Ben Duckett was back to his blistering best, scoring 113 off just 99 deliveries. | Photo Credit: AP

Ben Duckett produced a blistering century to lead England’s strong reply after New Zealand posted 438 on the second day of the series-deciding third Test at Trent Bridge on Friday.

Duckett smashed 113 off just 98 balls, while Jacob Bethell remained unbeaten on 74 as England closed on 223 for 2, trailing by 215 runs.

Playing on his home ground, Duckett dominated a New Zealand attack weakened by the loss of fast bowler Blair Tickner. Tickner, struck on the helmet by Jofra Archer while batting earlier in the day, bowled three overs before tea but later left the field with nausea. He was ruled out with concussion and replaced by Zac Foulkes.

Duckett survived an early scare when Henry Nicholls dropped him on eight off Nathan Smith. He made New Zealand pay, racing to a 40-ball half-century before bringing up his seventh Test hundred from just 88 deliveries, his first in more than a year. The opener struck 18 fours before Smith eventually bowled him, ending a 179-run second-wicket partnership with Bethell.

Duckett said the innings was especially meaningful on his home ground after a lean start to the series.

“I’ve really felt it has been coming,” he told Sky Sports. “When that catch went down, I thought maybe it was my day.”

Bethell continued confidently after Duckett’s dismissal, reaching his highest Test score in England, while Joe Root was unbeaten on 21 at stumps.

Earlier, England captain Ben Stokes claimed 4 for 70 to help bowl out New Zealand for 438 shortly after lunch. Stokes dismissed Daryl Mitchell early in the day and reached the milestone of 250 Test wickets, moving into ninth place on England’s all-time wicket-taking list.

New Zealand had resumed on 361 for 4 after reaching 317 without loss on the opening day but lost its remaining six wickets for 77 runs. Archer and Shoaib Bashir picked up two wickets apiece as England fought back before Duckett’s counterattack shifted the momentum firmly in the host’s favour.

Published on Jun 27, 2026