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Fans celebrate as New Zealand Seals beat England by 423 runs in Tim Southee's farewell Test
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December 17, 2024
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England2024 cricket year ended as New Zealand smashed them for a massive 423 runs in the third and final Test at Hamilton. Despite already winning the series 2-1, England's defeat marked a humiliating finish, with New Zealand producing a dominant performance to claim a consolation victory. The triumph also served as a fitting farewell for legendary sailor Tim Southeewho retired after an illustrious 16-year career that spanned 107 Tests and 391 wickets.

Set an almost impossible target of 658, England's batting line-up crumbled under the relentless pressure of New Zealand's bowling attack. The margin of defeat was historic - England's biggest defeat by New Zealand in terms of runs and their fourth biggest defeat by any opposition. The defeat highlighted England's struggles, as they failed to show resistance and they were fired for only 234 in the middle of the fourth day in the afternoon.

Jacob Bethell and Joe Root shine amid the mess

Resuming at 18/2, England's hopes rested on the youngsters Jacob Bethell and a veteran Joe Rootwhich offered a brief glimmer of hope. Bethel, a rising talent, showed immense promise with a fluent 76 that exuded confidence and elegance. The left-hander bowled late and showed excellent shot selection, driving and pulling accurately, including a commanding six off Tim Southee.

In partnership with Root, Bethel added a vital 104 runs for the fourth wicket, briefly stabilizing England's innings. Root, ever reliable, scored 54 before a lapse in judgment saw him miss the match against Mitchell Santner, falling lbw on inspection. Root's dismissal opened the floodgates, exposing England's fragile middle order.

The dismissal of Bethel soon followed. Withstanding a fire spell from Will O'Rourkewho bowled with pace and hostility, Bethel sliced ​​his first delivery off Southee's new spell straight to deep point. It was a disappointing end to what could have been a maiden Test century, but the young man's innings offered a glimpse of England's future.

England's middle order collapse and Ollie Pope's ill-advised strike

Harry Brooke's poor run of form continued as he fell to 1, bouncing off a sniffer from O'Rourke. The vice-captain increased the pressure Ollie Popewhose bizarre selection of recordings caused harsh criticism. Attempting a reckless reversal Matt Henry, Pope scored 17 in a dismissal that typified England's reckless and disjointed approach to the innings.

As the lower order was discovered, collapse was inevitable. Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts open in quick succession to Mitchell Santnerwho created havoc with his precise left arm spin. Bridon Carse was the last to fall, stunned by Santner's bowling, as England's last four wickets fell for just 19 runs.

In total, England's innings lasted just 83 overs throughout the Test match, a performance that fell well short of the required resilience against a dominant New Zealand side. captain Ben Stokes he didn't bat after suffering a re-injury to his left hamstring on the third day. Although a scan was originally planned, Stokes will now undergo further assessment on Wednesday. His absence has further weakened an already struggling England side and raised questions about his fitness ahead of England's upcoming commitments.

Also READ: Top 5 New Zealand players with most sixes in Test cricket with Tim Southee

Tim Southee: A glorious farewell to a legendary career

The Test also marked an emotional milestone for Southee, who retired from Test cricket after 16 illustrious years. Although he was not required to bowl after lunch on the final day, Southee's impact on the match and New Zealand cricket as a whole was undeniable. Leading his team off the field, the 36-year-old seamer bid farewell to an illustrious career that included 107 Tests and 391 wickets, leaving behind a legacy of consistency, skill and leadership. Southee's retirement was a moment of celebration for New Zealand cricket, honoring one of their best ever bowlers.

England win the series and progress

Despite the defeat, England ended the series with a 2-1 winhighlighting their ability to dominate earlier in the tour. However, the latest Test exposed significant vulnerabilities, including a fragile middle order, inconsistent shot selection and struggles against disciplined pace and spin. For England, the focus now shifts to white-ball cricket, before a summer of testing starts against Zimbabwe in May 2024. The emergence of players like Jacob Bethel remains a silver lining, but the team will need to address its weaknesses to build momentum for a challenging year ahead.

Here's how fans reacted:

Also READ: Fans rejoice as New Zealand's Kane Williamson shines with 33rd century on day three of final Test against England



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