Related Links : New Zealand in England 2008 | Scorecard
England have won the 3-Test N-Power Series 2-0 after crushing the Kiwis with an innings and 9 runs in the last test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Ryan Sidebottom ended up with superb returns of 6 for 67 in 24 overs while getting able support from Anderson and Broad to bowl out New Zealand for 232 in their second innings.
All the work was done in the first innings by James Anderson, who picked up 7 wickets as the Kiwis had to follow on after getting bundled out for a paltry 123 in reply to England’s 364. The match was predicted to finish on the fourth day which was what had happened today. The Kiwis already in a dismal position at 177 for 5 could only stretch their fight to about 12 overs this morning. Sidebottom picked up four out of the five wickets while Jimmy Anderson deservingly got the final wicket to end up with match winning figures of 9 for 98! He was the Man of the Match. Andrew Strauss and Daniel Vettori were adjudged as the Player of the Series for their respective teams.
The paying public and the TV Viewers of this Test Match had some fun with Jacob Oram entertaining them with a breathtaking half century. Oram had little option when he saw two capable partners – Hopkins (12) and Skipper Vettori (1) perish in quick time this morning. The big left hander had to use all his hitting power to try and make England bat again. Oram failed in his mission but gained important match practice ahead of the one dayers. He was unbeaten on a 39-ball 50 which was packed with 6 fours and 2 sixes before the inevitable did happen at the other end.