England’s batters, led by Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, and Harry Brook, put on a dominant display on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. The visitors ended the day at 378/5, securing a commanding 533-run lead.

New Zealand began the day at 86/5, but their innings was quickly wrapped up by England’s bowlers. Gus Atkinson delivered a sensational performance, claiming a hat-trick—the first in Wellington’s Test history—becoming the 15th England player to achieve this feat. Atkinson finished with figures of 4/31, while Brydon Carse also impressed with 4/46. The pair shared eight wickets as New Zealand managed just 125 in their first innings, trailing by 155 runs.

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In England’s second innings, Zak Crawley fell early for 8, but Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett steadied the ship. The pair added a massive 187-run partnership, with both batters showcasing aggressive intent. Bethell narrowly missed out on a maiden Test century, dismissed for 96 by Tim Southee in the 38th over. Duckett followed soon after, scoring 92 before falling to Southee as well.

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Harry Brook picked up where Duckett and Bethell left off, scoring a quick-fire 55. Brook’s aggressive innings added to his reputation as one of the world’s top Test batters. Glenn Phillips eventually claimed his wicket, but Joe Root (73*) and Ben Stokes (35*) continued to pile on the runs. The duo added an unbeaten 51-run stand before stumps, leaving New Zealand with a monumental task ahead.

Brief score: