Ben Stokes assures fitness for Wellington Test after injury scare
- Gus Atkinson recorded the 50th Test hat-trick in world cricket during the second Test.
- England dominated New Zealand, ending the day 533 runs ahead with significant contributions from Bethell and Duckett.
- The focus for England's next match is on securing the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, reflecting on past experiences.
In a remarkable Test match in Wellington, England's Gus Atkinson became the 15th English bowler to achieve a hat-trick by dismissing Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee with three consecutive deliveries. This feat is part of England's strong performance, knocking New Zealand out for just 125 runs. Jacob Bethell came close to scoring his first Test century, falling for 96 runs, while Ben Duckett scored 92. England finished the day with a commanding lead of 533 runs. England captain Ben Stokes expressed his determination to secure the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy by winning this match and emphasized the importance of adapting his play style as he ages. Following the last encounter, where England narrowly lost by one run, Stokes reflected on the thrill of such a close match, stating his focus was on ensuring victory this time, regardless of how it was achieved. As the match progressed, Stokes managed his fitness closely, recovering from a back injury sustained earlier in the series and demonstrating his commitment to leading the team effectively. With a promising outlook for the series, England aimed for an unassailable 2-0 lead, building on their recent successes against New Zealand.