England vs New Zealand Tests 2023: Drawn 1–1 — NZ Won by 1 Run After Follow-On, Brook 329
England toured New Zealand for a two-match Test series in February 2023. The first Test at Mount Maunganui (16–19 February 2023) saw England win by 267 runs: England 325 for 9 declared and 374, New Zealand 306 and 126. The second Test at Wellington (24–28 February 2023) was one of the most dramatic Tests in history: New Zealand scored 209 and 483, England scored 435 for 8 declared and 256. New Zealand won by 1 run, becoming only the fourth team in Test history to win after following on, and only the second to win by a one-run margin. Harry Brook scored 186 in the first innings of the second Test. Harry Brook was run out without facing a ball in England's final innings. Neil Wagner took 4 for 62 in England's final innings. Harry Brook was named Player of the Series with 329 runs. Neil Wagner took 11 wickets across the series. Series: drawn 1–1.
England toured New Zealand for a two-match Test series in February 2023 under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. The first Test took place at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from 16 to 19 February 2023. England batted first and posted 325 for 9 declared, then bowled New Zealand out for 306 before declaring their second innings at 374. Set a target of 394, New Zealand were bowled out for 126, with England winning by 267 runs. It was an impressive statement of Bazball's potential on overseas pitches. Harry Brook, batting at number five, was outstanding throughout — he would go on to score 329 runs in the series across both Tests.
Wellington: One of the Greatest Tests Ever Played
The second Test at Basin Reserve, Wellington (24–28 February 2023) entered history as one of the most dramatic matches ever played. New Zealand scored 209 in their first innings. England responded with 435 for 8 declared — Harry Brook blazed 186 in one of the finest counter-attacking innings of the Bazball era. New Zealand followed on, needing to bat out of trouble. Remarkably, they compiled 483 in their second innings, setting England a target of 258 to win the series 2–0. England's chase appeared manageable, but Neil Wagner's relentless short-ball assault unsettled the batting. Harry Brook was run out for nought without facing a ball when Joe Root went for a non-existent single. England were bowled out for 256 — New Zealand won by 1 run. Wagner took 4 for 62 in England's final innings. New Zealand became only the fourth team in Test history to win after following on, and only the second to win by a one-run margin. The series ended 1–1. Harry Brook was named Player of the Series with 329 runs; Neil Wagner finished with 11 wickets across both Tests.
Frequently asked questions
How did New Zealand beat England by 1 run after following on in the 2023 Wellington Test?
In the second Test at Wellington (24–28 February 2023), New Zealand scored 209 in their first innings. England declared at 435/8 (Harry Brook 186) and enforced the follow-on. New Zealand scored 483 in their second innings, setting England 258 to win. England were bowled out for 256 — losing by 1 run — as Neil Wagner took 4/62. Harry Brook was run out without facing a ball in England's final innings. New Zealand became only the fourth team in Test history to win after following on, and only the second to win by a one-run margin. The series ended 1–1; Harry Brook was Player of the Series with 329 runs.
Who won the England vs New Zealand Test series in February 2023?
The England tour of New Zealand Test series in February 2023 was drawn 1–1. England won the first Test at Mount Maunganui by 267 runs (England 325/9d & 374, New Zealand 306 & 126). New Zealand won the second Test at Wellington by 1 run — a historic result as New Zealand followed on but still won (NZ 209 & 483; England 435/8d & 256). Harry Brook was Player of the Series with 329 runs. Neil Wagner took 11 wickets in the series. It was the second time in Test history a team won by 1 run after following on.