England suffer huge 423-run defeat against New Zealand in the third Test in Hamilton as Jacob Bethell top-scores with 76... but Ben Stokes' side win the series 2-1
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England ended their long year on a low as they slumped to a a crushing 423-run defeat in the third and final Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park – with Ben Stokes choosing not to bat as he nursed his sore hamstring. Half-centuries from Joe Root and Jacob Bethell – his third of a promising debut series – held the hosts up on the fourth morning after England resumed on 18 for two. But a target of 658 meant defeat was a matter of when, not if.
![[Ollie Pope was out attempting a reverse scoop as England's batting collapsed once again]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/01/93216477-14199863-image-a-9_1734398045662.jpg)
The result provided at least some consolation for New Zealand, whose defeats at Christchurch and Wellington meant they had lost a home series to England for the first time in 16 years. And it condemned Stokes's team to their fourth defeat in the final match of a Test series in 2024 – a mixed year in which they have won three series out of five, and nine games out of 17.
![[Harry Brook was out for a golden duck to the bowling of Will O'Rourke]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/01/93216479-14199863-image-a-10_1734398049775.jpg)
The day began with the news that Stokes would wait until the end of the game before undergoing a scan on his left hamstring, having hobbled off on the third afternoon. In his absence, England fought hard for the first hour and a half, only to fold after lunch, with their last four falling for 19. It was their fourth-heaviest defeat by runs in their history.
![[England captain Ben Stokes did not come out to bat following his hamstring injury]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/01/93216481-14199863-image-a-11_1734398054065.jpg)
Jacob Bethell top-scored for England with 76 as they were heavily beaten in the third Test. Ollie Pope was out attempting a reverse scoop as England's batting collapsed once again. Batting had looked straightforward for Bethell and Root, despite a bad drop by Tom Latham at second slip when Root, on 19, edged Tim Southee.
![[New Zealand seamer Tim Southee leads his team from the field in his final Test match]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/01/93216889-14199863-image-a-6_1734399447325.jpg)
