Tim Southee signs off on a high as New Zealand win Hamilton Test by 423 runs versus England

New Zealand ended their World Test Championship cycle with a huge win against England on Tuesday. Tim Southee ended his Test career with 391 wickets after picking 2 wickets as the home team won the third and final game in Hamilton by 423 runs. With this win, the series ended with a 2-1 score, preventing England a series whitewash. 

Needing huge 678 runs to win, England were all out for 234 with skipper Ben Stokes unable to bat due to injury. Matt Henry dismissed Zak Crawley yet again for 5 runs, while Ben Duckett charged down the track and was bowled by Tim Southee. Jacob Bethell and Joe Root then added 104 runs for the third wicket in 17.5 overs. 

Mitchell Santner got the big wicket of Joe Root for 54 to give the hosts the first wicket of the day on Tuesday. The former England skipper played 64 balls, and his knock boasted 10 fours. Jacob Bethell was the top scorer for England with 76 before becoming Southee’s final victim in Test cricket. 

Mitchell Santner spins New Zealand to huge win 

Gus Atkinson delayed the inevitable as the pacer scored 43 runs from 41 balls with 7 fours and one six. His innings was ended when Mitchell Santner had Atkinson caught by Glenn Phillips. The left-arm spinner also got the wickets of Brydon Carse for 11 and Matthew Potts for a duck to end with 4/85 from his 14.2 overs. Matt Henry and Tim Southee picked 2 wickets each, while William O Rourke got one wicket. 

Former New Zealand legend Sir Richard Hadlee praised Southee for his stellar service towards the Black Caps. Southee, addressing the crowd at the end of the game, said, “Thank you, Sir Richard, for those kind words. And congratulations to England on a series win. As always, played in great spirit and a side I've enjoyed playing over the years. Taking this opportunity to thank a few people. First New Zealand Cricket, for everything you've done over the last 17 years. Much appreciated.”

England skipper Ben Stokes was unhappy after the loss and said, “We created a lot of chances on Day 1. Probably didn't get it as right as we would've liked to. We created a lot of chances and we felt like New Zealand had to really dig in to get through that opening period, which they did really well." Harry Brook was named the player of the series, while Mitchell Santner was given the man of the match award.