How the Black Caps rated in their 2-1 test series win over England
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
ANALYSIS: The series victory over England was yet another hugely impressive achievement by New Zealand in their relatively recent test history.
The Black Caps lost the first test on a poor Lord’s wicket, then bounced back to dominate opponents who have held heavy sway over them in the format since Brendon McCullum became their coach.
There were many stars for New Zealand, and here’s how they all rated:
Tom Latham: 189 runs at an average of 31.50
Made a big score when he and his team needed it, and in doing so proved to his and the fans’ delight that he can make a ton in the most testing of circumstances away from home. Added another significant series win to his captaincy record. Rating: 6.5
Devon Conway: 224 runs at 37.33
When Latham scores runs, it seems his fellow left-handed opener insists on doing the same. Under pressure to keep his place last year, has made four centuries in his past eight tests. 6.5
Kane Williamson: 18 runs at 9.00
Bowed out of test cricket after 16 years of brilliance with 18 and a duck on a Lord’s dunger. Everything he achieved in his 110 tests allowed him to bail with NZ one-down in the three-test series without recrimination. 4
Henry Nicholls: 197 runs at 49.25
When you lose a player of Williamson’s status, it’s incredibly handy to have someone of Nicholls’ experience and ability as a replacement. Swayed the series with his century at The Oval. 8
Rachin Ravindra: 218 runs at 36.33
Recovered from a horrible start to the series with the bat and his hands in the field to make key contributions in the latter two matches, notably a vital innings at Trent Bridge. 6.5
Daryl Mitchell: 235 runs at 47
Reminded all of his ability as a competitive middle-order batter with his gritty unbeaten ton in the deciding test. Sure loves playing in England and adds huge value with his slips catching. 7.5
Tom Blundell: 123 runs at 20.50; seven catches
His presence behind - and particularly close to - the stumps brought the value of wicketkeeping to the forefront. Made a half-century as NZ got back into the series at The Oval. 8.5
Glenn Phillips: 181 runs at 60.33
Was ruled out of the last test with a side strain, after registering his maiden test century in the previous game. Also made runs in tough circumstances at Lord’s and seems now poised for further impact. 8.5
Nathan Smith: 16 wickets at 23; 68 runs at 11.33
The top wicket-taker of the series, rewarded for constantly challenging opposing batters with the ball still relatively new, and even more so with his accuracy and movement with Blundell up to the stumps. Now looks at home at test level and his batting returns will likely increase soon as a result. 8.5
Kyle Jamieson: 10 wickets at 24.20; 91 runs at 30.33.
It was decided prior to the tour that he’d play just two tests, after twice enduring long absences from the format due to back stress fractures. Team management wisely opted not to push the panic button and get him back in for the third test when Henry was ruled out, and would have been thrilled with his contribution prior. 7
Mitchell Santner: Two wickets at 56.50; four runs at 2
Made a quicker than expected return to fitness to be available all tour, was then wisely selected for the final test to take advantage of a wearing wicket. Did so when needed on the last day and added a fantastic run-out. 5
Matt Henry: 12 wickets at 13.33; six runs at 1.50
His match-winning 11-wicket haul at The Oval lifted him to the top of the rankings as the world’s best test bowler, after being notably limited by back spasms in the first test. His calf strain was a wee worry looking ahead to four tests in quick succession in Australia this summer. Weirdly, his previously useful late-order batting appears to have fallen off a cliff. 8
Will O’Rourke: Ten wickets at 25.60; 20 runs at 5.
Didn’t grab the spotlight as often as Smith and Henry, but was always troubling the England batters on his return to the test arena and is rated extremely highly as a likely superstar by some wise English media and former players. 7
Ben Sears: One wicket at 138; 19 runs at 19
Played the final test with Henry and Jamieson out, and couldn’t find his feet with his bowling, being overshadowed by his team-mates, but obviously hampered by a broken finger. Did give Daryl Mitchell fine support to ensure the batter reached his ton. 4
Blair Tickner: Got sconed by a Jofra Archer bouncer when batting in the final test in his first appearance of the series, and had to leave the game with concussion soon into his only bowling spell. N/A
Zak Foulkes: Six wickets at 14.40; six runs at 6
Came into the final test as Tickner’s replacement and played a starring role. Offers a point of difference to the pace attack, and the deliveries he produced to remove Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in the first innings showed why the 24-year-old will keep pushing for a regular spot. 8