New Zealand Clinch Series at Trent Bridge

New Zealand secured a 2-1 series victory against England, wrapping up the third Test at Trent Bridge with a 160-run win. This match marked the final international appearance for England captain Ben Stokes, who had announced his retirement from the international game after 15 years with the national team.

Resuming on the fifth day with a score of 103 for four, England was chasing an unlikely 373 runs for victory. However, the team was dismissed for 212 runs shortly after lunch, confirming New Zealand’s series triumph. This victory marks the fourth time New Zealand has won a Test series in England, with previous wins occurring in 1986, 1999, and 2021.

The defeat is England’s first home series loss in a three-Test series or more since 2012. The team has now lost seven of its last nine Tests, a streak that places increased scrutiny on the leadership of coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key.

Stokes’ Farewell and Team Performance

Ben Stokes had announced his decision to step down as England captain after four years and retire from international cricket on Sunday. He was dismissed for 30 runs on Sunday after opening the batting. His career has been characterized by numerous impactful performances with both bat and ball.

On the final day, Jamie Smith provided some resistance for England, scoring 60 runs off 90 balls. He and Gus Atkinson, who contributed 19 runs, formed a 75-run partnership for the seventh wicket. However, this effort was not enough to change the outcome of the match.

Other key dismissals for England on the previous evening included Stokes (30 runs off 20 balls), Jacob Bethell (0), Harry Brook (21 runs off 9 balls), and Ben Duckett (36 runs off 42 balls). On the fifth day, Emilio Gay (10) was dismissed in the fourth over, followed by Joe Root (18), who was run out four balls later due to strong fielding from Henry Nicholls.

Nathan Smith, who was the leading wicket-taker in the series with 16 wickets, claimed Gay’s wicket. Root’s run-out was one of two on the final day, highlighting New Zealand’s effective fielding throughout the series. New Zealand’s bowling attack faced a challenge when Will O’Rourke sustained a hamstring injury during the morning session.

Mitchell Santner accounted for Atkinson, dismissing him leg before wicket just before the lunch interval. After lunch, Jofra Archer edged Smith behind, and Santner then ran out Josh Tongue (2). The match concluded when Smith was caught in the deep off Santner’s bowling.

Reflections on Retirement and Future Leadership

Following the match, Stokes addressed his retirement decision, stating that he had not taken it lightly and had discussed it with trusted individuals. He emphasized that he tried to prepare himself to continue beyond this match but found he could not. He also dismissed speculation about a potential return to face Australia next summer, stating, “I’m done.”

Stokes expressed his full support for Harry Brook as his potential replacement for the captaincy, describing it as a “natural progression.” He noted that Brook was made vice-captain for a reason and possesses the necessary skills and ability to lead the team.

England head coach Brendon McCullum shared his sadness regarding Stokes’ retirement, acknowledging the significant impact Stokes has had on many people throughout his career. McCullum confirmed that he had tried to persuade Stokes to reconsider but ultimately respected his decision, recognizing that Stokes was at peace with it.

The series results saw England win the First Test at Lord’s by 115 runs, while New Zealand won the Second Test at The Kia Oval by 253 runs, leading to their decisive victory at Trent Bridge.

Source: bbc.co.uk

Запис New Zealand secure series victory over England in Ben Stokes’ final match спершу з'явиться на NewsGB.org.

Belgium Dominates Group G Finale

Belgium secured their place in the World Cup 2026 knockout stages, finishing as Group G winners after a commanding 5-1 victory against New Zealand in Vancouver. The win, their first of the tournament following two draws, saw them top the group on goal difference. This result sets up a round of 32 clash for the Red Devils against a third-place finisher from either Group A, E, H, I, or J.

The match, played on Friday, saw Leandro Trossard score twice, contributing significantly to Belgium’s emphatic performance. The Arsenal forward’s goals were complemented by strikes from Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers, ensuring Belgium’s progression to the next phase of the competition.

Belgium displayed clear dominance throughout the game, registering 35 shots against New Zealand, who are the lowest-ranked side in the tournament and have now been eliminated after finishing at the bottom of Group G. The victory means Belgium avoided consecutive group-stage exits from the World Cup.

Key Moments and Goal Scorers

The breakthrough for Belgium came in the 28th minute when Leandro Trossard capitalised on a corner with a poacher’s finish. His second goal arrived just five minutes into the second half, a fine chest and volleyed effort that doubled Belgium’s lead. Trossard had earlier come close to an opener in the 12th minute, with his left-footed strike hitting the inside of the far post.

Kevin De Bruyne extended Belgium’s lead with a superb low strike. However, New Zealand managed a consolation goal in the 84th minute through Elijah Just, momentarily pushing Belgium into the runners-up spot. This shift was short-lived as Romelu Lukaku, coming on as a substitute, headed in just 64 seconds later to restore Belgium’s three-goal advantage.

The scoring was completed in stoppage time by fellow substitute Alexis Saelemaekers, who added Belgium’s fifth goal. This late strike solidified their position at the top of Group G. Earlier in the match, Belgium had a penalty overturned in the 22nd minute after a VAR review determined that a handball by Surman, blocking Trossard’s shot, was in a natural position.

Managerial Reactions and What’s Next

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of his experienced players. He noted that while they haven’t won anything yet, progressing to the next phase as group winners, thanks to a four-goal difference, was a positive step. Garcia emphasised his trust in his players and leaders, stating that their answer came on the pitch.

For New Zealand, manager Darren Bazeley acknowledged the challenge of facing Belgium. He suggested that the team had hoped to secure points in their earlier group games, which they failed to do. Bazeley noted that while his team tried to get back into the game, they were punished multiple times. He expressed optimism for the future, believing that many of his players would return in four years’ time, having learned from this experience and improved.

The victory means Belgium will now face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32. Their next match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, with a 9pm UK time kick-off in Seattle. The outcome of the other Group G match saw Egypt draw 1-1 with Iran, with Egypt qualifying in second place and set to play Australia in Dallas on July 3. Iran, with three points and a neutral goal difference, also have a strong chance of reaching the round of 32 via their third-place finish.

The performance of Kevin De Bruyne was particularly noted, as he delivered a significant contribution after being relatively quiet in Belgium’s first two group matches against Egypt and Iran. His goal for Belgium’s third demonstrated his enduring touch and vision, despite his peak years reportedly being behind him. The midfielder’s strike from 20 yards was a highlight of the match.

The atmosphere at BC Place in Vancouver for the match was described as relatively subdued compared to previous World Cup games at the venue, despite the reported attendance of 52,497. This match was the fifth World Cup fixture in Vancouver.

The discussion also touched upon striker options for Belgium, with Romelu Lukaku’s performance against Iran raising questions. However, his immediate impact from the bench against New Zealand, scoring just 64 seconds after coming on, reaffirmed his value. Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta was mentioned as another potential option up front for manager Rudi Garcia.

Belgium’s progression to the round of 32 marks a successful end to their group stage campaign, culminating in the 5-1 win over New Zealand on Friday.

Source: skysports.com

Запис Vancouver: Belgium secure World Cup knockout spot with 5-1 win over New Zealand спершу з'явиться на NewsGB.org.

England’s Dominance Amidst Rain Interruptions

The first Rothesay Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s has extended into a fourth day, with England in a strong position despite significant rain interruptions. Only five sessions of play were possible over the first three days, yet England has consistently maintained an advantage, taking a wicket approximately every four overs. The weather forecast for day four is more optimistic, anticipating dry conditions.

Ollie Robinson has been a key performer for England, tightening their grip on the match. He has taken seven wickets for 57 runs in the match so far. His performance on day three, where he secured two wickets in four balls, was particularly impactful. Robinson‘s career-best figures of five for 39 in the first innings set the tone for his memorable reintroduction to the Test team, having waited over two years for his 21st cap.

The pitch at Lord’s has been described as dry, uneven, and has attracted criticism for its challenging nature for batters. Despite this, England‘s bowlers have capitalised on the conditions. Robinson, for instance, has a wicket every 47 balls, making him England‘s best bowler by Test strike rate since the first world war, among those with a minimum of 80 wickets. Other notable bowling performances include Gus Atkinson with four for 25 and Josh Tongue with four for 55.

Key Wickets and Batting Challenges

On day three, Robinson dismissed Rachin Ravindra for four and trapped Daryl Mitchell leg before wicket, further solidifying England‘s control. These dismissals left the Black Caps at 55 for five, chasing a target of 254 runs. The decision to bring wicketkeeper Jamie Smith up to the stumps was noted as a factor in anchoring Mitchell to his crease, contributing to his dismissal.

The challenging pitch conditions have resulted in 21 single-figure scores, eight ducks, and 11 clean-bowled dismissals among the 35 wickets that have fallen. The highest total of the match remains a distant prospect given the irregular bounce and significant seam movement still on offer. New Zealand‘s batters have found it difficult to establish partnerships and build substantial innings.

Josh Tongue also made a crucial breakthrough on day four, dismissing Tom Blundell for four, caught leg before wicket. Tongue‘s ability to nip the ball back down the slope proved effective. He revealed that a ‘smiley face’ at his mark helps him stay positive during play, though he has not needed it much in this match due to his success.

New Zealand’s Remaining Hopes

Despite the precarious position, New Zealand still has some batting remaining. Devon Conway, who scored a double century on his Test debut at Lord’s five years ago, remains at the crease. Although his scores at this venue since then have been modest (23, 3, 13, 1, and 19*), his past performance suggests he is capable of a significant innings. Conway is currently on 20 runs.

The team also has Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson, who were responsible for the majority of runs in New Zealand‘s first innings, yet to bat. Phillips, who started his innings purposefully with a clip for a single, has shown a more aggressive approach, finding the boundary early in his stay. He has already made more runs than Latham, O’Rourke, Ravindra, and Mitchell combined in his brief time at the crease.

New Zealand needs 199 more runs to win, with five wickets in hand. The play resumed at 11am BST on day four.

Source: theguardian.com

Запис Lord’s Test enters fourth day as England push for victory against New Zealand спершу з'явиться на NewsGB.org.