New Zealand post strong opening partnership in series‑deciding Test at Trent Bridge

New Zealand began the series‑deciding third Test against England at Trent Bridge with an aggressive opening stand, reaching 108‑0 at lunch. Tom Latham scored an unbeaten 60 and Devon Conway was 45 not out before the break. The partnership expanded to 317 runs, with Latham finishing on 151 and Conway on 157, the highest stand New Zealand have ever recorded against England.

England, captained by Ben Stokes on his return after a nightclub controversy, managed two late wickets – Gus Atkinson dismissed Rachin Ravindra and Jofra Archer removed Henry Nicholls – to end the day at 361‑4. The series is level at 1‑1, with England having won the first Test and New Zealand the second.

Both sides faced selection changes. New Zealand were without senior pacer Matt Henry (calf strain) and all‑rounder Glenn Phillips (side strain); fast bowler Kyle Jamieson was rested. England recalled Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, added off‑spinner Shoaib Bashir (the first England spinner used on day one in 18 years), and brought back wicket‑keeper Jamie Smith.

The match was played in unusually hot conditions, with temperatures forecast around 31 °C. The opening partnership and injury absences set the tone for a tightly contested decider in the ICC World Test Championship 2025‑27 cycle.