In 2015, Brendon McCullum’s New Zealand squad secured a historic 199-run victory over England at Headingley. This triumph marked their first Test win in England since 2000.
Additionally, they achieved the second-largest margin of victory in Test cricket history in terms of runs scored. Despite losing nearly a day to rain, New Zealand showcased its aggressive brand of cricket by accumulating 804 runs at an impressive pace of nearly five runs per over.
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Key Moments from the Final Day at Headingley
On the final day, New Zealand needed just 66 overs to seal their win. England, resuming at 44 without loss, reached 102 for five at lunch, still requiring an improbable 353 runs to achieve a record fourth-innings chase of 455. More realistically, they aimed to survive the day for a draw.
Trent Boult and Mark Craig took two wickets each in the morning session. Adam Lyth, who had scored a maiden Test century in the first innings, fell early, caught behind off Boult for his overnight score of 24. Boult then bowled Gary Ballance with a near-yorker inswinger for six.
Off-spinner Mark Craig struck twice in three balls, dismissing Ian Bell for one and Joe Root for a duck. Bell turned a simple catch to leg-slip, while Root’s sharp chance was taken at short leg by Tom Latham.
Part-time spinner Kane Williamson made a significant impact, dismissing Ben Stokes on the stroke of lunch, caught behind by Luke Ronchi for 29. After lunch, Williamson continued his excellent form, taking the wickets of Stuart Broad and Alastair Cook, ending the final day with three wickets.
At lunchtime, Jos Buttler, who had not yet scored, and England captain Alastair Cook, who during this match became England’s highest run-scorer ever in Test cricket, were both undefeated on 40.
England tried valiantly but were unable to withstand the pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers. With this win, New Zealand secured their ninth consecutive Test series without a loss.
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