England vs New Zealand Test 2024

England Take Complete Control as Bethell and Atkinson Shine

Second Test, Wellington (Day 2 of 5)
England: 280 (Brook 123; Smith 4-86) & 378-5 (Bethell 96, Duckett 92)
New Zealand: 125 (Atkinson 4-31, Carse 4-46)
England leads by 533 Runs

England became dominant on day two of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, with Jacob Bethell’s career-best 96 and Gus Atkinson’s hat-trick leading the way. With a mammoth lead of 533 runs, England are poised for their first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008.

Bethell’s Rising Star Shines Again

Jacob Bethell, just 21 years old and playing in his second Test, showcased his immense talent with a sublime 96. Bethell partnered with Ben Duckett (92) and added 187 runs for the second wicket. The left-hander’s calm and composed innings featured elegant drives, powerful pulls, and clever placement. Though he fell four runs short of becoming England’s youngest Test centurion in 85 years, his knock cemented his position as a future star.

Duckett also played with flair, mixing innovative shots with solid technique. Despite missing centuries, their contributions set the stage for England’s dominance.

Batter	Runs	Key Highlights
J. Bethell	96	Elegant drives, 3 sixes
B. Duckett	92	Innovative stroke play
J. Root	73*	Steadying presence
H. Brook	55	Aggressive intent
B. Stokes	35*	Explosive cameo (2 sixes)

Atkinson’s Historic Hat-Trick

The day began with Gus Atkinson creating history, claiming a hat-trick to finish off New Zealand’s first innings at 125. The 25-year-old dismissed Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee in consecutive deliveries, becoming only the 15th England player to achieve this feat in Test cricket. His hat-trick capped an outstanding debut year that already includes a 12-wicket haul at Lord’s and a match-winning all-round performance.

Brydon Carse also contributed significantly, taking two key wickets as New Zealand lost their last five wickets for just 39 runs.

Bowler	Figures	Key Contributions
G. Atkinson	4-31	Hat-trick, match impact
B. Carse	4-46	Key middle-order strikes

England’s Explosive Batting

England’s batters piled on the runs aggressively in their second innings. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 73, Harry Brook smashed a quick-fire 55, and captain Ben Stokes added an entertaining 35 off 26 balls. England’s lead ballooned to 533, leaving New Zealand an insurmountable challenge.

New Zealand Face Uphill Battle

With uneven bounce creeping into the pitch, New Zealand’s chances of pulling off a record-breaking chase or even salvaging a draw appear slim. England’s relentless bowling attack and the scoreboard pressure make the task nearly impossible.

Current Match Situation

England lead by 533 runs

The pitch shows an uneven bounce

New Zealand needs a miracle

Key Moments from Day 2

Bethell’s Maturity: The young batter demonstrated remarkable composure, raising questions about England’s long-term plans for him in the top order.
Duckett’s Fireworks: Duckett’s enterprising 92 added flair and urgency to England’s innings.
Atkinson’s Hat-Trick: The first Test hat-trick at Wellington’s Basin Reserve electrified the morning session.
Stokes’ Cameo: The skipper’s explosive knock set the tone for fireworks on day three.

FAQs

What was Gus Atkinson’s hat trick?

Atkinson dismissed Nathan Smith (bowled), Matt Henry (caught in the gully), and Tim Southee (lbw) in consecutive balls, achieving England’s first overseas Test hat-trick since 2008.