Jacob Bethell stakes his claim as England's No 3 in Test debut

In a dominant display, England achieved their first away Test series victory in two years by beating New Zealand by 323 runs in Wellington. The match took place on December 7, 2024, and marked England's first series win on New Zealand soil since 2008, bringing their total overseas series wins to three in recent years. They had previously lost a series in Pakistan earlier in the year, making this win particularly significant for the team’s morale and future prospects. Tom Blundell was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring a defiant 115 runs, but it was insufficient to prevent England's comprehensive victory. This Test match was notable not just for the result but also for the fact that it highlighted the resurgence of the England team under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes. Harry Brook played a crucial role, scoring 123 runs on the first day and helping to stabilize the innings after a shaky start. His performance is being praised as instrumental in setting up what became a monumental victory. Joe Root also contributed significantly, making 106 runs and marking his 36th Test century, which places him joint-fifth on the all-time list of century makers. This victory is a testament to England's aggressive approach, often described as 'Bazball,’ emphasizing attacking batting and strong bowling. The team declared its innings at 427 for 6, pushing New Zealand to chase a daunting target of 583 runs, which they could not achieve, ultimately being bowled out for 259. This defeat leaves New Zealand seeking to reclaim pride in the final Test of the series. Following this series victory, England set their sights on an unexpected 3-0 whitewash in the forthcoming match in Hamilton. The win has renewed confidence in the squad, suggesting a promising future as they prepare for the Ashes series next winter. The success against New Zealand demonstrates England's capability to bounce back from previous losses and provides hope for the team's development and success in future international fixtures.