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Oct,2025
When Matthew Potts was handed his first Test cap against the New Zealand cricket team at Seddon Park on December 15, 2024, the stakes could not have been higher. England, sitting comfortably at a 2‑0 lead, needed just one win to seal a clean‑sweep, while the Blackcaps were desperate to avoid a series whitewash. cricket fans across both hemispheres were glued to the action, especially after the weather finally turned from soggy to sun‑kissed on day three.
Why the third Test mattered
The England vs New Zealand Test series had turned into a textbook example of a one‑sided tour, but the final match at Hamilton promised drama. England’s only change was the arrival of Potts, who replaced the veteran Chris Woakes. New Zealand, on the other hand, bolstered its middle order with Will Young for the out‑of‑form Devon Conway. The headline‑making duo of Joe Root and Kane Williamson were absent, leaving a clear question: could the Blackcaps muster a resistance without their stalwarts?
Day‑three action and the numbers
By the time the sun broke through the clouds, the temperature hovered around 26 °C – perfect for swing bowling. Potts cracked in a 4‑wicket haul, slicing through New Zealand’s top order for 38 runs. Meanwhile, Ollie Roeder (England) rattled 62 with a blend of classic drives and late cut shots. New Zealand’s total of 210 fell short of the target, and England chased it down in just 27.3 overs, sealing a 1‑run win. The third‑innings partnership between Ben Stokes and Joe Root added a crucial 73 runs, tipping the scale.
Voices from the ground
"The bounce here at Hamilton is a little deceptive, but Potts handled it beautifully," said John Norman, the TalkSPORT commentator who had been stationed at Seddon Park for "the last couple of days or so". "What surprised me was how quickly the rain cleared up – the conditions turned from a soggy mess to a perfect batting track in under an hour. That shift gave England the momentum they needed."
Streaming the Test – how to watch
- Live video on ESPN+ (U.S. and international markets) starting at 9:45 am local time.
- Free-to-air coverage in the UK via TNT Sports, with a dedicated YouTube playlist for each day.
- Australian viewers could catch the match on the Fox Cricket app, while New Zealand fans tuned in via Sky Sport.
Looking ahead: October 2025 T20I series
Fast forward to the spring of 2025, and the two nations meet again – this time in the shortest format. The England vs New Zealand T20 International series kicks off on October 18 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Three matches are on the card:
- October 18 – Christchurch (6:15 pm local)
- October 20 – Christchurch (6:15 pm local)
- October 23 – Auckland’s Eden Park (6:15 pm local)
Squad snapshots
England hand the captaincy to Harry Brook, who returns after a brief rest during the Ireland series. The squad reads like a mixtape of youth and experience: Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, and first‑timers like Zak Crawley. The pace attack features Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox and Adil Rashid adding wrist‑spin flair.
New Zealand’s camp is led by all‑rounder Mitchell Santner, with young gun Rachin Ravindra back from injury. Fast‑bowling hopes rest on Finn Allen and Liam Plunkett, while the marquee name Kane Williamson sits out the T20Is, nursing a minor issue but expected to return for the ODIs. Ben Sears misses out completely with a hamstring strain.
How to catch the T20I action
New Zealand fans can stream the series for free via TVNZ+. Overseas viewers face geo‑blocks, but a reliable VPN – ExpressVPN – is recommended for its speed and a 30‑day money‑back guarantee. For those who prefer a premium experience, Willow TV offers HD live streams, customizable highlights, and interactive scorecards.
Why this double‑header matters
England’s dominance in the Test arena gives them a psychological edge, yet the T20 format throws a curveball – younger players like Brook and Crawley can overturn any legacy advantage with a single explosive inning. For New Zealand, the October series is a litmus test for their post‑World‑Cup rebuilding phase. Success in the short format could boost morale ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, while a series win for England would cement their reputation as the most adaptable side across formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the third Test being played?
The final Test of the England‑New Zealand series kicks off on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Who captains England in the October 2025 T20I series?
All‑rounder Harry Brook is named captain for the three‑match T20I series that begins on October 18, 2025.
How can fans outside New Zealand watch the T20Is?
International viewers can bypass the geo‑restriction by using a VPN service such as ExpressVPN. Alternatively, a subscription to Willow TV provides HD live streaming and on‑demand replays.
What impact will the series have on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup?
A strong showing for New Zealand would boost squad confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup, especially for emerging talents like Rachin Ravindra. England, already ranked among the top T20 sides, would reinforce its claim as a favorite for the tournament.
Why was Kane Williamson omitted from the T20I squad?
Williamson is nursing a minor medical issue that won’t allow him to play the short‑format games, but the New Zealand board confirmed he’ll be fit for the subsequent ODI series.
