NZ 2nd test

🏏 2nd Test: England Dominate at Auckland Oval with Innings Victory 

England win by an innings and 107 runs

England continued their 2025 tour of New Zealand with a commanding performance at Auckland Oval, steamrolling the hosts by an innings and 107 runs in the 2nd Test. Powered by a mammoth 525-8 declared in their first innings, England’s top order laid the foundation for a comprehensive win.

Batting Brilliance: Greg Sandy (155 off 271) and Patrick Stitchling (132 off 223) were the architects of England’s batting dominance, stitching together a masterful partnership that blunted the Kiwi attack. Their patient accumulation and strokeplay ensured England posted a total that New Zealand never looked close to matching.

Acosta’s All-Round Excellence: Geste Acosta was the standout with the ball, claiming 4-42 in the first innings and backing it up with 3-63 in the second. His relentless line and length kept New Zealand’s batters under pressure throughout, and his seven-wicket haul was instrumental in sealing the win. After taking the final two wickets in the match in just 2 balls, Acosta will be on a hattrick with his first ball of his next test.

Ki Wolf’s Debut Delight: The match also marked the debut of young all rounder Ki Wolf, who claimed his maiden Test wicket late in the first innings. His breakthrough moment—removing Lockie Ferguson—was met with raucous applause from the England camp. Post-match, Wolf credited manager Barry Dennison for his guidance and belief:

“Barry’s been incredible. He backed me from day one and gave me the confidence to just run in and bowl. That first wicket means everything. I'm so glad that I have a supportive and caring manager to support me in my England journey. Getting the earring shows that despite his all-business approach, he has a fun and adventurous side to him, and I think you need that in a manager”

New Zealand’s Resistance Falters: Despite a spirited 81 from Nicholls and 61 from Will Young in the second innings, New Zealand couldn’t claw back the deficit. Their first innings collapse for 184 left them chasing the game from the outset.

Wheely good from Crispin: Wheeler followed up his 4-43 in the first innings with 3-53 in the second and was rightly named man of the match following his recall from the cold. His performance has left some fans questioning why he was left out in the first place and perhaps had he have been in the squad, former manager David Earl may be in Auckland now, rather than trawling the county grounds in Division Two.

Looking Ahead: England level the series 1–1 with momentum firmly on their side. With debutants stepping up and senior players firing, Barry Dennison’s squad looks well-balanced and hungry for more.