THUNDER BOULT

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Eden Park, Auckland [March 22-26, 2018].

In the summer of 2018, the English cricket team toured New Zealand to play a triangular T20 series, 5 ODIs, and 2 test matches. The Aussies won the Triangular T20 Series, whereas the English won the ODI Series 3-2. Post this, the two major cricketing nations locked horns in what would be the first pink ball test in NZL. New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to field first on what looked like a spicy wicket. However, what happened next was something truly unbelievable.

The duo of Boult and Southee came charging in and blew away the English batting lineup. Boult picked up 6, whereas Southee picked up 4 as the Visitors were bowled out for just 58 in their first innings. At one stage the English scorecard read 27/9; however, Craig Overton scored a quickfire 33 and took the team total beyond 50. Interestingly, the Kiwis used just two bowlers to dismiss the entire English team. Moreover, in 20.4 overs itself, the fate of the match was very much decided. 

In response, the Kiwi captain led from the front as the hosts amassed a massive 427 in their first innings. Captain Williamson scored a gritty 102, whereas Henry Nicholls scored a well-made 145. The visitors were well behind the hosts, and it was almost certain that they would not be able to save the test. However, unlike their previous outing, they did give some fightback in the second innings. The English scored 320 in their second innings as the Kiwis won the game by an innings and 49 runs. Trent Boult was awarded the Man of the Match Award as he picked up 3 more wickets in the second innings and ended the match with the figures of 9/99. 

To watch the highlights of the Test Match, Click Here.