ENG vs NZ | Daryl Mitchell becomes the first Kiwi batter to score three successive Test tons against England

Daryl Mitchell’s performance in the ongoing Test series against England has been phenomenal. The Kiwi batter has absolutely thwarted the English bowling attack throughout the series. In this process, he has reached one milestone after another. The 31-year-old batter registered his third successive ton against England in the final Test, hence setting a new record.

The Rajasthan Royals batter became the first New Zealand batter to register three successive centuries against England. Adding to his credit, all three tons have come in the enemy backyard. Walking into bat with the score reading 83 runs for the loss of four wickets, it took a Herculean effort from the Canterbury cricketer to bail out the visitors again in the third Test.

Mitchell lasted for over 80 overs, scoring 109 runs off 228 balls to guide his side to a respectable first innings total. On Day 1 of the final Test, Mitchell also became the first Kiwi batter in 73 years to score 400 runs in a Test series against England. He has amassed 482 runs in five innings at a stupendous average of 120.50, way clear of Joe Root, who comes in second with 305 runs.

Before Mitchell’s feat, only two players had scored three centuries in a three-match Test series in England. Ken Barrington achieved the feat in 1967 against Pakistan, whereas Graham Gooch achieved the same in 1990 against India. 

Mitchell’s campaign started with a disappointing knock of just 13 runs in the first innings of the opening Test. However, he put on a show in the second innings, with a spectacular knock of 108 runs. The 31-year-old batter just fell ten runs short off a well-deserved double century in the second Test. The reigning World Test Champions have not been at their best on this tour, yet Mitchell has certainly saved the day for the visitors on several occasions.