(Photo Source -Philip Brown/Popperfoto)
New Zealand and England kicked off the first Test of their three-match Test series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, on Thursday, November 28. The game began with the hosts coming in to bat first after losing the toss. Ahead of the game, Nathan Smith for New Zealand and Jacob Bethell for England were handed their debut caps.
The BlackCaps got off to a poor start as opener Devon Conway (2 off 8) walked back in the final delivery of the second over through a brilliant caught and bowled by pacer Gus Atkinson. After that skipper Tom Latham partnered up with Kane Williamson, who was returning to the squad after missing the tour of India with a groin strain.
Both the batters put up a solid 58-run stand before Latham found himself walking after being dismissed for 47. In his 54-ball stay, the southpaw smashed six boundaries. Meanwhile, veteran Kane was looking in good touch and didn’t look like he missed out on a lot of cricket.
He along with Rachin Ravindra found the gaps well and had great coordination while running between wickets. While Ravindra was dismissed for 34, his senior partner continued the assault. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell couldn’t spend much time on the crease as both of them were back in the dressing room after adding 19 and 17 runs, respectively.
Furthermore, Williamson kept smashing the English bowlers and reached the 90s after facing 197 deliveries. Reaching the 90s after a gap of six years, the New Zealand legend missed out on a well-deserved century after being dismissed on 93. Throughout his stay, he smashed 10 boundaries and kept the scoring rate in check.
From there on Glenn Phillips played a quickfire innings of 41 runs and is still unbeaten. While, the side lost Nathan Smith and Matt Henry in no time, Tim Southee has been a good support for Phillips so far.
Currently, Phillips remains unbeaten (41* off 58) and will continue his batting on Day 2 alongside Southee (10* off 19). As for England, Shoaib Bashir was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball as he ended with four wickets. Brydon Carse and Atkinson also bagged two wickets. As the second day approaches, the visitors will look to take the last few wickets and begin their batting.
Also Read: ‘Worth investing in’ – Nasser Hussain on Jacob Bethell’s Test call-up
Meanwhile, here’s how the fans reacted to Day 1 of the 1st NZ vs ENG Test:
On some other day in the future, Shoaib Bashir may have a brilliant spell with luck ditching him to deny the deserving wickets.
On that day, he should remember the spell of 4/69 of today to feel good that for every patch of bad luck there is/was one of good luck too#NZvsENG
— Ambika (@apmahapatra) November 28, 2024
New Zealand with a series of Bazball dismissals today. #NZvsENG
— English Bandit (@Band1tHeeler) November 28, 2024
On some other day in the future, Shoaib Bashir may have a brilliant spell with luck ditching him to deny the deserving wickets.
On that day, he should remember the spell of 4/69 of today to feel good that for every patch of bad luck there is/was one of good luck too#NZvsENG
— Ambika (@apmahapatra) November 28, 2024
Ironically shoaib Bashir is getting wickets in New Zealand pitches where pacers get more help. But struggled to get wickets in Pakistani pitches where Spin was dominant!#NZvsENG
— MiddleStump! (@CarrsAcc) November 28, 2024
Ben Stokes is not captain material and England will never win anything under him. Won’t win back the ashes either #NZvsENG
— Coach lukas (@lukeR15sky) November 28, 2024
Played well against Indian spinners in India, but now getting out to Bashir😂 typical Kiwis! #NZvsEng
— Anam J (@Anamj23) November 28, 2024
Bryson Carse has a fantastic bouncer and great accuracy with 140+ speeds in his arsenal.
He’s a good one! He’s a tall man & he’s making the ball hit the deck real nice. Unpredictable bounce on these tracks so far with the way he is bowling!#SRH #IPL2025 #NZvsENG
— Varun Velamakanti 🦅 (@SunRisersVarun) November 28, 2024
Has a spinner ever picked up 4 wickets at the Hagley Oval on day 1 🙄. Some very ordinary shot selection by the #blackcaps today, to be honest. #NZvsENG #ENGvNZ
— Rahul Patil (@rahulpatilnz) November 28, 2024
Kane Williamson dismissed for well made 93(197) on his comeback match.
MISSED WELL DESERVED HUNDRED! 😢💔#NZvsENG pic.twitter.com/p3rGzWofFk
— 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐬 🇳🇿 (@Kiwiscricketfan) November 28, 2024
New Zealand – England Test series can turn out to be the perfect prepping for England for The Ashes 2024.
Australia’s everyone’s hot favourite but you never know, England might surprise them.#NZvsENG #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/1gRuZpETJ1
— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) November 28, 2024
Kane Williamson comeback innings end at 93 🙁
NZ 227-5#NZvsENG pic.twitter.com/leGiVRVzFO
— #BackTheBLACKCAPS 🇳🇿 (@KW_Fans436) November 28, 2024
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