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England beat New Zealand by 115 runs in the first Test at Lord’s as they begin their post-Ashes rebuild on a winning note.
It is perhaps difficult to gauge how much England have changed or improved since their 4-1 defeat by Australia in this Black Caps vs Black Caps clash that was tough for batting.
But the win – just over two hours on day four when Gus Atkinson (5-30) cleaned-up Matt Henry for 138 in 40.3 overs – was just the boost the team needed, and the fans demanded, after a winter of poor results and unwanted headlines off the field.
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Josh Tong’s strike – pinning Tom Blundell lbw – helped push England to victory at Lord’s on day four
New Zealand resumed their second innings at 55-5, needing 199 more to chase 254, and were 58-6 soon after Josh Tongue (2-48) trapped Tom Blundell lbw for four.
Glenn Phillips (44) and Devon Conway (41) put on a 69-ball 53 for the seventh wicket to keep the Kiwis’ slim hopes alive – during which Conway was dropped for 24 off Harry Brooke at slip.
However, when Conway dropped Ben Stokes to Jacob Bethel at the cordon, and the fielder took a sharp low catch, New Zealand were four for 27 – at Atkinson’s account Nathan Smith (4) and Kyle Jamieson (6), caught by Spitter before midwicket.
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Gus Atkinson took the final wicket with a five-wicket haul as England beat New Zealand by 115 runs.
In retrospect, New Zealand may regret their lack of inspiration with the bat at the start of their second innings.
This fast-paced Test saw 33 wickets fall on the first two days followed by two more on the third day when only 9.4 overs were possible due to incessant rain.
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Jacob Bethel’s brilliant slip catch removed Devon Conway to give captain Ben Stokes his first Test wicket.
England will now aim to clinch the series with a win at Kia Oval from Wednesday 17 June, before the third and final Test at Trent Bridge from Thursday 25 June.
Highlights include Robinson’s return to England and Gay’s debut
Ollie Robinson’s successful return from a whirlwind spell was one of the key stories of the past few days, with the Sussex seamer – sidelined from the start of 2024 due to fitness – taking seven wickets in the match, including three in his first over on Thursday evening.
England were clamoring for his skills in Australia and he has a chance to snag a long-term spot, although his challenge will prove he has the patience to finish the course on less responsive pitches.
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Oli Robinson took three wickets in his first over on his first day back in England, dismissing Conway, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra.
Opening batsman Emilio Gay scored a second-innings debut half-century for the hosts – his 57 off 95 balls was the highest score of the match – after replacing the axed Jack Crowley.
New Zealand were eventually beaten comfortably but the game could have been different had England not taken five catches in two innings.
The Black Caps were also criticized for not reviewing Gay lbw to Henry when the batter was on 24 at England’s second dig.
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Emilio Gay scored 57 off 95 balls in his second innings on his England debut, hitting eight boundaries.
When the series resumes in south London on Wednesday week, expect a more even contest between bat and ball.
The spicy, up-and-down, Lord’s surface provided plenty of entertainment but was perhaps not suitable for Test cricket, with Nasser Hussain of Sky Sports deeming it “substandard”.
Watch the first day of the second Test between England and New Zealand at the Kia Oval Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Events Wednesday June 17 from 10am (11am first ball). Stream cricket and more with NOW – no contract.
