Ryan the hair-raiser

Ryan Sidebottom leads the tourists off after his stunning performance © Getty Images

Buy this photo

View photo story

Watch the end of day report on ECBtv - and see Ryan Sidebottom's post-play press conference

The England fans who turned up for the first Test in Hamilton sporting Ryan Sidebottom wigs got it right after all.

Their luxuriant hairpieces may have been a source of amusement for the rest of the crowd during the first three days, but their choice of headgear proved particularly prescient.

Sidebottom’s heroics on the fourth evening, when he became only the 11th England player to take a Test hat-trick, suggests a mane of curly, golden hair will be the must-have accessory among the Barmy Army from now on.

They know they will be able to wear it with pride, for Sidebottom’s status as England’s best seamer over the past year was underlined in thrilling fashion as he took 5-37 to help reduce New Zealand to 147 for eight by the close of play.

Sidebottom also claimed 4-90 in the first innings, figures which appear all the more impressive given the mightily unhelpful pitch upon which this contest is being played.

Lacking in pace and bounce, offering little in the way of lateral movement, and with overhead conditions proving equally unco-operative for much of this contest, Sidebottom has nevertheless managed to take as many wickets as all the other seam bowlers from both sides combined.

Admittedly, New Zealand - their eyes set on a declaration - were chasing quick runs on the fourth evening, but Stephen Fleming’s claim that England did not earn their second-innings wickets carried more than a hint of boorishness.

Matthew Bell was forced into playing at a delivery slanted across him three balls into New Zealand’s second innings, and Sidebottom returned to the attack to break a 98-run stand for the second wicket between Jamie How and Fleming.

Ian Bell and Michael Vaughan join a jubilant Sidebottom in celebrating his sensational hat-trick in the final session

Buy this photo

It took a stunning catch at deep midwicket to remove How for 39, and a marginally less impressive effort from Cook at gully accounted for Fleming as he failed to control a square drive.

It was the first wicket of Sidebottom's treble, and the same combination were responsible for Mathew Sinclair’s departure to the first ball of his next over.

Again Sidebottom’s length proved crucial, Sinclair slicing a drive to gully, and upping the run-rate - Fleming's excuse for New Zealand's poor display - could not have been further from Jacob Oram’s mind as he shuffled across the crease to the hat-trick ball.

Sidebottom therefore added his name to a distinguished list of England players to have taken a Test hat-trick, with team-mate Hoggard the most recent among them.

That match, against West Indies in Barbados in 2004, saw England bowl their opponents out cheaply in the second innings before making short work of a victory target.

While England will have to chase more than the 93 they needed on that occasion - New Zealand’s lead currently stands at 269 with two wickets remaining - Sidebottom’s historic achievements ensured they at least go into the final day harbouring realistic hopes of a win that has appeared improbable for the majority of this match.

If they do so, wig manufacturers are best advised to check their supplies.