Thanks to brilliant centuries by experienced duo of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson, New Zealand held to a draw on the fifth and final day of the 2nd Test match played at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Tuesday. These two test matches were not a part of ICC Test Championship.
Starting on the overnight score of 96 for 2, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson looked in fluent touch with positive stroke which made life tough for England bowlers. The experienced duo survived few anxious moments but remained steady throughout the innings. New Zealand captain Williamson reached his fifty off 124 balls with a lovely boundary off Sam Curran bowling. Ross Taylor also completed his 50 too off 103 balls. Joe Denly put down a simple chance to end England hopes of winning the match. Both batsmen took New Zealand to safety at 211 for 2 at the lunch break.
The experienced duo of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson enjoyed their stay at the crease after the lunch break. Williamson reached his 21st century off 231 balls. With no chances of a result, England captain Joe Root decided to bowl himself and Joe Denly. Ross Taylor smacked sixes to complete the century off 184 balls before rain came arrived to close the play. These two experienced players led the charge and helped New Zealand draw the match. Taylor and Williamson added unbeaten 213 runs for the 3rd wicket.
It was a high scoring affair in the 2nd Test match between England and New Zealand at Hamilton. Joe Root for his 226 during the first innings was named the man of the match. Neil Wagner who took 13 wickets in 3 innings was awarded the man of the series.
Thanks to brilliant performances by BJ Watling, Mitchell Santer and Neil Wagner, New Zealand won the first Test match at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui by an innings and 65 runs.
New Zealand 241 for 2 in 75 overs ( Kane Williamson 104*, Ross Taylor 105*, Chris Woakes 1/12, Sam Curran 1/56) 375 in 129.1 overs ( Tom Latham 105, Darly Mitchell 73, BJ Watling 55, Stuart Broad 4/73, Chris Woakes 3/83) draw England 475 in 162.5 overs ( Joe Root 226, Ollie Pope 75, Rory Burns 101, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner 5/124, Tim Southee 2/90, Matt Henry 1/87) New Zealand 375 in 129.1 overs ( Tom Latham 105, Darly Mitchell 73, BJ Watling 55, Stuart Broad 4/73, Chris Woakes 3/83) by 5 runs.
