England fall to 423-run defeat as New Zealand wrap up consolation win as expected
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It was a consolation win in terms of the series scoreline but a massive one all the same, New Zealand wrapping up the third Test against England by a margin of 423 runs on the fourth afternoon to send Tim Southee off into retirement with a smile. The coup de grâce came at 2.15pm local time when Mitch Santner completed what has been fine return to the side by getting Brydon Carse stumped. Ben Stokes, due for a scan on his hamstring injury, never pulled on the whites and thus England were bowled out for 234 chasing an absurd 658 to win – their fourth largest defeat in history by way of runs.
![[Will O'Rourke steams in on day four in Hamilton.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/bb7ac5cc35c7152867285c368dcc3367b1736d41/0_0_3962_2641/master/3962.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Resistance? There was a little on a day that began in bright sunshine with England on 18 for two, having been slow-cooked 24 hours earlier. Jacob Bethell stood up in the morning for 76 runs from first drop, with his start to life as a Test cricketer having been a hugely encouraging one. Joe Root also crafted 50 to sign off with 1,556 Test runs for 2024.
But the size of the task was always too great after their collapse at the hands of Will Rourke on the second day and then a third watching Kane Williamson pile on the runs. England leave the country with a 2-1 series win – their third series win out of five in 2024 – but slightly bruised on their way to the departure lounge.
“Congratulations to England on a series win,” said Southee, who retires with 391 Test wickets, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee, who was present on the day. “As always it was played in a great spirit. I’ve really enjoyed playing against them over the years.
