HAMILTON: England's hopes of a series clean sweep were nearly extinguished on Sunday as they collapsed on day two of the third Test, allowing New Zealand to take the upper hand with a lead of 340 runs.
The home side, who had been outclassed throughout the series, had a much-needed breakthrough day.
After dismissing England cheaply, New Zealand reached 136-3 by stumps in their second innings. Kane Williamson stood firm on 50, with Rachin Ravindra supporting him at the other end on 2.
The turning point came after England lost their final eight wickets for a meager 66 runs.
The collapse was ignited by New Zealand's fast bowler Will O'Rourke, who picked up 3-33 in a fiery post-lunch spell.
Matt Henry (4-48) and Mitchell Santner (3-7) further sealed England's fate with devastating late spells.
England's woes began after lunch, where they crumbled under pressure. O'Rourke first dismissed Jacob Bethell (12), caught at point, before removing the ICC's top two ranked Test batsmen, Harry Brook and Joe Root, in quick succession.
Brook, who had been in fine form during England's victories in Christchurch and Wellington, lasted just one ball before playing on to an in-swinger.
Root, in contrast, was caught at point for 32 off a lackluster cut shot.
Santner’s brief spell saw Ollie Pope (24) and captain Ben Stokes (27) depart. Pope edged to Daryl Mitchell at first slip, while Stokes was trapped lbw attempting a sweep shot.
England’s tail folded quickly, losing the final five wickets for just nine runs. With a commanding 204-run lead, New Zealand chose not to enforce the follow-on.
Earlier, England reached 54-2 by lunch, but it was another disappointing morning for opener Zak Crawley, who fell for just 21 to Henry.
It was Crawley’s highest score of the series, having struggled with just 47 runs at an average of 9.6.
Henry then struck again, dismissing Ben Duckett for 11, leaving England in a precarious position.
New Zealand resumed their first innings at 315-9 and added another 32 runs before Santner was bowled by Matthew Potts for 76.
Potts finished with figures of 4-90 as New Zealand set a dominant pace in the match.
