New Zealand in deep trouble in Lord’s Test as England smell victory
New Zealand face an uphill battle to save the first Test at Lord’s after England tightened their grip on the contest on the second day, reducing the visitors to 36 for 3 in their chase of 254.
On a pitch still offering plenty of assistance to the seamers, England’s bowlers struck early and often, leaving the Black Caps needing a further 218 runs with only seven wickets intact. The dismissal of Kane Williamson for 18 dealt a particularly damaging blow to New Zealand’s hopes.
England vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Day 2 Highlights
England’s commanding position was built earlier in the day by Ollie Robinson, who marked his Test comeback in style. Returning to the side after a two-year absence, the seamer completed his fourth five-wicket haul as New Zealand were bowled out for just 113 in response to England’s first-innings 140.
Having already sparked England’s revival with three wickets in four balls on the opening day, Robinson ensured the hosts secured a crucial 27-run first-innings lead.
There was some resistance from Kyle Jamieson, who backed up his five-wicket haul in England’s first innings with a spirited unbeaten 38. The all-rounder struck three towering sixes and briefly frustrated England after Josh Tongue had removed Glenn Phillips (34) and Nathan Smith (15).
NATHAN SMITH SHINES, BUT ENGLAND IN COMMAND
New Zealand’s second-innings bowling effort, however, was undermined by costly lapses in the field. Ben Duckett was handed a reprieve when Rachin Ravindra put down a chance, and the opener capitalised with 33. Debutant Emilio Gay continued to impress, compiling a confident 57 to anchor England’s innings.
The missed opportunities continued as Jacob Bethell was dropped before eventually departing for 14. Although New Zealand triggered a mini-collapse, removing Harry Brook and Ben Stokes for ducks and trapping Joe Root lbw for eight, England still managed to stretch their lead. Nathan Smith was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with stupendous figures of 17-4-70-6.
England were eventually dismissed for 226, but the target of 254 quickly looked formidable once New Zealand’s top order faltered. With Williamson gone and the pitch continuing to offer uneven bounce and movement, England head into the third day firmly in the driver’s seat.
The visitors now require something special to turn the match around, while England can already sense victory in the landmark 150th Test at the Home of Cricket.
– Ends
