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England’s batting collapse costs them again as New Zealand clinch ODI series in Hamilton

England’s preparations for the upcoming Ashes series took another heavy blow after a five-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the second one-day international at Hamilton. The tourists once again struggled with the bat, bowled out for just 175 inside 36 overs before the hosts comfortably chased down the target with more than 16 overs to spare, sealing the series 2-0.

Jamie Overton provided the only resistance for England, blasting 42 from 28 deliveries in a defiant cameo that briefly lifted spirits after another top-order collapse. Joe Root (25) and Harry Brook (34) both made starts but failed to build substantial partnerships, while young opener Jamie Smith fell for 13.

New Zealand’s attack, led superbly by Blair Tickner with figures of 4-34 and Nathan Smith’s economical 2-27, kept relentless pressure on an England side that has now failed to pass 200 in either of the first two matches.

Jofra Archer, making his first ODI appearance against New Zealand since the 2019 World Cup final, bowled with trademark venom to claim 3-23 in a lively spell. He dismissed Will Young with a searing yorker in the opening over and later removed Rachin Ravindra (54) and Michael Bracewell. But Daryl Mitchell’s composed 56 not out, alongside captain Mitchell Santner’s fluent 34, guided the Black Caps home with 101 balls remaining.

The defeat raises concerns for England’s Test contingent, whose attempts to regain form before the Ashes opener in Perth on 21 November are rapidly fading. Since posting 400 against South Africa earlier this month, England’s batting form has nosedived—highlighting worrying inconsistency in conditions offering modest assistance to seamers.

Statistically, England’s 175 was well below the Bay Oval’s average ODI first-innings score of 244 and even further from the 287 average winning total at Hamilton. The tourists have now lost four of their past five ODIs against New Zealand away from home.

Despite the loss, Archer’s performance offered a rare positive note. Clocking speeds above 90mph, the pacer bowled 51 dot balls—the highest of his ODI career across 10 overs—demonstrating that his rhythm and fitness are returning after years of injury setbacks.

Captain Harry Brook admitted his side must “come back stronger and better,” acknowledging that England’s top order must rediscover its composure. New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner, meanwhile, praised his team’s discipline, saying: “It was a great game from us. The boys were exceptional.”

With one match remaining in the series, England will be desperate to avoid a whitewash and restore confidence before heading across the Tasman Sea for their biggest challenge of the winter.

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