England’s highest Test partnerships in New Zealand

England and New Zealand have had a long Test history dating back to the year 1930. Both teams have faced each other on 112 occasions in the longest format, with England winning on 52 occasions while New Zealand have won just 12 Tests and 47 matches have ended in a draw. The Kiwis have won just six series so far played between the two sides but they have had an upper hand on England on their home soil where the Three Lions are searching for a series win since 15 years.

However, amid the dominating run of New Zealand at home, England batters have risen to the occasion and put up some memorable partnerships against their lethal bowling attack. On that note, let’s take a look at England’s highest partnership in Tests in New Zealand.

3. Mike Denness, Keith Fletcher (266 in Auckland, 1975)

In the 1975 tour of New Zealand, England won the toss and elected to bat first in the first Test. Reduced to 153/3, captain Mike Denness and Keith Fletcher added 266 for the fourth wicket as the latter went on to score 181 while the former notched up 216. England posted a massive 593/6 in their first innings and eventually won the match by an innings and 83 runs.

2. Andrew Flintoff, Graham Thorpe (281 in Christchurch, 2002)

In the first Test of England’s 2002 tour of New Zealand, they were batting in the second innings with a lead of 81. The team led by Nasser Hussain were in trouble at 106/5 when Andrew Flintoff joined Graham Thorpe at the crease. The duo added 281 runs for the sixth wicket as Flintoff scored a magnificent 137 while Thorpe remained unbeaten on 200.

Courtesy of their innings, England set a target of 550 for New Zealand. The Kiwis batted well but could not chase the target as they lost by 98 runs. Thorpe was awarded Player of the Match for his unbeaten double hundred and England went 1-0 up in the series. The three-match series was eventually drawn 1-1.

1. Harry Brook, Joe Root (302 in Wellington, 2023)

After being put in to bat first in the second Test in Wellington of the ongoing series, England were in all sorts of trouble. However, youngster Harry Brook and experienced Joe Root got together in an outstanding 302-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Root remained unbeaten on 153 while Brook scored a blistering 186 off 176 balls. Courtesy of their innings, England managed to score 435/8 in the first innings.