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FWC on Sport Nation guideWhat we learned from Blackcaps' historic Test triumph in England
Alex Chapman • June 30th, 2026 12:12 pm
Blackcaps | Photo: Photosport
From selectors being rewarded for backing their players to a relentless bowling attack and crucial innings under pressure, the Blackcaps showed exactly why they're one of the world's best - while England were left searching for answers.
Here are some key takeaways from New Zealand's remarkable red-ball heroics against the English.
Brilliant Blackcaps
Perhaps the most optimistic of Blackcaps fans may have been able to make the case for what this side could serve up, but they’ve done so with a buffet of brilliance that would have the fussiest eater indulging.
Even in England’s lowest times this century, including record defeats, rebuilds, and struggles to compete, it’s still been a difficult place to win.
The 2-1 victory is the first inflicted on the hosts on their own shores in series of three matches or more since 2012.
While England were mercurial, New Zealand were marvelously measured. The energy and effort never waned, and the enjoyment ensued.
If not for the ICC-labelled “unsatisfactory” lottery of a Lord’s wicket, who knows what may have been.
Loyalty Rewarded
Whether substantiated or not, there were a couple of questions over the security of some batters' spots.
Those perceived by the public as being under pressure certainly repaid the faith shown by the Blackcaps selectors, with the best form of currency – runs.
Five players got on respective honours boards, while Rachin Ravindra fell four runs short at Trent Bridge.
Of the 10 batters used in the top seven, only Kane Williamson (retired), Mitch Santner (one Test) and Will O’Rourke (nightwatchman) didn’t make half centuries.
The New Zealand selectors aren’t the sort of people to put their feet crossed on the table, arms folded and a grin saying “I told you so”, but there will definitely be wry smiles of satisfaction.
And thankfully, that’s meant the Nicholls nonsense has now been nullified.
As has been mentioned by Blackcaps coach Rob Walter and selector manager Gavin Larsen, they have to reward those who return to domestic cricket and push for re-selection. The same is applied to those who haven’t played for New Zealand.
But when the knocking turns into banging, the door is opened and in walks Henry Nicholls, with his Redpath Cup, 793 runs at an average of 99 and a reminder of what he can do.
The Blackcaps celebrate their Test series win over England | Photo: Matthew Impey/Photosport
At the end of the day, what’s the point of having a top-down system that feeds into one team, if you aren’t going to select those who succeed?
Nicholls now sits level with Nathan Astle on 11 hundreds, and with a better average than many of those above him. Brendon McCullum (38.64) and John Wright (37.82) with a dozen tons are next.
Speaking those moving up the list of most Test hundreds – Tom Latham.
For so long, 17 was the number being chased.
It was the target the late, great Martin Crowe set for Ross Taylor to reach. His protege did so, while Kane Williamson soared past it.
Latham’s century at Nottingham has him now alongside Crowe, while perhaps his and Devon Conway’s 315-run opening stand can be credited for Ben Stokes’ retirement.
Per Cricinfo’s Matt Roller, the last time that visiting openers made hundreds in England in the first innings of a Test was in 2003. Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs’ 338-run stand prompted the then-England captain to resign four years into the job.
Sound familiar?
He’s also now the only New Zealand captain to have series victories in England and India.
King Henry of Canterbury and his Merry Men
The contributions with the ball were shared, but it was led by the man who can now claim to be the world’s best bowler - at least according to the ICC rankings.
Matt Henry’s leading of the attack, and his new spot alongside India’s Jasprit Bumrah is confirmation of what many knew and the numbers showed.
Twenty-six fast bowlers have taken 50 or more wickets in the last five years.
Henry sits sixth for scalps snared with 115. Those above him have all done so in fewer matches, while only Bumrah’s average of 17.9, is lower than Henry’s 19.53. Scott Boland’s the only other who features in the list of 26 with an average better than the Blackcaps attack leader.
His 11-fer in the second Test at The Oval was the epitome of control and skill, with that nip backer, three-quarter, wobble ball, whatever you want to call it, like a 130+km/h off-spin, catching some of the best in the world on the crease.
Nathan Smith | Photo: Matthew Impey/Photosport
If there is to be nit picking, another calf injury is concerning, though hopefully not a sign of a long-term or deeper issue.
The rest of the pace bowlers showed why so many were - and will continue to - lick their lips and as shown in Henry’s periods of absence, gives comfort of what can be achieved without him.
Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson both returned to the Test arena after extended periods out with back injuries and terrorised the English batters. Both took 10 wickets and both offer height, but one is, as his teammates, a “yuck” bounce bowler, and a taller swing bowler, who are close to being back to their best.
Nathan Smith was perhaps the surprise of them all though. His man of the series efforts were highlighted by 16 wickets at an average of 23, and handy contributions with the bat which adds crucial value at No. 8.
The next man up mentality of this bowling group is to be applauded when you also mention Blair Tickner and concussion-sub Zak Foulkes - and that’s without the reigning Sir Richard Hadlee medallist in the squad.
Blackcaps Dalmatians
This New Zealand team will always fight. They won’t roll over.
They aren’t a household dog wanting a pat or tummy scratch.
And while Daryl Mitchell will have his fair share of nicknames, perhaps 'Pongo' can be added to the list.
His hundred on day four at Trent Bridge was one of the dogged defiance and digging in, in what was an innings that proved to be if not match-winning, then it allowed New Zealand to dictate terms and be in a position of unyielding power.
In far fewer balls, though with the same level of determination, Glenn Phillips produced a similar innings in the second Test, allowing for the win at The Oval.
Amongst the English pyrotechnics were New Zealand candles that just wouldn’t go out.
Millsy & Guy aren't fans of the way Ben Stokes retired from international cricket | Sport Nation
Ka Kite Kane, See Ya Stokes
Ben Stokes’ tenure will be remembered for the brilliant but bizarre. With the compelling came confusion. And among the amazing and astonishing, appeared absurd and asinine.
But even the greatest revolution leaders and trailblazers burn out.
Stokes’ departure came with the theatre and farewell that you would expect from a player who sought the spotlight and performances which often justified it.
Kane Williamson meanwhile was more than happy to exit stay right, with little furore and applause.
No fuss or fanfare. No guards of honour.
Their exits encapsulate where these two teams are at.
