England’s bowlers staged a spirited comeback in the final session of the opening day of the third Test in Hamilton, reducing New Zealand to 315 for nine after the hosts made a promising start on Saturday. The day began brightly for New Zealand as openers Tom Latham and Will Young combined for a solid 105-run partnership, laying the groundwork for a potential big score. However, the hosts failed to capitalise fully, with wickets falling at regular intervals after the opening stand.
Local hero Tim Southee delighted the Hamilton crowd with a late cameo, smashing three sixes in a whirlwind 10-ball 23. However, his attempt at a fourth maximum—potentially his 99th in Test cricket—ended with him holing out in the deep, much to England’s relief. Mitchell Santner provided some resistance, reaching a brisk half-century from 54 balls and remaining unbeaten at stumps. He will resume on Sunday alongside Will O’Rourke, who is yet to score, as New Zealand aim to extend their total and give their bowlers a fighting chance.