In what was the start of the 150th Test match at the Lord’s, England and New Zealand produced another Lord’s classic on the opening day of the first Test. With 16 wickets falling in a wildly entertaining contest that swung repeatedly before England emerged firmly on top.
By stumps, New Zealand were struggling at 61/6, still trailing England’s first-innings total of 140 by 79 runs. While Harry Brook’s fighting half-century had rescued England earlier in the day, it was Ollie Robinson’s sensational return to Test cricket that completely changed the mood at Lord’s.
England’s batting collapse as Jamieson shines
England’s innings never really started after New Zealand captain Tom Latham opted to bowl first under overcast skies. Debutant Emiliano Gay looked good with his twin boundaries but was the first wicket to fall at 16/1.
The visitors struck regularly, with Kyle Jamieson reminding everyone why he remains one of the most dangerous red-ball bowlers in the world. Returning to Test cricket after a long injury layoff, the tall pacer claimed 5/62 and earned a place on the Lord’s honours board.
The hosts collapsed from 31/1 to 55/5, with Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell and Jamie Smith all falling cheaply. Root managed just one run before Will O’Rourke produced a beauty that climbed sharply and found the edge.
Amid the chaos, once again everything relied on Harry Brook. After surviving an early chance, he counterattacked in typical fashion, smashing 56 from 64 balls with nine boundaries. His knock ensured England reached 140, a total that initially looked below par but later appeared far more competitive.
Ollie Robinson, you beauty
New Zealand’s reply began disastrously.
Ollie Robinson, playing his first Test in more than two years, produced one of the most memorable opening overs seen at Lord’s in recent times. He removed Devon Conway and Kane Williamson before trapping Rachin Ravindra lbw, leaving New Zealand stunned at 0/3.
The collapse only deepened. Gus Atkinson dismissed Tom Latham, Robinson bowled Daryl Mitchell and Josh Tongue cleaned up Tom Blundell as New Zealand crashed to 29/6.
At one stage, the visitors looked in danger of being bowled out before stumps. Glenn Phillips provided some resistance with an unbeaten 31 off 34 balls, but England’s bowlers remained relentless throughout the evening session.
While Jamieson’s five-wicket haul had earlier put New Zealand in a commanding position, Robinson’s remarkable spell of 4/10 ensured England finished the day with the upper hand. Now, the Kiwis still trail by 79 runs, while England need four wickets in quick time to gain a first-innings lead.
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