Joe Root’s century helps England win series and knock New Zealand out of WTC finals race

Ben Stokes's England side beat New Zealand to secure a famous Test series win with a massive 323-run margin. Joe Root completed his century as England declared the innings at 427/6 on the third day of the game. Root scored 106 runs from 115 balls to record his 36th Test century. Skipper Ben Stokes was not out on 49 before calling an end to the innings. 

With this loss, New Zealand is now out of the reckoning for a place in the World Test Championship finals. Tom Latham’s side had some hope of reaching the finals after beating India by a 3-0 margin. After losing the opening Test, the Kiwis had to win the series' final two games to keep their hopes alive. 

For New Zealand, the best bowlers were Tim Southee and Matt Henry who picked 2 wickets each. Ben Duckett (92), Jacob Bethell (96), and Harry Brook (55) were the other huge contributors to the visiting side. 

JOE ROOT IN STYLE 😮‍💨

What a way to bring up his century 💯

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Tom Blundell century wages lone battle with a splendid ton

Needing 583 to win, New Zealand lost opener Devon Conway for a duck and former skipper Kane Williamson for 4 runs. Chris Woakes got both wickets Brydon Carse then dismissed skipper Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra to reduce the Kiwis to 59/4 in the 14th over. 

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell tried to delay the inevitable with a stand of 47 runs for the fifth wicket. Mitchell was out for 32 when he was caught by Ollie Pope to give Gus Atkinson his 1st wicket of the innings. Glenn Phillips scored 16 runs, which also included a huge six before he was castled by Shoaib Bashir. 

The best batter for New Zealand was Tom Blundell who scored 115 runs from a mere 102 balls. His knock included 13 fours and 5 huge sixes before he was caught by Ben Duckett who used amazing presence of mind to take an amazing catch. Nathan Smith and Blundell joined forces to add 94 runs for the 7th wicket in just 13.3 overs. 

Ben Stokes wrapped up the game with 3 wickets in quick time. The right-arm pacer first got the wicket of Smith for 42 off 51 balls. This was followed by the wicket of Matt Henry for 4 and then the last wicket of Southee for 8 to end the game with two more days left to play.