Thorpe ensures whitewash

A defiant century from Graham Thorpe led England to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge and clinched a ...

A defiant century from Graham Thorpe led England to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge and clinched a 3-0 series whitewash on a fluctuating fourth day on Sunday.

Thorpe notched a cool-headed 104 not out and Ashley Giles was unbeaten with 36 as England reached their victory target of 284 to take their first series whitewash over the Kiwis in 26 years.“I was proud to be there at the end. It was key to get a few partnerships and apply pressure,” Thorpe said after the game.

New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns, celebrating his 34th birthday and playing in his 62nd and final Test, had earlier threatened to turn the game New Zealand’s way with four wickets to go with his 5-79 in the first innings.

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But man-of-the-match Thorpe and Giles steered the home side to victory as a depleted New Zealand attack tired in the evening sun.

Mark Butcher scored a resolute 59 before Cairns trapped him lbw with the last ball before tea that nipped back. Cairns induced Andrew Flintoff (5) to mis-hit a drive to substitute fielder Hamish Marshall.

Brief scores

New Zealand: 384 and 218 (Fleming 45, Styris 39, Harmison 3-51, Flintoff 3-60, Giles 4-46) lost to England: 319 and 284-6 (Butcher 59, Thorpe 104 n.o, Giles 36 n.o, Cairns 4-108, Franklin 2-59).