England have wrapped up the Test series against New Zealand with a 323-run victory at the Basin Reserve today, Tom Blundell’s fifth Test century just about the only highlight for the home side.
Blundell, under pressure after a series of low scores, brought up his ton in 96 balls, a positive knock which included four huge sixes down the ground.
Dropped by Jacob Bethell at second slip without scoring, Blundell made England pay and took a leaf out of the tourists’ book by playing in a positive fashion which largely escaped his teammates.
Eventually dismissed for 115, Blundell’s score was the highest by a Black Caps player in the series and his 96-run partnership with Nathan Smith, who made his Test debut in the heavy defeat in the first Test at Hagley Oval, was the highest of the series for the home team.
Smith was out for 42, his highest Test score.
New Zealand were chasing 583 for an unlikely victory but were dismissed for 259 with two days remaining. It is the largest runs defeat to England in New Zealand's history.
"We're obviously hurting," New Zealand skipper Tom Latham said. "It's disappointing to lose in that fashion."
Blundell’s knock will keep him in the side for the third and final Test at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on which starts next Saturday but other changes are almost inevitable after another timid batting performance from New Zealand, with opener Devon Conway under threat after scores of 11 and 0 in Wellington. He scored 2 and 8 in Christchurch.
Will Young, not selected for the first two Tests, will almost certainly be included after head coach Gary Stead elected to keep the same XI for the second Test.
“It’s amazing to be stood here winning the series and particularly after being 40-4 on day one and I think looking back to the start of this game I think that’s a huge reason why we have (won),” England skipper Ben Stokes said.
“Harry Brook and Ollie Pope were just amazing on day one to play like that. That wicket in cricket terms was what we call a snake pit. Especially on day one it was doing plenty and providing a lot of assistance for the bowlers.
"To have the bravery and the backing of your own ability and to also have the skill to go out and play like that was just absolutely phenomenal.”
Earlier today, Joe Root completed his 36th Test century before England declared with a mammoth lead of 582 runs.
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