The Kiwis star batter Kane Williamson smashed the 33rd test century extending their lead to a commanding 478 runs against Three Lions on a rain-affected day of the third test of England’s tour of New Zealand 2024.
Williamson remained unbeaten 123 runs at tea propelling 274 runs for four after rain stopped play in the morning session. Resuming on 50, Williamson crafted his innings with patience and precision.
The 34-year old reached his century in style, lofting Jacob Bethell for six to bring up the milestone off 137 balls. Kane Williamson went on to score 156 runs off 204 deliveries before being dismissed by Shoaib Bashir.
His 107 run partnership with Rachin Ravindra helped Matthew Potts delivery to Brydon Carse at mid off. Seddon Park continues to be a fortress of Williamson, where he averages an astonishing 98.81 amassing 1581 runs in 12 tests.
His innings steadied New Zealand after England, already assured of the series win, had threatened early on.
Test century No.33 🙌
A Kane Williamson masterclass in Hamilton 👏#NZvENG 👉 https://t.co/rDDz3CQKeS#WTC25 pic.twitter.com/94wbwVbsO1
— ICC (@ICC) December 16, 2024
Meanwhile Ben Stokes left the field clutching his hamstring during a spell of bowling. As New Zealand tightened their grip on the game, England’s bowlers endured the same toil their hosts faced in the earlier Tests, with few breakthroughs to show for their efforts.
Daryl Mitchell was alongside him on 18 as the home side reached 274-4 at tea in their second innings at Seddon Park. Rachin Ravindra was the only wicket to fall, caught at mid-off Matthew Potts for 44 after resuming on two.
Despite William O’Rourke was sent out on duck, New Zealand continued to extend his lead over 500 runs with crossing 300 mark in their second innings.
Stokes was the only player to bag two wickets for England while Matthew Potts, Gus Atkinson and Shoaib Bashir secured one wickets each.
England have already wrapped up three match series, leading 2-0 after emphatic wins in Christchurch and Wellington and the hosts will be looking to avoid clean sweep.
