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Williamson's Stellar Knock Puts New Zealand In Command, England Face Daunting Chase

Kane Williamson’s magnificent 156 propelled New Zealand to a commanding position on the third day of the third Test against England at Seddon Park. The hosts set a formidable target of 658 runs for England, who lost both their openers by stumps, leaving them with a mountain to climb.

Williamson, who brought up his 33rd Test century, anchored the New Zealand innings and forged crucial partnerships with Rachin Ravindra (44) and Daryl Mitchell (60). England’s bowlers toiled hard, but their efforts were hampered by the absence of skipper Ben Stokes, who left the field clutching his left hamstring during his 13th over, leaving the visitors a bowler short.

Williamson and Ravindra set the tone for New Zealand’s dominance, with the former surviving a close LBW call and a couple of miscues. Williamson reached his hundred with a six off Jacob Bethell, marking his seventh Test ton at Seddon Park and his fifth consecutive century at the venue. Ravindra provided an ideal foil for Williamson, playing risk-free cricket and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

After Ravindra’s dismissal, Williamson continued to attack, particularly against the spinners, and raced to his 150. He eventually fell to a top-edged sweep off Shoaib Bashir, but not before putting New Zealand in a virtually unassailable position. Mitchell and Tom Blundell also contributed with quickfire cameos, while Mitchell Santner entertained the crowd with a 49-run blitz.

England’s short stint with the bat before stumps was disastrous, as they lost both openers cheaply. Ben Duckett chopped on against Tim Southee, while Zak Crawley, who had been dismissed five times by Matt Henry in the series, fell to the same bowler once again, trapped lbw.

The day was not without its share of drama and comedy. England’s resistance to taking the new ball until 13.4 overs after it was due raised eyebrows, with Harry Brook even bowling a couple of deliveries with the new cherry. The home crowd was eager to see retiring legend Tim Southee wield the willow one last time, but he fell for just two runs, caught off Bethell.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 347 (Mitchell Santner 76, Tom Latham 63; Matthew Potts 4-90, Gus Atkinson 3-66) and 453 (Kane Williamson 156, Will Young 60, Daryl Mitchell 60; Jacob Bethell 3-72) lead England 143 (Joe Root 32, Ben Stokes 27; Matt Henry 4-48, Mitchell Santner 3-7) & 18/2 by 640 runs.

With Williamson’s superb knock and a huge lead in their pocket, New Zealand are on the verge of a consolation victory in the third Test. England, on the other hand, face an uphill task to save the match, let alone harbor any thoughts of an improbable win.

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