Test century No.33 for Williamson as New Zealand press on in Hamilton
Another century for Kane Williamson as the Black Caps set England a big target in the third Test.
New Zealand great Kane Williamson scored his 33rd Test century as the Black Caps strengthened their hold in the third and final Test against England in Hamilton.
Williamson matched Australian counterpart Steve Smith to score his 33rd Test hundred as the Kiwis looked to salvage something from the series with a victory having already lost the opening two matches to the European side.
Test century No.33 🙌
— ICC (@ICC) December 16, 2024
A Kane Williamson masterclass in Hamilton 👏#NZvENG 👉 https://t.co/rDDz3CQKeS#WTC25 pic.twitter.com/94wbwVbsO1
Only England right-hander Joe Root has more Test centuries than Williamson among current players, with the former New Zealand captain once again at his brilliant best as he reached triple figures with yet another knock that put his side in a dominant position.
After Williamson's departure on 156, New Zealand continued to flourish with middle and lowe-middle order batters adding valuable runs. Rachin Ravindra (44), Tom Blundell (44), Daryl Mitchell (60), and Mitchell Santner (49) helped fatten the lead and the hosts were finally bowled out for 453, setting England a massive target of 658.
England lose both openers as New Zealand continue to dominate the Hamilton Test.#WTC25 | #NZvENG 📝: https://t.co/tZGWBqINXT pic.twitter.com/FO08dJqYT6
— ICC (@ICC) December 16, 2024
In reply, England faltered in their second innings as well, losing both their openers in quick succession. Tim Southee removed Ben Duckett for 4 runs in a second over, after the batter missed a wild slash and dragged the ball onto the stumps.
Three overs later, Matt Henry trapped Zak Crawley (5) in front of leg, a DRS decision that went in New Zealand's favour.
At the end of Day 3, England were 18/2, still needing 640 more runs with two full day's of play left.