England win Napier Test, clinch series 2-1New Zealand vs England, 3rd Test Match, McLean Park, Napier
England won the National Bank Series 2-1 when they beat New Zealand by 121 runs in the decisive third Test at Napier on Wednesday. Resuming at 222 for 5 and needing another 331 runs for victory on the fifth day, the Kiwis provided enough entertainment to the home crowd with some exciting batting before being finally dismissed for 431, a highly impressive total by any standards in the fourth innings of a match.
It was the all-round performance of England players at the right moments that tilted the scales in the visitors favor. Ryan Sidebottom (7/47) and Monty Panesar (6/126) bowled exceedingly well in the first and second innings respectively, while Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell scored centuries just when their team needed them.
It was the last Test appearance for former captain Stephen Fleming, who got a standing ovation from the crowd as well as the England players. Although finishing on the losing side, his Test career ended on a satisfactory note with half centuries in each innings. When he reached 54 in the second innings, he also ensured that his career batting average would remain above 40. Young debutant Tim Southee will also remember this Test for his five-wicket haul in the first innings and an unbeaten 77 in the second innings off 40 balls including nine 6s. This was the fastest-ever half century (29 deliveries) by a New Zealander in Test cricket.
When New Zealand began their second innings, chances of either a draw or a victory seemed remote for them. While chasing a mammoth 553 for victory was well-nigh impossible, the task of staying alive for over five sessions was not easy either. However, when Matthew Bell and Fleming were at the crease, there were glimmers of hope among the Kiwi supporters. But once both of them departed in quick succession, it seemed to be all but over for the home team.
After losing Jamie How at the total of 48, Bell and Fleming added 99 for the second wicket with some sensible batting. They punished the loose deliveries, but tried not to take unnecessary risks given the enormity of the task before them. But immediately after tea, Bell attempted a wild pull off Panesar to be caught at deep square leg by Broad for 69. Fleming too left soon after bottom-edging an attempted cut off Panesar to wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose. Matthew Sinclair and debutant Grant Elliott were both claimed cheaply by Broad with short-pitched deliveries. Ross Taylor and Brenden McCullum then saw through the fourth day, and continued their good work on the final day adding 104 for the 6th wicket. After both Taylor (74) and McCullum (42) fell to Panesar, skipper Daniel Vettori (43) offered some resistance before giving James Anderson his first wicket in the match. Southees fireworks that followed were too good to last although it was Chris Martin who was the last wicket to fall, being bowled by Sidebottom.
Earlier, skipper Michael Vaughn delayed the declaration of the England second innings till they reached 467 for 7. The innings was marked by two fine centuries from Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell. For Strauss in particular, it was a welcome return to big score after quite some time. He played shots on all sides of the wicket to score 177, his highest score in Test cricket. Bell too gave a magnificent display of attacking batting making 110 off only 167 balls with 17 fours and two sixes. The two added 187 runs for the 4th wicket.
The tail also wagged for England with Ambrose and Broad making useful contributions.
Although no New Zealand bowler could make any great impression during the England innings, Vettori was the most successful of them taking 4 for 158.
It was Ryan Sidebottom again who almost single-handedly destroyed the Kiwi batting line-up in their first innings. It was due to his fantastic 7 for 47 that the New Zealand innings folded up for a paltry 168, conceding a healthy first innings lead of 85 to England. Sidebottom, who has been a revelation in the present series, again showed the virtues of an accurate swing bowler without being super-fast. How and Fleming were the only significant contributors scoring 44 and 59 respectively. Broad gave good support to Sidebottom claiming 3 for 54.
Batting first after winning the toss, England were in serious trouble losing four top order batsmen for 36 thanks to an excellent spell of new ball bowling by debutant under-19 player Tim Southee. It was Kevin Pietersen (129) who helped England reach 253 with a well-made century. He was ably supported by Broad (42), Ambrose (39) and Paul Collingwood (30). Southee achieved a rare feat of claiming five wickets on debut and finished with 5 for 55. Jitan Patel and Chris Martin took two wickets apiece.
It was a closely contested series, and one expects something similar when the Kiwis visit England this summer.
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