NZ vs ENG, D/N Test: Visitors rule Day 1 proceedings
England are on top of New Zealand in the first Test of the two-match series. The Day-Night affair at the Bay Oval saw England make a stunning declaration on 325/9 in just 58.2 overs. Harry Brook stood tall with a fiery 89 and Ben Duckett scored a fluent 68-ball 84. In response, England claimed three crucial Kiwi wickets to take charge (37/3).
How did England's innings pan out?
England saw Zak Crawley get dismissed cheaply before Duckett and Ollie Pope added a superb 99-run stand for the 2nd wicket. NZ fought their way back to stop England's carnage, reducing them to 209/5. However, Brook and Ben Foakes added 89 runs for the sixth wicket to help England fight. In the end, England declared on 325/9 to make the Kiwis bat.
Duckett and Pope give England an aggressive start
After Crawley's dismissal, Duckett and Pope played a crucial role in helping their side move along at a brisk pace. England were 118/2 in 19 overs when Duckett was dismissed. His whirlwind knock was laced with 14 fours. Meanwhile, Pope played second fiddle in a 42-run effort from 65 balls. A 99-run stand handed England the desired momentum.
Brook stands tall for England
England needed someone who can offer substance. Brook came when England were 152/3. He added a fifty-plus stand alongside skipper Ben Stokes. And then, he added another 89-run stand alongside Foakes to resurrect England's innings. Brook was aggressive in his approach and he recorded an 81-ball 89 (15 fours, 1 six). He has accumulated 569 runs in five games at 81.29.
Wagner claims a four-fer, gets to 250 scalps
New Zealand left-arm pacer Neil Wagner claimed a crucial four-fer on Day 1. Wagner produced figures worth 4/82 from 16.2 overs. He got the scalps of Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Foakes, and Jack Leach. Wagner has raced to 251 scalps for New Zealand at an average of 26.80. Wagner has also raced to 50 wickets versus England at an impressive 29.94.
England on top versus the Kiwis
New Zealand have lost three wickets in their first innings at stumps on Day 1. Tom Latham was dismissed for 1 before James Anderson claimed Kane Williamson (6) and Henry Nicholls (4) cheaply. Anderson scripted history, becoming the first bowler to take international wickets in 21 different calendar years. Ollie Robinson claimed 1/10 as well.
