Former Lytham CC overseas star helps New Zealand to defeat England

Starring role for ex-Lytham CC all-rounder in New Zealand’s victory over England.

Former Lytham CC overseas man Zak Foulkes found himself at the centre of events when helping New Zealand beat England in their three-Test series.

Zak Foulkes celebrates after dismissing Jacob Bethell on day four of the third Test between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge | Philip Brown/Getty Images

placeholder image — Zak Foulkes celebrates after dismissing Jacob Bethell on day four of the third Test between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge | Philip Brown/Getty Images

The Black Caps wrapped up a 2-1 success with a 160-run victory on Monday’s final day at Trent Bridge.

It saw Foulkes, who starred for Lytham in their 2024 Liverpool and District Cricket Competition campaign, become New Zealand’s first concussion substitute in Test cricket after initially being left out of their XI.

The 24-year-old was then pressed into action on Friday, having been approved as a like-for-like replacement for Blair Tickner after he had been struck on the helmet by a Jofra Archer bouncer.

He picked up the wickets of Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue in England’s first innings, giving him figures of 3-35, before things took a turn for the dramatic on Sunday’s penultimate day.

Foulkes was caught off the first ball bowled by Stokes after his retirement from international cricket was announced during New Zealand’s second innings.

Then, with England chasing 373 for victory, Foulkes got his revenge by having Stokes caught in his final Test innings.

He followed that up with the dismissals of Jacob Bethell and Brook in claiming 3-52, putting New Zealand in an ideal position to claim victory and finishing with match figures of 6-87.

Speaking after dismissing Stokes and Brook in the first innings, Foulkes admitted last week’s scorching temperatures had played into the visitors’ hands.

He said: “I’m going to say they hit cracks, which is a good sign with us bowling last.

“We just had to probe away at the top of off (stump) and the odd one would do something to give us a reward.

“English conditions aren’t really used to this hot heat so it’s prone to cracking.

“I think the groundsmen were worried about the dryness of the surface before the Test with the weather we had leading up to this, but I think the next couple of days could be pretty enjoyable.

“That’s the beauty of bowling last. Hopefully the wicket is going to be at its hardest for batting right at the end and we can make use of it.”