England failed to cope with New Zealand's aggressive cricket
New Zealand secured the two-Test match series after a thumping victory England by 199-run at Headingley. England failed to bat on the last day of second Test and were dismissed on 255 with 19.1 overs remaining.
After losing the first test even after being in the commanding position for more the 60 per cent, Kiwis knew that only a win can secure the series loss. They posted a humongous 455 target for the host to chase.
Part-time spinner Kane Williamson shared 3 wickets each with Mark Craig to cause a blunder to Alastair Cook’s team on the last day. Cook made 56 off 171 balls before getting leg-before on Williamson’s flighted delivery. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler built some good partnership with Cook and themselves but couldn’t stop the Blackcaps from reaching their finish line.
Kiwi BJ Watling was awarded Man-of-the-Match for his second innings century which came at the crucial time when England were almost seem to be in control of the Test. He was supported by Brendon McCullum in building the innings for their team.
Both Alastair Cook and Trent Boult were adjudged Man-of-the-Series for their brilliant performance throughout the two-Tests. Cook was the leading run-scorer with 309 runs and Boult picked 13 wickets at an average of 24.84.
McCullum’s team played an aggressive form of cricket during the Test series. Especially in the second match where they scored 804 runs at almost 5 runs per over rate. England failed to cope with visitors’ destructive cricket which costed them the Test.
Michael Vaughan announced on his Twitter handle after watching blistering Kiwi’s cricket that New Zealand are the best team to watch play Test cricket. He added saying that hope the game remains the same for the coming Ashes series on the same pitches.