The Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum-led England test team have marked a start to the new era with a stellar performance. They have achieved a much-needed victory in the three-match home test series against New Zealand (3-0). It was a clinical performance in all three departments by the host in the ongoing test series, while, the visitors have plenty of questions to answer.
The brilliant batting performance by Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell is the only positive for the Williamson-led side. Jonny Bairstow, The right-hand batter is set to be named the player of the match for his crucial knocks in both the innings. He played a brilliant knock of 162 in the first innings and was unbeaten on 71 in the run chase.
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Meanwhile, England’s wicket-keeper Sam Billings took one of the most bizarre catches behind the stumps to send back Neil Wagner. The incident took place, while the left-hand batter edged a full-length delivery of Jack Leach. At first sight, it looked like Billings dropped the catch but he managed to keep his eyes on the ball and grabbed the ball in between the legs.
The bizarre catch managed to surprise one and all, including the fans. Sam Billings was not part of the original team but made his appearance on the last two days of the test match as Ben Foakes, who is England’s first-choice wicket-keeper tested positive for Covid during the test match.
Here is the video of the catch taken by Sam Billings:
One crazy catch! 😅
Scorecard/clips: https://t.co/AIVHwaRwQv
🏴 #ENGvNZ 🇳🇿 @SamBillings pic.twitter.com/91U64cr51b
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 26, 2022
England (Playing XI): Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Sam Billings (wk), Jamie Overton, Matty Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach
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New Zealand (Playing XI): Tom Latham, Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner
Here is how the fans reacted to the catch taken by Sam Billings:
That's not a fluke. That's instinct. You can't teach that and it can be the difference between a victory and a defeat. @Michael_Brown88
— Wayne Brown 🧡 🖤 🐺 (@browna0784) June 26, 2022
Please note that do not bat in front of such a wicket keeper, he will catch it anywhere.
— आदिवासी भील सिद्धराज गमेती (@sidhrajg900) June 27, 2022
catches wins matches old saying but very relevant
— Kamalendu Ghosh (@KamalenduGhosh7) June 27, 2022
Not believing but it was happened
— Himmat Singh (@himmatkhampuria) June 27, 2022
