Blundell century in vain as England crush NZ: 2nd Test, Day 3 (Wellington)

Wicket keeper Tom Blundell struck a rapid century but could not prevent England winning by 323 runs at the Basin Reserve. Pace duo Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse had New Zealand in trouble at 59-4.

Blundell effected the rear guard action by smashing off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. His 115 off 102 balls in a little over two hours, included five sixes. NZ folded for 259 all out.

Earlier, Joe Root posted his 36th Test century (106) as England declared at 427-6.

England 280 (Brook 123; Smith 4-86) & 427-6 dec (Root 106, Bethell 96) beat New Zealand 125 (Atkinson 4-31, Carse 4-46) & 259 (Blundell 115; Stokes 3-5) by 323 runs; England lead three-match series 2-0.

Dec 2024.