England vs New Zealand: Emilio Gay and the bowlers gave home a golden opportunity

England have a golden chance of victory in the first Test in New Zealand despite falling by four wickets for one run from 11 balls on the second day at Lord’s.

After 16 wickets fell on day one, another 17 came up on Friday to battle it out on a devilish surface – with an alarming amount of erratic ball added to the lateral movement.

At the end of it all, New Zealand are 36-3 chasing a target of 254. Captain Tom Latham was out to the third ball of the chase and, crucially, Kane Williamson was caught on the tongue of Josh, before Gus Atkinson cleaned up nightwatchman Will O’Rourke.

Despite the poor weather forecast for Saturday and Monday, there will be a result in this match, with strong favorites England looking to regain morale following their heavy Ashes defeat.

Ollie Robinson capped his comeback with best Test figures of 5-39, taking the last wicket as New Zealand were bowled out for 113 in the first innings – England’s advantage of 27.

England, aided by Emilio Gay’s first half-century and cutting off more New Zealand bests, steadily built what looked like an impressive lead. Gaye sits and may be lbw on 57.

When Gaye finally failed, he began the massacre. Harry Brook, Joe Root and Ben Stokes all followed within two overs. While England’s implosion is notable, perhaps Stokes is solely to blame for his dismissal.

England’s lead is 154 with four wickets in hand. They risked handing over the initiative to New Zealand only for vital runs from the lower order. Jamie Smith 39, Atkinson 14 and Robinson 29.

The hosts were eventually bundled out for 226, with New Zealand’s Nathan Smith brilliant for six wickets.