England showed good spirit ending the third and final test match at McLean Park in Napier with a victory over their New Zealand counterparts, to run out 2-1 winners in the series.
Michael Vaughan's men went 1-0 down in the first test in Hamilton, losing by 189 runs and being dismissed for 110 in just 55 overs of their final innings chasing 300 for victory. Only Ian Bell offered any semblance of resistance in that final innings, remaining unbeaten on 54. The wickets were shared amongst the Black Caps attack with Kyle Mills and Chris Martin taking four and three respectively.
The second test in Wellington saw the start of the England revival by way of a 126 run winning margin. In only his second test match, Australian born Tim Ambrose completed his maiden test century as the Warwickshire wicket keeper scored 102. Set a total of 438 runs to win, New Zealand were bowled out for a gritty 311 with Ryan Sidebottom, rivalling Lancastrian pace man James Anderson's 5 wickets in the New Zealand first innings, taking 5 for 105 in 31 overs.
Over to Napier then for the final test with the sides all square. England captain Michael Vaughan won the toss and elected to bat. His choice seemed misguided when England were three wickets down with only four runs on the board. Despite a minor revival in fortunes, England could manage only 253 on a pitch that experts had predicted to be a batsman's paradise. Kevin Pietersen top scored with a blistering 129, while New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori was grateful to nineteen year old debutant Tim Southee as he took 5 for 55 from his 23.1 overs.
The Black Caps however, failed to take advantage. On an even flatter looking second day pitch Yorkshireman Ryan Sidebottom again took centre stage with an exceptional effort to return 7 wickets for 47 runs from 21.4 overs.
Capitalising on their lead, England made 467 with centuries for both Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell as the pitch finally began to yield the runs that had been forecast. So with a near impossible victory target of 553, New Zealand made a valiant 431, thereby losing by only 126 runs. Tim Southee this time impressed with the bat, making an unbeaten 77 from a mere 40 balls.
Battle will recommence in England this summer.
