Trent Bridge: England fights back against New Zealand in third Test decider

By Bilal Ahmed

By Bilal Ahmed — 27 June 2026 — 3 min read

New Zealand’s strong start

New Zealand initially took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge, with Tom Latham and Devon Conway establishing a record-breaking opening partnership against England. The pair surpassed the previous record of 276 set in 1930 by achieving an opening stand of 317 runs. This strong performance on day one saw New Zealand close with 361-4, capitalizing on batter-friendly conditions.

Latham scored 151 before being dismissed by Ben Stokes, while Conway contributed 157 runs, eventually caught off Joe Root’s bowling. Conway, who had previously scored a double century on his Test debut against England, accelerated his scoring, hitting sixes off Shoaib Bashir and Josh Tongue in consecutive overs. Despite the strong start, New Zealand was playing without several key players due to injury or rest, including Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, and Kyle Jamieson.

England’s day two resurgence

England mounted a significant fightback on day two. Captain Ben Stokes played a crucial role, taking 3-13 during an eight-over spell in the morning session. This effort contributed to New Zealand being bowled out for 438, having been at 317 without loss late on the first day. Stokes also reached his 250th wicket in Tests during this period.

Following New Zealand’s innings, Ben Duckett led England’s reply with a rapid 113 runs off 99 balls, achieving his century in 88 deliveries. Duckett, who was dropped on eight runs, shared a 179-run partnership for the second wicket with Jacob Bethell, who remained unbeaten on 74. England concluded day two at 223-2, trailing New Zealand by 215 runs.

The home side’s cause was further aided by an inexperienced New Zealand bowling attack, which saw Blair Tickner replaced by Zak Foulkes due to a concussion sustained while batting. Shoaib Bashir also contributed to wrapping up New Zealand’s innings, taking 2-105. The match is set to continue with day three live from Trent Bridge.

Key performances and ongoing match

Daryl Mitchell was dismissed for 11, edging behind off Stokes. Will O’Rourke, who had been a nightwatchman, was eventually dismissed after passing his previous Test best. Mitchell Santner also fell victim to Stokes, fending a short ball to gully, in a dismissal that was contentious due to the batter’s belief it deflected off his arm guard.

Bashir made amends for a dropped catch by claiming Nathan Smith and Tom Blundell in the same over, contributing to New Zealand losing their last six wickets for just 46 runs. Duckett expressed his emotions regarding his century, noting it was a significant achievement for him, especially playing at his home ground. He acknowledged being dropped early in his innings, stating that it could have been a different outcome on another day.

England will aim to build on their strong day two performance. Bethell and Root, who ended the day with an unbroken 36-run partnership, will look to continue their stand. The match, which is the third Test in the series, follows England’s 115-run victory in the first Test at Lord’s and New Zealand’s 253-run win in the second Test at The Kia Oval.

Source: dawn.com