England struggle in Hamilton as New Zealand dominate third Test
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England’s hopes of ending the year with a whitewash over New Zealand faded fast on the second day in Hamilton, where an error-strewn batting collapse left them adrift in the third Test. The tourists disintegrated for 143 all out in just 35.4 overs at Seddon Park, looking a shadow of the side that had bossed their way to wins in Christchurch and Wellington to secure the series.
![[Matt Henry was the pick of the New Zealand attack (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport/AP)]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/15/07/15-551af09c51b64652995406ac71215371.jpg)
With the Black Caps having stretched their first-innings total to 347 with a stubborn last-wicket stand, England did not even clear the follow-on mark. They were spared the ignominy of being sent in again but struggled to stay competitive by the close, New Zealand easing their lead to 340 as they put on 136 for three.
![[New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson, left, takes a run as England captain Ben Stokes reacts (Bruce Lim/Photosport via AP)]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/15/05/15-5653a4581a1546f8b0cd54ac8f4b64a7.jpg)
England have endured worse days with the bat in 2024 – skittled for 112 in Rawalpindi and 122 in Rajkot – but rarely have they underperformed so markedly in gentle conditions. The sun was shining overhead, the pitch manageable and there were scores to be had for those with the necessary resolve. Instead, they were bundled out all too easily, Joe Root’s 32 the high watermark on an underwhelming card.
From 77 for two they collapsed without a trace, Surrey-born seamer Will O’Rourke kickstarting a chaotic afternoon with three wickets in the space of eight deliveries. He ripped the heart out of the middle order, working over Jacob Bethell, inflicting Harry Brook’s first golden duck in international cricket and capping his work with the key dismissal of Root.
Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes flirted with a fightback in a stand of 52 but England let themselves down badly as they lost their last five for the addition of just nine runs. Matt Henry wrapped up a well-deserved four-for and spinner Mitchell Santner mopped up three cheap wickets in as many overs.
