Brendan McCullum’s return to England was a success. England won by 267 runs against New Zealand on the fourth and final day of the first Test. It was an entertaining and efficient performance by England. This was their first Test win in New Zealand in 15 years and their first ever overseas day/night test success. England’s performance featured many hallmarks of the Bazball era: aggressive batting and records tumbling. Harry Brook also performed magic, with England’s veteran seamers continuing their defiance of age and even a nighthawk. England’s relaxed preparation paid off, while New Zealand’s captain Tim Southee may regret his decision to bowl first. This decision twice left his side exposed in the lights.
Southee’s decision was vindicated when he removed Zak Crowley early in day one. England’s opener managed to squeeze in an alarming amount of rest breaks into his short innings. England’s batting heros of Pakistan, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook, gave the tourists momentum as a Kiwi bowling attack with two debutants, Scott Kuggeleijn, and Blair Tickner, struggled in the sun. Duckett was especially impressive, timing the ball perfectly and making some beautiful drives down the ground. Duckett scored 84 runs off just 68 deliveries while Brook scored 89 at a similar speed. Brook was sometimes lucky but he batted with his usual mix of style and savagery. His confidence and conviction were unwavering.
Embed from Getty Images England’s wickets were very gifted, but that is not to say they weren’t talented. Traditionalists would be a little offended by Joe Root’s reverse-scooping dismissal. England’s tail didn’t wag and Ben Stokes declared with England 325-9, after a barely believable 59.2 runs, the second-earliest declaration in a Test match. Stokes made a bold decision and allowed his seamers to take advantage of the lighting conditions. It was a masterstroke at the end of play, with New Zealand winning 37-3 and James Anderson taking two wickets, including Kane Williamson’s crucial dismissal.
Nightwatchman Neil Wagner provided some entertainment on the second day, but Ollie Robinson had already trapped Daryl Mitchell LBW, and the hosts were reeling at 83-5. Devon Conway was resolute at one end and made 77 before succumbing to a Ben Stokes shortball. Although many of the Kiwis’ dismissals were a bit loose, especially Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, wicket-keeper, saved their innings brilliantly. Blundell’s brilliant run of 138 was the key to New Zealand reaching 306 runs. He marshalled the tail flawlessly and added 59 runs with Tickner. Blundell’s heroics ensured England had a slim lead, despite Ollie Robinson scoring figures of 4-54, another impressive overseas performance by the metronomic seamer.
Embed from Getty ImagesEngland’s openers faced with a difficult period under lights but both batted with typical positivity, dampening the hosts’ optimism. Tickner removed Duckett and Kuggeleijn got rid Crawley with a quick delivery that seemed to hold the pitch. Stuart Broad was appointed nighthawk. He should have been down two balls later. However, a funny mix-up between Kuggeleijn & Blundell saved him. Broad was quickly removed the next day, but Joe Root and Ollie Pope formed an industrious partnership, maximizing New Zealand’s bizarre short ball tactic, which Pope in particular enthusiastically exploited.
Root and Harry Brook made sure England’s momentum did not stall with another half-century. Their dismissals briefly opened the door to hope for the hosts, but Ben Foakes scored a crucial fifty, underscoring his importance to this England side. Ollie Robinson also provided good support. Ben Stokes made a valuable contribution, breaking his coach’s record for test sixes. England were finally bowled out for 374. New Zealand needed 394 to win, and had to negotiate another tricky period.
Enter Stuart Broad. The seamer is well-known for his ability produce magic spells. We were treated to a devastating game of fast bowling under Mount Maunganui’s lights. New Zealand’s top bowling order was destroyed by Broad, who clean bowled all four of his victims. His line and length were exemplary, probing the stumps with just a hint seam movement. Broad and Anderson became Test cricket’s most successful bowling team, surpassing Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, which is a testament to their longevity. The landmark is fittingly held in this setting, as the duo’s New Zealand-based bowling partnership was established fifteen years ago. Broad’s spell almost ensured England victory. Anderson won the match on the fourth day, Darly Mitchell remaining in the fight.
Embed from Getty ImagesBroad, Anderson and Robinson finished the second innings with four wickets each. Robinson’s excellent first-innings performance also contributed to an impressive effort by England’s seamers. England will likely rotate its bowling attack for the second Test at Wellington. Matthew Potts and Olly Stone will be fighting for a place in that side. New Zealand must now heal their wounds. Their two debutants did a decent job, but their bowling was too loose at the times. England’s batters were not invited to tuck into it. Their batting was sometimes very timid, but credit must be given England’s seamers who were meticulous with their lengths. The entertainment for England seems to be continuing, and may it continue.
World News1 year ago
World News1 year ago
World News1 year ago
World News1 year ago
World News1 year ago