Atkinson claims record-breaking hat-trick and Bethell stars as England close in on victory

England closed in on victory over New Zealand in the second Test of their three-match series in Wellington as Gus Atkinson sealed a record-breaking hat-trick and Jacob Bethell starred with the bat.

Atkinson, who registered England men’s 15th Test hat-trick, dismissed Nathan Smith, Matt Henry and Tim Southee to become the first player ever to take a Test hat-trick at the Basin Reserve.

He helped to put England in cruise control, leaving New Zealand 125 all out and trailing by 155 runs before the tourists extended their dominant advantage with the bat.

“It feels good, to be honest,” Atkinson told TNT Sports. “I never really thought about getting a hat-trick until you’re at the end of your mark and you’re on a hat-trick. It ends the year nicely.”

On his improved rhythm from the opening Test, Atkinson added: “I don’t want to speak too soon, yesterday I didn’t feel great, but this morning I felt really good which was pleasing.”

After his superb display, Bethell produced a knock which Atkinson described as “beautiful”.

Bethell backed up his debut half-century in Christchurch and also came close to breaking records, falling just four runs short of a stunning ton.

The 21-year-old scored 96 to help the tourists build an emphatic 533-run lead, adding 187 in the second wicket alongside Ben Duckett, who excelled himself with 92.

Bethell, who is winning only his second cap for England in Test match cricket, came agonisingly close to becoming the nation’s youngest player to make a Test hundred in 85 years.

England were strong across the board, as Joe Root added an unbeaten 73, Harry Brook sealed another half-century with 55, while captain Ben Stokes is on 35 not out from 26 balls.

Unless the hosts can hit back with what would be a world-record run chase, England will claim their first series victory on New Zealand soil since 2008 ahead of the third Test.

They are also closing in on their first away series victory in two years.