Nash spurs New Zealand to victory over England
By Kip Brook of NZPA
From The New Zealander, Wednesday, August 25th, 1999

Dion Nash produced one of the finest spells of his test career to bowl New Zealand to a famous series-winning victory over England in the fourth cricket test victory as the Oval in London on Monday.

Nash captured three key wickets in 12 balls, just when it looked like England mights steal the game from New Zealand.

Nash took 4-39 as England, chasing 246 to win, produced one of its trademark collapses to slump from 123-2 to 162 all out, giving New Zealand the win by 83 runs.

New Zealand won the four-match series 2-1, only its second series win in England.

Nash agreed he was an emotional player who runs on adrenalin and passion. Once he got his tail up he could not contain himself.

He said afterwards amid the din of cheering Kiwi fans that it was great to dedicate the win to New Zealand coach Steve Rixon and manager John Graham who have ended their three-year stint with the side.

"It was special to send them off the way we have because they have been fantastic," Nash said.

"It is great to go home with a 2-1 test series win under our belts.

"I think we have had the better of England all series and I've been happy with my bowling. It's just nice to be adding my bit to the whole team performance."

Rixon said this New Zealand side had the ability to go on and achieve greater success in coming years.

"These guys have got far more flair than England and I'm sure they'll pull off a few more test wins in the coming year.

"It's been a great three years and I'm just pleased for these guys because they have a lot of passion for the game and hunger for the game. That's what's needed to win tests," Rixon said.

Skipper Stephen Fleming said it meant a great deal to beat England twice at the home of cricket.

"We're judged by how we play against teams like England and Australia. To go home with a 2-1 test series win over England means a lot to us. This series has been 18 months in the planning and has been a huge project, so this result today is so satisfying for us and for New Zealand cricket."

England captain Nasser Hussain said New Zealand had outplayed England in the series and if "they play like that in the future they won't go far wrong."

Earlier, all-rounder Chris Cairns played a huge part in New Zealand's win. After half-centuries from Stephen Fleming and No 10 Daniel Vettori helped New Zealand to 236 in its first innings, Cairns took 5-31 as England was bowled out for 153, and then smashed 80 off 94 balls, including four sixes off English spinner Phil Tuffnell, to take his team from a precarious 39-6 in its second innings to 162 all out.

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