England seal test series win over New Zealand
26th March, 2008
Monty Panesar secured career-best figures of 6-126 on the way to helping England secure their first away test series win since 2005. New Zealand resumed day five under immense pressure to keep their wickets to stay in the game at 222-5, 331 runs behind England. Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum did well, making a stand of over 100 runs before Panesar claimed both wickets.
Daniel Vettori looked dangerous but the fall of his wicket put England on the verge of the win. Tim Southee resuced some pride with an amazing 77 not out from 40 balls, but Sidebottom finished the game off to give the visitors a 121 run test win, and test series win. It is the first time in seven years that England have turned around a deficit, and a very welcome series victory after successive defeats by India and Sri Lanka.
England welcome New Zealand for another Test Match Series in May before a One Day International Series in June.
By Chris M
