Williamson ton & late wickets puts Kiwis in winning position vs England in 3rd test

 

Kane Williamson's masterful 156 helped New Zealand establish a commanding 657-run lead before England's batting woes continued on day three of the third Test on Monday. The hosts dismissed both England openers in the closing moments of the day, leaving the tourists struggling at 18-2. To make matters worse for England, captain Ben Stokes left the field with a recurring hamstring injury.

Williamson’s 33rd Test century was his seventh at Seddon Park and fifth consecutive hundred at the ground, where he averages over 100. His six-hour innings also saw him surpass South Africa's Graeme Smith to claim 17th place on the list of leading Test run-scorers. Williamson now trails another South African, Hashim Amla, by just six runs.

Resuming at 136-3 after rain delayed the start of play, New Zealand piled on the runs to reach 453 before being bowled out. Williamson was in sublime form, striking 14 boundaries and a six. His partnerships of 107 with Rachin Ravindra (44) and 92 with Daryl Mitchell (60) were pivotal as the Black Caps accelerated toward a likely declaration. Williamson reached his century in 137 balls and brought up his 150 in just 196 deliveries.

Ravindra, though occasionally restricted by England's 7-2 offside field, eventually fell attempting an ambitious shot off Matthew Potts, edging the ball to Brydon Carse at mid-off. Mitchell’s more aggressive approach, including two sixes and seven fours in his 60 from 84 balls, added urgency to the innings. He was eventually dismissed by Potts, giving debutant Jacob Bethell his maiden Test wicket.

Despite reaching a 500-run lead by late afternoon and extending it to 600 by 6:10 p.m., New Zealand delayed their declaration. The second new ball, taken after 93.4 overs, proved costly for England as off-spinner Shoaib Bashir endured figures of 2-170—the most expensive bowling performance against New Zealand.

Mitchell Santner struck 16 runs in one over off Joe Root but was dismissed in the same over for 49. Tim Southee, playing his 107th and final Test, entered to a guard of honor from the England players. Though needing just two sixes to become the fourth player in history to hit 100 Test sixes, he managed only 2 before the innings concluded with Tom Blundell unbeaten on 44.

England’s response got off to a dismal start. Tim Southee, showcasing his class one last time, bowled Ben Duckett (4) off an inside edge in the second over. Zac Crawley (5) soon followed, trapped lbw by Matt Henry for the sixth time in the series. Jacob Bethell (9*) and Joe Root (0*) were left to steady the ship as stumps were called.

With the highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test history standing at 418, England faces a monumental challenge in what promises to be a gripping conclusion to the match.