England Struggle as Williamson’s Masterclass Puts New Zealand in Command

England stumbled to 18-2 in their improbable pursuit of 658 runs to win the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Monday, following a masterful 156 by Kane Williamson that solidified the hosts’ dominance.

Openers Ben Duckett (4) and Zak Crawley (5) fell cheaply before stumps on day three. Duckett played on against retiring veteran Tim Southee, while Crawley was trapped lbw by Matt Henry, marking his sixth dismissal to the pacer in as many innings this series. Jacob Bethell (9*) and Joe Root (0*) were left to steady the ship, with uncertainty over whether injured captain Ben Stokes will bat.

Earlier, Williamson notched his 33rd Test century, crafting a patient 156 with 20 boundaries and a six. His partnerships, including a 105-run stand with Rachin Ravindra (44), bolstered New Zealand’s second-innings total of 453. Williamson, now the top scorer at Seddon Park with 1,614 runs, praised the pitch but warned of challenges ahead.

England’s bowlers toiled, with part-timer Jacob Bethell claiming 3-72 and Shoaib Bashir taking 2-170. Mitchell Santner (49) and Daryl Mitchell (60) contributed key runs before falling late.

Needing eight wickets on day four, New Zealand seeks a consolation win to honor Tim Southee’s illustrious Test career.

(Source: AFP)