When Carse was banned for historical betting offences earlier this year, he feared for his international career. Now he is England’s outstanding bowler of the winter.
He has filled the hole left by injured Durham team-mate Mark Wood. Not only was this the first away five-for by an England seamer since Wood in Hobart in early 2022, it was also Carse’s first in first-class cricket since April 2021, further strengthening England’s assertion over the different skills required for the highest level.
In a year where England have regenerated their pace attack, Carse has taken only three Tests to take an away 10-for, a feat never managed by legendary pair James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Carse is lively without being express. He troubles batters with bounce and awkward lengths. After New Zealand resumed on 155-6, Nathan Smith was pinned in front of leg stump and, in the same over, Matt Henry palpably leg-before to a full delivery.
When Stokes was forced out of the attack, Tim Southee slapped Gus Atkinson for two sixes, then picked out Root at deep mid-wicket.
Mitchell had 47 from 128 deliveries when O’Rourke arrived, but flicked a switch to take 37 off his next 38. England dropped the field, Mitchell farmed the strike, O’Rourke held up his end.
Carse was summoned once more and one Mitchell slap too many ended in the hands of Woakes at long-off.
After Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were dismissed, the low-pressure chase was the perfect scenario for left-hander Bethell to demonstrate his talent. Smith was wiped for four fours in the same over.
Putting on a show, Bethell hooked Smith over square leg for six and, three balls later, sealed the match.
