England eye series whitewash after rocking New Zealand with late wickets at Headingley
- Seb Sternik
- 25 June 2022
England stand on the precipice of a historic series whitewash after hitting New Zealand with four late wickets on day three of the third Test.
The Kiwis were forced to graft hard as they established a solid foundation in the last of the three Tests. The team reached 125/1 at tea in their second innings and briefly dulled the party atmosphere in Leeds.
England were 94 runs behind at that point, and were staring at the type of equation which could've easily dented their freshly discovered confidence.
Nevertheless, the bowlers showed great fight as they reduced the Kiwis for just 168/5 at stumps - giving the visitors a lead of just 137.
England will take to the Headingley pitch once more on day four, brimming with confidence following their late heroics.
Having already produced two excellent chases at Lord's and Trent Bridge, the prospect of a third is looking ever more likely as the New Zealand wickets continue to tumble.
England's fighting attitude was met with a boisterous and enthusiastic response from the crowd, who are once again viewing a high-quality side following a long uninspiring - and at time depressing - period of Test cricket.
One man who will take a lot of the plaudits is Matthew Potts after taking the early wicket of Will Young before adding the prize scalp of captain Kane Williamson.
OLLIE POPE! 🙏 🤲
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 25, 2022
Scorecard/clips: https://t.co/AIVHwaRwQv
🏴 #ENGvNZ 🇳🇿 | @OPope32 pic.twitter.com/f4YlYNOSy6
Potts has been as reliable as they come during his first international series, and he is unquestionably destined for a long and sustained career in the side.
Jamie Overton also showed a glimpse of the future following his encouraging spell. The player fell three runs short of a century at number eight earlier in the match, but on day three it was his 90mph deliveries which caught the eye.
Overton removed top-scorer Tom Latham for 76 with his very first ball of the final session. This proved to be a pivotal moment in the contest, considering the New Zealand batter appeared on course for a memorable Headingley century.
Ollie Pope also showed glimpses of quality after taking a stunning catch at short-leg as Joe Root took out Devon Conway.
Day four at Headingley resumes at 11:00am, with the rain expected to hold out for the majority of the day.
