England captain Ben Stokes reached a personal milestone on day two of the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, claiming his 250th Test wicket as the visitors mounted a spirited comeback. Stokes dismissed Mitchell Santner for 76 after a controversial review, with UltraEdge confirming the ball clipped the sweatband on Santner's right glove before flying to second slip. The all-rounder finished with four wickets, including the key scalp of Tom Blundell, who fell for 23 after edging Gus Atkinson to the slips.
Santner's dismissal left New Zealand at 413 for 7, with Nathan Smith joining the fray. The left-hander had looked set for a century, but Stokes' short ball with steep bounce forced him into a defensive prod. Santner immediately reviewed the on-field decision, gesturing that the ball had struck his arm guard. However, TV umpire Nitin Menon ruled otherwise after consulting side-on replays, which showed the ball grazing the sweatband.
The decision sparked debate in the commentary box, with Kumar Sangakkara questioning why additional camera angles were not used during the review process. Michael Atherton, however, backed the decision, noting that the front-on view initially appeared conclusive but proved deceptive. Earlier, Stokes had removed Blundell with a delivery that nipped away from off stump, beating the batter's loose drive. The England skipper also accounted for Nathan Smith, who managed just 12 before edging to gully.
New Zealand's innings had been anchored by Santner's counter-attacking knock, but Stokes' spell of reverse swing and short-pitched bowling turned the tide. England's fielders, led by Jacob Bethell at gully, held sharp catches to support their captain's milestone. The hosts now lead by 213 runs, with Smith and Tim Southee at the crease. Stokes' 250th wicket places him among England's elite all-rounders, with only Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff ahead in the list.
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📰 Source: TOI Sports