NEW ZEALAND THUMP ENGLAND IN SECOND TEST TO WIN SERIES 1-0
New Zealand crushed hosts England by eight wickets in the second and final test on Sunday to seal a 1-0 series win after chasing down a target of 38 runs on the fourth day at Edgbaston.
The result meant New Zealand, who thoroughly outplayed the hosts in the match, secured a first test series win in England since 1999 and only their third overall in the country.
England had been reduced to 122-9 at stumps on day three with a slender lead of 37 runs and Olly Stone was caught behind off Trent Boult on the first ball of the day on Sunday, leaving the visitors on the verge of a famous victory.
New Zealand lost Devon Conway for three after the opening batsman fished at a Stuart Broad delivery only to edge it to James Bracey before Will Young (8) played a ball on to his stumps off Stone to leave the visitors at 33-2.
But stand-in skipper Tom Latham (23 not out), who went past 4,000 runs in test cricket during his knock, and Ross Taylor (0 not out) guided them to 41-2 in 10.5 overs.
Latham’s praise
Latham praised the squad’s depth after they came into the contest having made six changes from the drawn first test at Lord’s.“it’s great to have that performance under the belt. We were outstanding over the four days, everyone who came in did their roles,” Latham said.
“It’s fantastic for the depth of New Zealand cricket. Will Young, Matt Henry haven’t had much opportunity but the way they stood up was outstanding.
“England have a fantastic bowling attack and we played them really well. We adapted well.”
South African star Faf du Plessis has suffered a concussion after a nasty collision with his Quetta Gladiators teammate Mohammad Hasnain while fielding during their Pakistan Super League match against Peshawar Zalmi here.
Following the freak accident, the former South Africa captain lay prone on the ground for a few minutes while the team physio attended to him.
Du Plessis eventually got on his feet and walked back to the team dugout before being taken to hospital for scans. Ruled out of the game, the seasoned 36-year-old Protea was replaced in the Gladiators XI by Saim Ayub. It was the second case of concussion in two days for the Gladiators. The collision took place in the 19th over of Peshawar innings when du Du Plessis’ head hit Hasnain’s knee before the South Africa cricketer fell on the ground. It happened as Du Plessis was trying to stop a boundary.
Du Plessis’ wife Imari shared a story on Instagram and wrote: “This is killing me right now. Surely he should be checked in hospital?” The Gladiators used a concussion substitute for the second time in two days. During their last match against Islamabad United, all-rounder Andre Russell took a blow to his helmet from a Mohammad Musa bouncer. He was replaced by the fast bowler Naseem Shah. Russell was not available for selection for Saturday’s match against Zalmi.
This was du Plessis’ second game of the PSL upon its resumption. He had scored 5 against Islamabad United as the Gladiators lost the match by 10 wickets. Before the resumption of PSL, du Plessis was playing in the IPL 2021, where he scored 320 runs from seven matches, including four consecutive half-centuries, his form helping Chennai Super Kings to a strong position in the table.