We had our chances but England won the fine margins: Williamson

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson expressed that he was proud of his side’s effort in the ‘incredible’ three-match series against England, and claimed that the hosts deservedly came out on top owing to winning the big moments. 

England were on the ropes, at some point, in each of the three matches, but the Three Lions somehow managed to turn around every single contest and eventually emerge as handsome victors. Case in point, in the third Test at Leeds, they were 55/6 at one stage in the first innings in response to New Zealand’s 329. But the Ben Stokes-led side staged a remarkable comeback to bounce back and eventually convincingly win the game by seven wickets.

“It's been an incredible series, in all three matches we have had our opportunities. Credit to the way the English team played,” Williamson said.

“There is a new theme to their approach and they won those fine margins that went a long way in perhaps deciding the outcome of the match.”

In what was a curious selection call, the Kiwis opted to enter the third Test without a specialist spinner, with off-spinning all-rounder Michael Bracewell handed the duty of being a fourth bowler / lead spinner. It backfired big-time as not only did Bracewell struggle (match figures of 2/163 in 22.2 overs), but England pretty much spun their way towards victory, with Jack Leach picking up a 10-fer.

Williamson addressed the selection decision and claimed that they expected the wicket to assist the seamers more.

“We sort of opted for the balance and were curious after looking at the surface how it will play. It was seaming today as well. But it was frustrating, we hoped to create more opportunities but it wasn't to be,” the New Zealand skipper said.

With the bat, New Zealand’s lower middle-order showed great resistance, but no top-order batter averaged more than 25. Williamson rued the lack of runs from the top-order.

“Would have been nice for the top-four to contribute,” he said, before signing off by stating that he enjoys leading this group of players.

Daryl Mitchell, for his remarkable tally of 538 runs in the series, was named New Zealand’s Player of the Series.