Agony for Kane Williamson, ecstasy for Matthew Potts. Granted, it may not trip off the tongue like Ian Smith’s famous commentary at Lord’s five years ago, but both emotions were very much on show after the moment that changed day one in Hamilton.
Williamson had looked indelible during the opening exchanges of this third Test, cruising to 44 and driving New Zealand to an apparent position of strength at 185 for three after tea. But when he was bowled by Potts, having deflected the ball on to his stumps playing late to one that bounced, England’s fightback was sparked.
“I didn’t have a great view of it,” said Potts as New Zealand closed on 315 for nine at stumps, the seamer having claimed three for 75 on his return to England’s XI. “I was a bit confused but then I saw a bail drop down by his feet and it was pure elation after that.”
Asked about his personal success against Williamson, a hold that has returned four dismissals from five encounters, Potts said: “It was a massive wicket at that point in the innings. It’s less about personal milestones and achievements of getting good players out. At that key point in time, Kane could have taken the game away from us.
“To get a massive scalp like that for the team, a player like Kane who can play the long game and score quite quickly as well, I’m pretty proud of that.”
Potts has spent much of the year in the wings, having impressed on a Lions tour of India at the back end of last winter, only then to wait until the second summer series, against Sri Lanka, for his chance. Even then, after two solid performances, the 26‑year‑old was left out to give the untried Josh Hull a debut at the Oval, with Potts’s one-off appearance in Pakistan in October his first cap away from home.
Few players have bought further into the team-first approach of Ben Stokes, however, with Potts in awe at his captain and Durham teammate sending down 23 overs in three spells here. That time spent on the sidelines was not exactly wasted either, with Potts a relentless workhorse for England’s batters in the nets while honing his technique under the watchful eye of Jimmy Anderson.
Potts said: “I enjoy every time that I put this England shirt on and I just hope I do it justice. Competition is really high and that’s great for the team. These things happen, you travel around a little bit and don’t play, but then you get an opportunity.
“I’ve learned a little bit from [Anderson], doing a little bit of run-up work, tinkering with a few deliveries and building up a bit of confidence with the new ball. So yes, I’ve added a few strings to my bow.”
