New Zealand warm-up for India WTC clash with England humbling

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Jun 13, 2021

New Zealand crushed hosts England by eight wickets in the second and final Test to seal a 1-0 series win after chasing down a target of 38 runs on the fourth day at Edgbaston.

The result meant New Zealand, who thoroughly outplayed the hosts in the match, secured a first Test series win in England since 1999 and only their third overall in the country.

England had been reduced to 122-9 at stumps on day three with a slender lead of 37 runs and Olly Stone was caught behind off Trent Boult on the first ball of the day on Sunday, leaving the visitors on the verge of a famous victory.

New Zealand lost Devon Conway for three after the opening batsman fished at a Stuart Broad delivery only to edge it to James Bracey before Will Young (8) played a ball on to his stumps off Stone to leave the visitors at 2-33.

But stand-in skipper Tom Latham (23 not out), who went past 4000 runs in Test cricket during his knock, and Ross Taylor (0 not out) guided them to 41-2 in 10.5 overs.

Latham praised the squad’s depth after they came into the contest having made six changes from the drawn first test at Lord’s. “It’s great to have that performance under the belt. We were outstanding over the four days, everyone who came in did their roles,” Latham said.

The Black Caps became the first away side since Sri Lanka seven years ago to win on these shores. New Zealand will enjoy an extra day’s rest before they take on India in the ICC World Test Championship Final starting in Southampton on Friday.

AP/RSS