Recalled Durham seamer claims prized wicket of Black Caps star for the fourth time in five innings
Matthew Potts once again proved himself a thorn in the side of New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson, continuing his remarkable record against the renowned batter as England fought back on day one of the third Test in Hamilton. Potts, brought in to replace the rested Chris Woakes, finished with figures of 3 for 75, including the all-important wicket of Williamson, as the hosts closed the day on 315 for nine after being put in to bat.
Williamson, one of the most accomplished and revered batters of his generation, had been in excellent form at Seddon Park, averaging nearly 95 before this match. However, Potts’ persistence saw him claim the prized scalp of the Black Caps’ captain for the fourth time in five innings. Williamson’s dismissal came in dramatic fashion: a lifter off the face of his bat which veered back towards the stumps, sending him back to the dressing room for 44.
The moment was almost cinematic—Williamson threw his head back in frustration, unable to intervene as the ball rolled past his defences. This latest achievement underlined Potts’ growing reputation as a nemesis for New Zealand’s star batter.
England’s day had not started well, with the tourists failing to claim a wicket in the first session. Tom Latham and Will Young shared an opening partnership of 105, which left England’s captain Ben Stokes reflecting on his decision to bowl first after winning the toss. Any hopes of exploiting early cloud cover soon faded as the pitch revealed itself to be a flatter proposition, and the sun broke through.
Despite the slow start, England bounced back in the afternoon, taking three wickets for 79 runs, and followed that up with a strong evening session, claiming six wickets for 143 runs. Gus Atkinson was instrumental in the recovery, finishing with 3 for 55, including his 50th Test scalp, while Stokes bowled 23 overs, his longest shift since March 2022.
The absence of Woakes allowed Potts to seize his opportunity. He nearly made an early breakthrough in the seventh over, with Latham edging one towards Ben Duckett in the slips. However, Duckett couldn’t hold on to the diving chance. England’s seamers continued to test the openers with disciplined lines, but wickets eluded them until after lunch.
Latham and Young were resolute, with Young proving a point to New Zealand selectors after being dropped for the previous two matches. His 10 boundaries were crucial in the context of a match where England’s bowlers needed to remain patient. Latham, too, dug in, contributing a steady 63 before falling to Potts, caught down the leg side by Ollie Pope.
A late wicket for Brydon Carse, who sent Rachin Ravindra back to the pavilion for 18, gave England further momentum, and at 172 for 3, New Zealand were still in a commanding position. But England’s bowlers had found their rhythm, and the wickets began to fall. Williamson, so often the cornerstone of New Zealand’s batting, was the next to go, Potts dismissing him with a masterful delivery that saw the batter touch one down onto his stumps.
With the key wicket of Williamson, England seized control. Mitchell was dismissed by Atkinson for 42, giving the Surrey paceman his 50th Test wicket. Glenn Phillips followed shortly after, caught in the deep by Jacob Bethell, with a fine aerial catch from the young Englishman. There was further drama as Harry Brook produced a stunning piece of fielding, leaping to claim a Matt Henry top edge, holding the catch in three stages as he jumped back over the boundary rope.
New Zealand’s lower order managed some late runs, with Mitchell Santner finishing unbeaten on 50, while Tim Southee, in what may be his final Test appearance, launched three sixes before being dismissed in a similar fashion.
As England reflect on their day, they will be pleased with their recovery after a challenging start. Matthew Potts’ remarkable ability to outfox Kane Williamson has once again been a key factor in their success, and as the match progresses, England will look to capitalise on this advantage to push for victory in the third Test.
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