England Starts The Summer With A Victory, Joe Root Hits Ton

New captain, New coach, New summer and England have found their way back to the path of victory. Beginning with bowl in hand, James Anderson and Stuart Broad proved why old is gold and experience is nowhere to be found but in man with experience. Youngester Matthew Potts capitulated and the extra bounce did the trick for him. Unfortunately, due to a niggle he couldn’t hit his first fifer on debut.

England were short of plenty when they batted first, taking lead of only 9 runs. New Zealand have twice rallied – from 36 for six and 56 for four – to go from dead and buried to dead set winners at various points. England lost five for eight in the first innings, were out of it with New Zealand 251 for four and 247 ahead only for Stuart Broad to roll back the years with the second new ball.

England vs New Zealand Day 1 Full Highlights

Three wickets in three balls including one run out saw New Zealand crumble from 251 for four to 285 all out New Zealand started the third day 227 runs ahead, only for England to take the tourists’ last six second-innings wickets for 34 runs. When England suffered another top-order collapse, they were in danger of folding to a heavy defeat before Root, Stokes and Foakes pulled off a memorable victory Earlier, New Zealand had been bowled out for 132 in their first innings with Matt Potts and James Anderson taking four wickets each. After a good opening stand in response, England collapsed and could only muster 141 on the board – a 9-run lead.

As the match progressed, batting became easier. Also, Kane Williamson mentioned that as the ball got softer, shot making became easier. Sudden exit of Colin De Grandhomme due to injury was something that troubled New Zealand’s core bowling attack. Certainly, England needed some good luck and it came when Ben Stokes was half-way down to the pavillion but the umpire called it a no ball. Out of nothing, Lord’s found it soul back and Ben Stokes went on to score 50, an opportunity utilised by a talented person.

Now, the second match will be played a Trent Bridge, Nottinghamshire then coming to Headingley which holds the glimpse of historical match where Ben Stokes hit 135 with only one wickets remaining to win.