- By Sunny Daud
- Tue, 30 Jun 2026 03:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Zealand wrapped up a memorable Test series win over England after beating the hosts by 160 runs in the third and final Test at Trent Bridge. Notably, with that series, Ben Stokes also retired from all forms of international cricket.
The visitors bowled England out for 212 in 51.2 overs on the last day to seal a 2-1 series victory. It was a remarkable comeback after New Zealand had lost the opening Test at Lord’s by 115 runs.
New Zealand Fight Back to Win the Series
After going 1-0 down, New Zealand responded in impressive fashion. They registered a dominant 253-run victory at The Oval to level the series before producing another outstanding performance at Trent Bridge to claim the decider.
The result also made history, as it was only the fourth time New Zealand have won a Test series in England.
The third Test was also England captain Ben Stokes’ final international match, but his farewell ended in disappointment as the home side failed to stop New Zealand’s comeback.
Big Boost for New Zealand in World Test Championship
The series win has strengthened New Zealand’s position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
It was their fourth win in six matches during the current WTC cycle. Their points percentage (PCT) improved from 66.67 to 72.22, although they remain third in the table.
Tom Latham’s side has now moved closer to second-placed South Africa and remains firmly in the race for a place in the WTC final.
England Slip Further Behind
England’s struggles in the current WTC cycle continued with another series defeat.
They have now lost eight of their 13 Tests, leaving them with a points percentage of 24.36. They remain seventh in the standings and have plenty of work to do if they want to climb the table.
Here's how WTC Points table stand after New Zealand's win against England
| POSITION | TEAM | MATCHES | WINS | DEFEATS | DRAWS | PENALTY | POINTS | PCT% |
| 1. | Australia | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 84 | 87.50 |
| 2. | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 75.00 |
| 3. | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 4. | Bangladesh | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 58.33 |
| 5. | India | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 48.15 |
| 6. | Sri Lanka | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 44.44 |
| 7. | England | 13 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 38 | 24.36 |
| 8. | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 14.81 |
| 9. | Pakistan | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 8.3 |
Australia Stay on Top
Australia continue to lead the World Test Championship standings after a strong run of results.
The former champions have won seven of their eight Tests so far and have a points percentage of 87.50.
Bangladesh occupy fourth place, while two-time WTC finalists India are fifth.
Sri Lanka dropped from third to sixth after suffering a big against West Indies in the first Test in Antigua. The victory was West Indies’ first of the current WTC cycle, but they remain eighth in the standings, with Pakistan still at the bottom of the table.