England scripts history in New Zealand; becomes first team in Test history to achieve this milestone

The England national cricket team created history during the ongoing second Test match against New Zealand after winning the first Test by eight wickets. England has become the first team in the world to score 500,000 runs in Test cricket at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Saturday, December 7.

The Ben Stokes-led team is in a strong position to secure victory in the second Test against New Zealand, with their lead over 500 runs. The English team was bowled out for 280 runs in their first innings. However, they bounced back strongly by dismissing New Zealand for just 125 to take control of the match.

England Becomes First Test Team to Score Half Million Runs

Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, and Harry Brook scored fifties, helping the English team post a total that would be difficult for New Zealand to chase. On Day 2, the visitors made history in the second Test against New Zealand by becoming the first team to reach 500,000 runs in the history of Test cricket.

The English team has played 1,082 matches to score over 500,000 runs. Australia is in second place, while India is third on the list. It’s worth mentioning that the Three Lions also hold the record for the most centuries in Test cricket, with 929, followed by Australia with 892 centuries and India with 552 centuries.

500,000 reasons to love England ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yvm1wRogeE

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 7, 2024

England Out of WTC 2025 Final Race Despite Strong Performance in New Zealand

England's chances of reaching the WTC final are nearly over, despite a strong performance in New Zealand. They have been inconsistent throughout the WTC cycle, with 10 wins and 9 losses from 20 Tests, and are currently in sixth place with a PCT of 42.50.

India, Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka are in the race for the final. India and Australia are currently competing in a five-match series, with the winner likely to qualify. South Africa still has a chance if they defeat Sri Lanka in the second Test match and win 2-0 against Pakistan at home.

Then The Boys Batted Really Well - Gus Atkinson

Speaking on TNT Sports after Day 2 play, English bowler Gus Atkinson stated that he and Brydon Carse executed the plan well in the morning session. Reflecting on his hat trick, Atkinson said that he'd never really thought about that.

"The day started pretty well, 5-39 I think it was. The plan was to go hard at them this morning, myself and Brydon Carse and it went pretty well. Then the boys batted really well and we've got a healthy lead," Atkinson told TNT Sports.

"It feels good. I've never really thought about getting a hat-trick until you're at the end of your mark and you're on hat-trick. To get a hat-trick ends the year nicely. We wanted to fool him with the short ball stuff, setting the bouncer plan, then I tried to go yorker, missed it by a bit but it was straight. Fortunately, it was still hitting the stumps," he added.

Also read: Revealed: Why Adelaide Oval lights went out twice on Day 1 of IND vs AUS Day-Night Test?