New Zealand romped on to the first series win against England in their own backyard since 1999 with an eight-wicket victory at Edgbaston. The fact that they achieved this in absence of half a dozen first-string players makes this feat even more remarkable.
They will now take on India in the final of the World Test Championship, scheduled to commence on 18 June. But before that, let us take a look at the report card of each player that played their part in a 1-0 series victory over Joe Root’s side.
Devon Conway 9.5 (M 2, R 306, Ave 76.50)
Conway could not have had a better start to his Test career. He got a double ton on debut, at Lord’s, and followed that with 80 at Edgbaston. He masterfully negated the new-ball threats posed by James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Had he not got out for a duck in second Test, his average would have been upwards of 100.
Tim Southee 9 (M 1, W 7, Ave 11.43)
Southee wreaked havoc at Lord’s, bowling over 25 overs and picking up six wickets in the first dig. He was also on the cusp of a hat-trick, after dismissing Dan Lawrence and James Bracey in successive deliveries. New Zealand decided to rest him at Edgbaston.
Neil Wagner 8.5 (M 2, W 7, Ave 28.00, R 35, Ave 17.50)
It was a rare occasion when Wagner deviated from his usual short-pitched balls with alarming regularity. Instead, he pitched up made the batters play. He was the only pacer to play both matches, and picked up seven wickets in all.
Matt Henry 8 (M 1, W 6, Ave 19.00)
Henry came in for Kyle Jamieson at Edgbaston, and never let the team feel the latter’s absence. He knocked England out of the game by dismissing top three early in the second innings, and was named Player of the Match.
Trent Boult 8 (M 1, W 6, Ave 19.83)
Boult was probing in his line and length throughout the Edgbaston Test match. His six wickets came at 19.83 apiece.
Ross Taylor 8 (M 2, R 127, Ave 42.33)
Taylor attacked in the second innings at Lord’s, racing to 32 in 35 balls, helping New Zealand declare early on Day 5. He then made 80 at Edgbaston.
Henry Nicholls 7 (M 2, R 105, Ave 35)
The unsung Nicholls made England sweat for his wicket in characteristic style. He played 175 balls for his 61 at Lord’s.
Will Young 7 (M 1, R 90, Ave 45.00)
Young replaced Kane Williamson at Edgbaston. It responded well to the challenge, scoring 82.
Ajaz Patel 7 (M 1, W 4, Ave 14.75)
Ajaz impressed all with his control and precision, picking two wickets in each innings at Edgbaston including that of Joe Root.
Kyle Jamieson 6.5 (M 1, W 3, Ave 37.67)
Jamieson started the attack with Southee at Lord’s. He was incisive and picked up three wickets before being rested.
Tom Latham 6.5 (M 2, R 88, Ave 29.33)
Latham helped Conway add 58 for the opening stand at Lord’s. He led in the absence of Williamson, and played a few attractive strokes in his 23 not out in the chase.
Tom Blundell 6 (M 1, R 34, Ave 34)
Blundell was a last-minute replacement for BJ Watling, who missed the Edgbaston Test due to a sore back. He batted only once and made 34.
Kane Williamson 4 (M 1, R 14, Ave 7)
Williamson played only at Lord’s, where he failed to leave a mark: he scored 13 and 1. His struggles in England continued.
Colin de Grandhomme 2 ( M 1, W 0, Ave -)
An ordinary series for de Grandhomme. He got out for a duck at Lord’s, did not pick a wicket, and was left out at Edgbaston.
Daryl Mitchell 2 ( M 1, W 0, Ave -)
Picked at Edgbaston, Mitchell failed with the bat and bowled 11 wicketless overs in the first innings.
Mitchell Santner 2 ( M 1, W 0, Ave -)
Santner was wayward at Lord’s, bowling easy half-volleys to Root. He got a duck and did not get a wicket. It later transpired that he had played with an injured finger.