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Match Details
ENG vs NZ, 3rd TEST, NZ vs ENG 2026 summary
ENG 354(88.2)
212-10(51.2)
New Zealand won by 160 runs 🏆
438(114.5)
NZ
(94.0)288-9
+
P'ship : 0(0)
Commentary
All
Highlights
Overs
W
6s
4s
Inn 1
Inn 2
Inn 3
Inn 4
Milestone
Let us all catch our breath to start with! This series simply saw everything cricket as to offer. Hundreds, 5-wicket hauls, wins, losses, retirements, injuries rain, pain, blood, sweat, toil, some off-field controversy and just everything you associate with our beloved sport.
Two absolute icons of the modern game stepped onto the cricket field as international cricketers for one final time. Let us all bow down to Kane Williamson and Ben Stokes. They have given us great moments of joy and satisfaction; and on numerous occasions reassured us that we chose to love the right sport.
Kane Williamson taught us how to be calm, collected, generous, graceful and benevolent in every high and low life as to offer. Ben Stokes taught us how to be brave, bold, resilient, relentless and reliable in every challenge life throws at you.
In all the frenzy and emotion that had engulfed Trent Bridge yesterday, the discipline, dedication and devotion New Zealand showed over the last two Tests was unfortunately overshadowed. Well, their efforts, tactical genius and the universally envied ability to do the simple things correctly eventually brought them their moment where they could announce themselves as series winners and proudly own the stage.
England have a tough jigsaw on their table to solve. Who replaces Ben Stokes as captain? Do they have another all-rounder like that in the making? Does Bazball come to an end with Stokes leaving?
Two absolute icons of the modern game stepped onto the cricket field as international cricketers for one final time. Let us all bow down to Kane Williamson and Ben Stokes. They have given us great moments of joy and satisfaction; and on numerous occasions reassured us that we chose to love the right sport.
Kane Williamson taught us how to be calm, collected, generous, graceful and benevolent in every high and low life as to offer. Ben Stokes taught us how to be brave, bold, resilient, relentless and reliable in every challenge life throws at you.
In all the frenzy and emotion that had engulfed Trent Bridge yesterday, the discipline, dedication and devotion New Zealand showed over the last two Tests was unfortunately overshadowed. Well, their efforts, tactical genius and the universally envied ability to do the simple things correctly eventually brought them their moment where they could announce themselves as series winners and proudly own the stage.
England have a tough jigsaw on their table to solve. Who replaces Ben Stokes as captain? Do they have another all-rounder like that in the making? Does Bazball come to an end with Stokes leaving?
Visiting teams to come from 1–0 down and win a Test series in England:
Australia – 2–1 (5 Tests), 1909 Ashes
Australia – 2–1 (5 Tests), 1930 Ashes
West Indies – 3–1 (4 Tests), 1950
Australia – 3–2 (6 Tests), 1997 Ashes
New Zealand – 2–1 (4 Tests), 1999
New Zealand – 2–1 (3 Tests), 2026*
Australia – 2–1 (5 Tests), 1909 Ashes
Australia – 2–1 (5 Tests), 1930 Ashes
West Indies – 3–1 (4 Tests), 1950
Australia – 3–2 (6 Tests), 1997 Ashes
New Zealand – 2–1 (4 Tests), 1999
New Zealand – 2–1 (3 Tests), 2026*
New Zealand's come-from-behind Test Series Wins:
2–1 (4 Tests) vs England (Away), 1999
2–1 (3 Tests) vs England (Away), 2026, This Series*
2–1 (4 Tests) vs England (Away), 1999
2–1 (3 Tests) vs England (Away), 2026, This Series*
Tom Latham walks up to the podium where his teammates are eagerly waiting behind the trophy. The New Zealand skipper collects the silverware and lifts it aloft to a huge roar from the Black Caps players and support staff. The celebrations can now begin for New Zealand. After trailing 1-0 in the series, they have produced a magnificent comeback to win the next two Tests and claim the series 2-1.
Tom Latham (New Zealand Captain): "“(How is he feeling) Yeah, a really special moment. I guess at the start of the series, this is what you want to work towards. It’s been a whole squad effort through the test series which has pleased me the most. We have managed to stick to a style which has made me proud. We play a bit of old school cricket which suits us. I guess to be standing here with this result, I am really proud of the guys.
(On making a comeback after going 1-0 down in the series) Yeah, for sure. I thought we did a lot of good things at Lord’s. It was a tricky surface. Things would’ve been different in few different situations. We were able to come at The Oval and play our brand of cricket. Some guys raised their hands and stood up for the team. I guess you always look back after games and we managed to win those key moments. Different guys have stood up in this whole series when the team needed it and we played our style in the best way possible.
(On the key moments in this Test match) Umm, yeah, I think we obviously started pretty well on Day 1. It was a really important partnership at the top. We would’ve loved to kick on from the position we were on. We also made a great comeback on Day 3. We managed to pick 4-5 quick wickets which set the tone for us. We were under tremendous pressure at the start of the 3rd innings but then with the way Daryl and Rachin batted was simply outstanding. That partnership was crucial for us. Obviously, Daryl was the main man for us. When situations get tricky, he is the guy whom we want in the middle. He was enjoying the battle when the crowd was getting into him. Very pleased with the way we bowled in the 4th innings. We were put under pressure last night with probably something which we weren’t expecting but guys were able to adapt to what was thrown at us. Really pleased with the overall performance.
(On that chaotic period when the crowd got to know about Stokes’ retirement and also Stokes opening the innings for England) Yeah, it was. That’s probably something we pride ourselves on. The best part of this group is that they try to adapt to any given situation. The situation was different for us with the new ball as we had guys out on the boundary. We just knew that was the most important thing at that moment as we needed wickets. We managed to get those 4 wickets last night which turned out to be very important. We had lot of hard work to do this morning and again, some key moments like those run-outs and catches. Obviously really pleasing to come out here and get the job done.
(A message from Tom Latham on behalf of the team to Ben Stokes) Stokesy, just on behalf of the New Zealand cricket team, mate, just want to congratulate you on an amazing career. Obviously, one in a generation player. To play against us for all these years, obviously had some fears battles throughout. Just on behalf of all of us, just want to congratulate you on a fantastic career, mate. Enjoy your retirement."
(On making a comeback after going 1-0 down in the series) Yeah, for sure. I thought we did a lot of good things at Lord’s. It was a tricky surface. Things would’ve been different in few different situations. We were able to come at The Oval and play our brand of cricket. Some guys raised their hands and stood up for the team. I guess you always look back after games and we managed to win those key moments. Different guys have stood up in this whole series when the team needed it and we played our style in the best way possible.
(On the key moments in this Test match) Umm, yeah, I think we obviously started pretty well on Day 1. It was a really important partnership at the top. We would’ve loved to kick on from the position we were on. We also made a great comeback on Day 3. We managed to pick 4-5 quick wickets which set the tone for us. We were under tremendous pressure at the start of the 3rd innings but then with the way Daryl and Rachin batted was simply outstanding. That partnership was crucial for us. Obviously, Daryl was the main man for us. When situations get tricky, he is the guy whom we want in the middle. He was enjoying the battle when the crowd was getting into him. Very pleased with the way we bowled in the 4th innings. We were put under pressure last night with probably something which we weren’t expecting but guys were able to adapt to what was thrown at us. Really pleased with the overall performance.
(On that chaotic period when the crowd got to know about Stokes’ retirement and also Stokes opening the innings for England) Yeah, it was. That’s probably something we pride ourselves on. The best part of this group is that they try to adapt to any given situation. The situation was different for us with the new ball as we had guys out on the boundary. We just knew that was the most important thing at that moment as we needed wickets. We managed to get those 4 wickets last night which turned out to be very important. We had lot of hard work to do this morning and again, some key moments like those run-outs and catches. Obviously really pleasing to come out here and get the job done.
(A message from Tom Latham on behalf of the team to Ben Stokes) Stokesy, just on behalf of the New Zealand cricket team, mate, just want to congratulate you on an amazing career. Obviously, one in a generation player. To play against us for all these years, obviously had some fears battles throughout. Just on behalf of all of us, just want to congratulate you on a fantastic career, mate. Enjoy your retirement."
Ben Stokes (England Captain): "[On all the love showered over the last two days on him] Yeah, it has been a nice of couple of days in terms of all that. Obviously, it would have been nice for things to ended differently in terms of a result. Look, the way this Test match had gone it had been a pretty hard-fought game by both teams. We were exposed to some pretty tricky conditions in terms of the weather over the first few days and obviously that contribute to the pitch playing differently day by day. However, that is the great thing about Test cricket. Every day is going to be better than the day before and the next day is going to be different to today. Credit to New Zealand for the way operated in this game. Especially Daryl and Rachin. I thought they fought really well to get their team into a position where they were comfortably ahead. It was always going to be difficult for us to chase down that total. Look it has been a game which feels fitting that it went all the way till the end. The only thing I would change is the result, but you can't always have it your way. That would have been the perfect end. The only thing I will be sad about is the result of the last game.
[Why did he decide to retire now?] I think I explained that in as much detail I could yesterday. I would just like to say that at the end of the day, there might be questions that people have, I'm sure you too but I hope that I can just be respected at the end of the day as the most important person in making decisions is myself. I did not take the decision lightly or rushed into it. I had a number of people that I trusted and talked to about these personal things. I tried to see if I could see myself go beyond this week, but it was not meant to be so, look I am very happy all that I have been able to do throughout my career. Yeah, it is sad that it is no longer going to be something I get to do. There are some things I will miss and there are some things I can say I am happy to not be worried about anymore. There is a lot of emotion obviously. However, I am very happy to be able to do what I did and be able to contribute to the happiness of the fans that come out to show us support everywhere we go in the world.
[Why did he announce the retirement between a session?] Yeah, I had told a few people that I am close with, in the team about my decision a night before and I told the rest in the morning. I have my mangers here with me. So, I just told them that I have a lot to concentrate on in these last couple of days, so you guys just come up with a plan, and we will go ahead with it. I would have to take a wicket after it was made public (laughs). I look at how the last two and a half weeks have unfolded, and one can say they have been 'interesting.' That is the best way to put it. Again, I can look back at just one week and have a bit of a laugh about it as there was a controversy going around my last game for England. Though, that is something you can relate with me as a player. It has been a bit of hit and miss. Sometimes here and there. I have thoroughly enjoyed every time I have walked on the field and look back at all the memories fondly, even if there was a little controversy here and there.
[His best memory as an England cricketer] I think I look back at some of the things I have been involved in the field with. I have played with some of the best players England have ever produced. I have been able to share some incredible moments in the field with those people and even the guys who are starting their careers. Yes, I know that I have done some decent things on the field myself, but I look back at moments that I shared with other people. I feel lucky that I have seen what Joe Root has been able to do on the field as a cricket player and as a captain and he is still going. Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Alaistar Cook, all these greats of the game. There are also some great people I have played against, that have seen do some amazing things on the cricket field. So I feel lucky that not only have I been involved in some of the moments that as a proud Englishman one can say, but also what other greats have done. It has been some ride and always something I will look back at with fond memories."
[Why did he decide to retire now?] I think I explained that in as much detail I could yesterday. I would just like to say that at the end of the day, there might be questions that people have, I'm sure you too but I hope that I can just be respected at the end of the day as the most important person in making decisions is myself. I did not take the decision lightly or rushed into it. I had a number of people that I trusted and talked to about these personal things. I tried to see if I could see myself go beyond this week, but it was not meant to be so, look I am very happy all that I have been able to do throughout my career. Yeah, it is sad that it is no longer going to be something I get to do. There are some things I will miss and there are some things I can say I am happy to not be worried about anymore. There is a lot of emotion obviously. However, I am very happy to be able to do what I did and be able to contribute to the happiness of the fans that come out to show us support everywhere we go in the world.
[Why did he announce the retirement between a session?] Yeah, I had told a few people that I am close with, in the team about my decision a night before and I told the rest in the morning. I have my mangers here with me. So, I just told them that I have a lot to concentrate on in these last couple of days, so you guys just come up with a plan, and we will go ahead with it. I would have to take a wicket after it was made public (laughs). I look at how the last two and a half weeks have unfolded, and one can say they have been 'interesting.' That is the best way to put it. Again, I can look back at just one week and have a bit of a laugh about it as there was a controversy going around my last game for England. Though, that is something you can relate with me as a player. It has been a bit of hit and miss. Sometimes here and there. I have thoroughly enjoyed every time I have walked on the field and look back at all the memories fondly, even if there was a little controversy here and there.
[His best memory as an England cricketer] I think I look back at some of the things I have been involved in the field with. I have played with some of the best players England have ever produced. I have been able to share some incredible moments in the field with those people and even the guys who are starting their careers. Yes, I know that I have done some decent things on the field myself, but I look back at moments that I shared with other people. I feel lucky that I have seen what Joe Root has been able to do on the field as a cricket player and as a captain and he is still going. Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Alaistar Cook, all these greats of the game. There are also some great people I have played against, that have seen do some amazing things on the cricket field. So I feel lucky that not only have I been involved in some of the moments that as a proud Englishman one can say, but also what other greats have done. It has been some ride and always something I will look back at with fond memories."
Nathan Smith (New Zealand's Player of the Series): "(On his bowling performance in the 2nd innings) Yeah, it was great to have the ball in my hand. Really pleased to get the Test victory for my team.
(On opening the bowling in this series) I have sort of promised myself to be able to adapt to whatever conditions I play in whether I bowl with the new ball or the old ball. We have been hit with some injuries at the moment. Guys who were waiting on the side lines came out and did the job for the team.
(On bowling on different pitches) Yeah, for sure. Bowling in England is a different challenge as we have to bring the stumps into play a lot more. And again, we just spoke about being ruthless. Tom Blundell really changed the series for us by coming up to the stumps at The Oval and that was huge for us.
(Any tactics they had planned like Blundell standing up to the stumps ahead of the series?) Ah, not to much ahead of the series. While travelling, we were just discussing that it would be good if he stands up to the stumps. It was also about the skill to execute it.
(On his experience here in England) I think when the ball is doing something, that’s the best time to bowl. When the ball gets soft and flat, it becomes hard. That experience has helped me a lot. County cricket has helped me and I will certainly play more county cricket at some point."
(On opening the bowling in this series) I have sort of promised myself to be able to adapt to whatever conditions I play in whether I bowl with the new ball or the old ball. We have been hit with some injuries at the moment. Guys who were waiting on the side lines came out and did the job for the team.
(On bowling on different pitches) Yeah, for sure. Bowling in England is a different challenge as we have to bring the stumps into play a lot more. And again, we just spoke about being ruthless. Tom Blundell really changed the series for us by coming up to the stumps at The Oval and that was huge for us.
(Any tactics they had planned like Blundell standing up to the stumps ahead of the series?) Ah, not to much ahead of the series. While travelling, we were just discussing that it would be good if he stands up to the stumps. It was also about the skill to execute it.
(On his experience here in England) I think when the ball is doing something, that’s the best time to bowl. When the ball gets soft and flat, it becomes hard. That experience has helped me a lot. County cricket has helped me and I will certainly play more county cricket at some point."
Jofra Archer (England's Player of the Series): "[On his performance] Honestly, it has been really good as I had put a lot of work in, especially away from all this. You know, to be rewarded, honestly, I still don't know why I got this. All the lads have put the work in. This is as much of an award for me as much as it is for them. I could not have done it without the lads anyway.
[On the transition from the IPL to Tests] It will probably just be the mindset. You know, sometimes you are going to have aches and pains, but you have to go through it. You have guys at the other end trying just as hard as you. You don't want to let anyone down. You also want to make sure you stay fit. If you go down, that is a lot of workload for the other 3 fast bowlers as well. You need to do everything in you power to make sure you are fit, fresh and switched on as well. Sometimes you can drift away in the field as well. As you said, you play 20 overs and then you are out there bowling for a day and a half or two days, so I guess just being mentally strong.
[Any doubts about his workload] Nah, not for me.
[On Ben Stokes as leader] Not just as a captain but as a friend as well. Someone you can always go to at mid off or mid on or wherever he is. You can always get advice off him. It is going to be a big miss.
[On Ben Stokes' influence on his career] I think the hardest part is to imagine a change room without him. Every game we have played, he has been there, Rooty has been there as well. So, him being gone, I really don't want to look forward to it. It is going to take some time to get used to."
[On the transition from the IPL to Tests] It will probably just be the mindset. You know, sometimes you are going to have aches and pains, but you have to go through it. You have guys at the other end trying just as hard as you. You don't want to let anyone down. You also want to make sure you stay fit. If you go down, that is a lot of workload for the other 3 fast bowlers as well. You need to do everything in you power to make sure you are fit, fresh and switched on as well. Sometimes you can drift away in the field as well. As you said, you play 20 overs and then you are out there bowling for a day and a half or two days, so I guess just being mentally strong.
[Any doubts about his workload] Nah, not for me.
[On Ben Stokes as leader] Not just as a captain but as a friend as well. Someone you can always go to at mid off or mid on or wherever he is. You can always get advice off him. It is going to be a big miss.
[On Ben Stokes' influence on his career] I think the hardest part is to imagine a change room without him. Every game we have played, he has been there, Rooty has been there as well. So, him being gone, I really don't want to look forward to it. It is going to take some time to get used to."
Player of the series: Jofra Archer (England) & Nathan Smith (New Zealand)
Commentary