CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Kane Williamson showcased his class once again, scoring his second half-century of the match and surpassing 9,000 Test runs on Saturday. However, his efforts couldn’t prevent New Zealand from faltering against England’s control on Day 3 of the first Test.
Williamson, who followed his first-innings 93 with a well-crafted 61, was one of five wickets to fall as New Zealand struggled to erase England’s commanding first-innings lead of 151. At stumps, the hosts were 155-6, holding a slim four-run advantage with only bowlers left to bat. Daryl Mitchell remained unbeaten on 31, accompanied by Nathan Smith on one. England’s Brydon Carse was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3-22 and taking his match tally to seven wickets.
England’s Aggressive Approach Pays Off
England maintained their “Bazball” philosophy, dictating terms from the start of the day. Resuming at 319-5, the visitors raced past New Zealand’s first-innings total of 348 at nearly six runs per over, eventually amassing 499.
Harry Brook, who resumed on 132, played a scintillating knock, finishing with 171. His 159-run partnership with Ben Stokes, who added a composed 80, laid the foundation for England’s lead. Lower-order contributions from Gus Atkinson (48 off 26 balls) and Carse (33 off 24 balls, including three massive sixes) added further misery for New Zealand. England scored 180 runs in just 33 overs on Saturday.
Brook’s innings, his seventh Test century, stood out despite several missed chances. He was dropped five times during his stay at the crease, with the last reprieve coming when Glenn Phillips spilled a chance off Will O’Rourke’s bowling while Brook was on 132. He was eventually dismissed by Matt Henry, caught behind by Tom Blundell, in the sixth over with the second new ball.
New Zealand’s Top Order Falters
New Zealand’s reply got off to a poor start, losing openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway with only 23 runs on the board. Rachin Ravindra, who showed promise, fell to a mistimed pull shot, caught in the deep off Carse’s bowling. His dismissal left New Zealand in trouble, still trailing England by 46 runs.
Williamson, as always, anchored the innings with his trademark calmness, reaching 26 to become the first New Zealand player to surpass 9,000 Test runs. He reached his half-century from 74 deliveries, but his dismissal for 61, trapped lbw by Chris Woakes, was a turning point.
The collapse continued as Blundell fell for a golden duck, edging behind to leave New Zealand teetering at 133-5. Mitchell and Phillips briefly steadied the ship, erasing England’s lead, but Phillips fell for 19 just before stumps, leaving New Zealand at 153-6 with minimal resistance remaining.
England Firmly in Control
England’s dominant performance with both bat and ball has put them in a commanding position heading into Day 4. With New Zealand’s lower order exposed, England will look to wrap up the innings quickly and secure a significant win in the series opener. For New Zealand, the focus will be on salvaging pride and finding answers to England’s relentless approach.
