In a match headlined by England captain Ben Stokes’ shocking mid-match retirement declaration, New Zealand defeated England by 160 runs in their third Test at Trent Bridge to win the series 2-1.
It was the first time England had lost a home series since 2021 and the first time they had lost three or more Tests at home in 14 years.
With two wickets lost in five balls in the fourth over of the morning, England’s slim prospects of pulling off an improbable run chase were dashed.
The first player to go was Emilio Gay, who was batting at No. 6 following Stokes’ decision to move up to open. Gay edged a fine delivery from Smith to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell for 10.
After four balls, Henry Nicholls dismissed Joe Root for eighteen at backward point. Nicholls’ fielding was excellent; he hit one stump off balance and tumbled to the ground, but Jamie Smith’s attempt to get off the mark was a poorly timed run.
After missing the second Test due to paternity leave, Smith returned to the England team and put up 75 for the seventh wicket alongside Surrey teammate Gus Atkinson.
But shortly before lunch, spinner Mitchell Santner trapped Atkinson lbw for 19, and when Jofra Archer was caught behind, Atkinson was run out again, this time by a direct hit from Santner that removed Josh Tongue. At a half-empty Trent Bridge, England were bowled out for 212 as Smith, the final player to go, was caught at long on off Santner for 60 off 91 balls.
After a terrifying Ashes loss, England longed for a reset, but it hasn’t happened. Rather, the hole they are in has gotten deeper. They have lost their skipper, Ben Stokes, who watched from the pavilion on his last day as an international cricket player following his unexpected retirement announcement. After losing seven of their last nine Tests, they will play Pakistan in a three-match series later this summer.
After winning the first Test at Lord’s, England appeared to be back on track. However, the controversy that followed—Stokes and Atkinson being ruled out for the second Test at The Oval following a late-night altercation at a London nightclub—blew them off course.
After being found not guilty of anything more serious than violating a team curfew, they went back to Trent Bridge for the third Test, but by then New Zealand had squared the series and gained dangerous momentum. They outperformed England at Trent Bridge without the injured Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips, as well as the rested Kyle Jamieson, and with their bowling resources severely depleted during the decider.
After being hit by Jofra Archer in New Zealand’s first innings, Blair Tickner was removed from the game on day two due to concussion symptoms. On day five, Will O’Rourke’s Test was ended early due to a hamstring injury he sustained mid-over after 35 minutes of play.
With Smith and the concussion substitute Zak Foulkes each taking six wickets during the game, the remainder of the New Zealand attack performed admirably.
