New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell pulled off a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss England’s star batter Joe Root for just 3 runs during the ongoing Test series. Root, who has been struggling to find form against New Zealand in this series, faced another disappointing outing.
Mitchell’s sharp reflexes and athleticism added to England’s woes as the visitors continued to face challenges against a disciplined Kiwi bowling attack. His brilliance in the field further tilted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor during a crucial phase of the match.
During the second Test match between New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, Kiwi captain Tom Latham decided to bowl first. The hosts capitalized on familiar home conditions, putting England under pressure early in their first innings. The visiting side struggled to find their rhythm as the bowlers exploited the pitch’s nuances to gain an upper hand in the contest.
Ben Duckett was the first to depart, falling for a duck after facing just eight deliveries, as Matt Henry struck early. Zak Crawley showed brief resilience, scoring 17 runs off 23 balls, but he too was sent back to the pavilion shortly after.
In the 11th over, New Zealand bowler Nathan Smith bowled a back of a length delivery outside the off-stump, which tempted Root to go for a drive. The ball carried the outside edge and landed towards Daryl Mitchell in the first slip.
The fielder leaped acrobatically, timing his jump to perfection, and secured an incredible catch that left both the batter and the crowd in awe. His athleticism turned a potential boundary into a game-changing moment for his team.
The hosts restricted the England side to a total of 280 runs, showcasing disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Despite a few strong individual performances from England (Harry Brook 123 and Ollie Pope 66), the bowlers maintained consistent pressure, ensuring the visitors couldn’t post a more formidable target.
Nathan Smith impressed the fans by claiming 4 wickets in just 11.4 overs, showcasing his knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments. However, he proved to be slightly expensive, conceding 86 runs in his spell, which included a few boundary overs. Apart from him, Matt Henry (2/43) and Will O’Rourke (3/49) also provided impactful performances for the team.
