still won the series 2-1. They will now shift their focus to a white-ball programme after Christmas, with their Test summer beginning against Zimbabwe in May.
