Cook (left) and McCullum (right) shake hands after the Test series ended as a 1-1 draw
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New Zealand spinner Mark Craig and batsman Kane Williamson picked up three wickets apiece to not only help the Black Caps crush England by 199 runs at Headingley, but also ensure that the Test series ended as a 1-1 draw.
Starting off the day on 44/0, England lost Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell and Joe Root in quick succession.
Struggling at 62/4, England captain Alastair Cook and all-rounder Ben Stokes somewhat stemmed the bleeding with a 40-run partnership before Stokes was caught behind off the bowling of Williamson for 29.
Cook ended up making 56 off 171 balls, which included four boundaries, before he was given out lbw off the bowling of Williamson.
Cook made a gutsy 56
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Cook decided to review the decision, but replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and going on to hit the top of middle stump. This led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.
Following Cook’s dismissal, England’s lower order, with the exception of wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, completely collapsed.
While none of the other lower order batsmen were able to make any useful contributions, Buttler launched one last assault before he was given out lbw off the bowling of Craig.
Craig dismissed Bell, Root and Buttler
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Like Cook, Buttler opted to review the decision, but replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and going on to crash into off stump. This led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.
Buttler’s valiant knock of 73 came off 147 deliveries and included 13 boundaries and a six as England were bowled out for 255.
Buttler scored a valiant 73
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Craig and Williamson took three wickets apiece, while Trent Boult snapped up two and Matt Henry and Tim Southee claimed one wicket each.
Williamson finished with figures of 3-15 off seven overs
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Cook was gutted to have lost, and said: “It was disappointing today. At half-way we were right in the game and we created opportunities, every time we had a chance they took the game away from us with positive batting. Adam Lyth has looked solid at the top of the order and Ben Stokes has taken great strides, played nicely at Lord’s and here today too. Mark Wood has also added fire to our attack. When you’re not on your A-game you get found out.
“The batters who have struggled have had a tough couple of games, that’s how Test cricket works. We’ve got five weeks away now to work on our games and come back in Cardiff ready to build good totals. It’s been a challenge against their bowling attack but I’m pleased to score some runs. You need to judge well outside off and I’ve managed to do that which is nice. Our batting has looked good. We could have batted out the day today but those four early wickets hurt us.”
New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum was ecstatic to have won the match, and said: “It’s been an excellent five days to bounce back from Lord’s. We played here to force the pace and we did that, we played aggressive to win and the boys managed to do that. Right throughout the series our slip catching was excellent. Even when we were behind in the games we fielded very well. It’s not easy to bounce back [after] having played pretty well.
“They dominated for periods but we had to hang in and the ability to bowl last on what I thought was a very good cricket wicket was a great asset. The series was played in tremendous spirit. 1-1 is a great result it’s just a shame we haven’t got another one or two Tests! Kane has played a crucial role for us today, he was a bit of a gamble and it worked. BJ Watling was just outstanding and even though he had the injury we wanted to play him, he’s a guy you can build your team around.”
New Zealand batsman BJ Watling was named Man of the Match for becoming the first Black Caps batsman to score a Test century at Headingley.
“It’s been a good Test for the boys and a great win,” he said. “Martin and Ross put the pressure back on England, got us back on top and we kicked on from there. To get a century was very pleasing. I thought I was in a bit of trouble not being able to keep but I was glad to have the chance to just bat and field. Plus Luke Ronchi had a fine debut, the catch today off Kane was an important moment in the match.”