December 7, 2024 : England turned up the heat on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, finishing the day on a massive 378/5, extending their lead to 533 runs by stumps. The Three Lions’ dominance was evident as their top-order batters put on a stunning display, while their bowlers wrapped up New Zealand’s second innings quickly in the morning session.
Gus Atkinson provided a sensational start to Day 2 with a stunning hat-trick, becoming the first player in Test history to achieve this feat at Wellington. The pacer, who has been in superb form, took out Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee in successive deliveries, finishing with figures of 4/3. Atkinson’s brilliant spell, alongside Brydon Carse‘s 4/46, helped bowl New Zealand out for just 125, giving England a 155-run lead after the first innings.
After setting a formidable target, England came out firing in their second innings, and despite the early loss of Zak Crawley (8), the visiting side continued their aggressive approach.
Ben Duckett (92) and Jacob Bethell (96) shared a 187-run partnership, a dominant stand that put England firmly in control. Bethell fell agonizingly short of a maiden Test century, dismissed by Tim Southee in the 38th over.
Duckett, who looked in sublime touch, soon followed Bethell back to the pavilion, falling to Southee for 92, as New Zealand began to chip away at England’s momentum.
However, the middle order continued to shine. Harry Brook stepped in and played another sizzling knock, scoring 55 from just 47 balls, further inflating England’s lead. His aggressive approach ensured England kept up the pressure.
With Glenn Phillips dismissing Brook, Joe Root (73*) and Ben Stokes (35*) formed an unbeaten 51-run partnership before stumps, leaving New Zealand with plenty to do. Root, the ever-reliable anchor, continued to look solid, while Stokes provided the necessary firepower
At stumps, England was in an overwhelming position, leading by 533 runs with five wickets still in hand. The Kiwis will need something extraordinary to make a comeback, as England’s combination of explosive batting and clinical bowling has put them on the brink of taking a commanding lead in the series.
