Atkinson Surprised by Hat-Trick Achievement Following 4-41 Against New Zealand on Day 2

Wellington, Dec 7 (NationPress) England fast bowler Gus Atkinson achieved a remarkable hat-trick against New Zealand during the second Test's Day 2 at Basin Reserve, leading to the home team's dismal total of 125. By day's end, England had established a commanding lead of 533 runs, with noteworthy contributions from Ben Duckett (92), Jacob Bethell (96), Harry Brook (55), and Joe Root (73 not out), who all recorded half-centuries, resulting in a score of 378/5 after 76 overs at stumps on Saturday.

Atkinson concluded the day with impressive bowling figures of 4-41, expressing that he hadn’t anticipated a hat-trick, as he followed the team's strategy of combining short-pitch deliveries with yorkers.

"It (our plans) went well in the morning, and the batters played decently. I never expected to secure a hat-trick, but it felt great to achieve it. Our aim was to unsettle them with shorter balls before going for the yorker. I didn’t feel at my best yesterday, but today was different," the pacer reflected after the day's play.

New Zealand commenced the day at 86/5 but quickly faltered, being bowled out for 125 within just 10 overs. Brydon Carse made an early impact with a spectacular delivery that bowled Tom Blundell, reminiscent of his Day 1 delivery to Kane Williamson that was ruled a no-ball. William O'Rourke was dismissed LBW in the same over without scoring.

Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith attempted to boost the score past 100, but Atkinson decisively concluded the innings. Smith was bowled after inside-edging onto his stumps, Matt Henry edged a short ball to Ben Duckett at gully, and Tim Southee fell LBW to a full delivery, completing Atkinson’s hat trick.

With a first-innings lead of 155 runs, England began their second innings with aggression. Although Zak Crawley was dismissed early by Matt Henry, Bethell and Duckett launched an effective counterattack, applying pressure on New Zealand. Duckett received a reprieve when Tom Latham dropped a challenging catch, and Southee misused a review against Bethell.

Both Bethell and Duckett scored rapid fifties and seemed poised for centuries until Tim Southee swiftly dismissed them. Bethell edged to Latham, while Duckett inadvertently dragged one onto his stumps. Despite these breakthroughs, New Zealand struggled to contain England's dominance as Joe Root and Harry Brook formed a strong partnership in the final session, extending the lead beyond 400. A failed review on Root further compounded New Zealand's frustrations.

Brook maintained his aggressive style, effectively pulling short balls and driving overpitched deliveries. After a lengthy spell, Glenn Phillips finally dismissed Brook, who mistimed a lofted shot to long-off. Brook's innings concluded after a stellar performance, while Root achieved his 65th Test fifty, marking his 100th 50-plus score in Tests.

As England approached a lead of 500 runs, Ollie Pope fell to Matt Henry, but captain Ben Stokes opted against declaring. Stokes scored an unbeaten 36 off 26 balls, supporting Root, who remained not out on 73, setting himself up for a potential 36th Test century on Day 3.

Atkinson refrained from disclosing England's strategy for Day 3, emphasizing their continued focus on targeting batters.

"I’m not fully aware of the plans yet. We’ll evaluate tomorrow and adjust based on the conditions. We’ll adhere to our usual strategies and aim to challenge the batters," he added.