ENG vs NZ: Robinson, Jamieson rule the roost on dramatic 16-wicket opening day at Lord's

A riveting Day 1 of the first Test between England and New Zealand saw a total of 16 wickets fall as bowlers ruled the roost under overcast conditions on Thursday, June 4, at Lord’s. Glenn Phillips (31* off 34) and Nathan Smith (6* off 10) managed to survive a tricky period for New Zealand in the final session as the visitors finished the day’s play on 61/6, trailing by 79 runs.

Ollie Robinson was the wrecker-in-chief for England with a four-wicket haul (4/10), playing his first Test after two years. Earlier, England were bundled out for 140 in 39.4 overs after New Zealand captain Tom Latham won a crucial toss and opted to bowl first. 

For Kiwis, it was Kyle Jamieson, who made the most of the helpful conditions with his sixth five-wicket haul in Tests (5/62) on his return to the longest format after two years.

In the first session, after surviving the five overs opening the innings in his debut Test, Emilio Gay’s (8 off 14) resilience was brought to an end by Jamieson, who induced an edge which carried to first slip.

Nathan Smith (3/38) accounted for his opening partner Ben Duckett (19 off 37), who didn’t get off to his usual brisk start and was trapped in front to leave the hosts on 31/2. William O'Rourke (2/25) also joined the party, removing Jacob Bethell (6 off 22) and Joe Root (1 off 8) quickly.

Jamieson also returned to destroy Jamie Smith’s (1 off 6) stumps as England lost half their side for 55 runs. A counter-attacking half-century (56 off 71) from Harry Brook helped the hosts cross the 150-run mark, who rode on his luck to add crucial runs for England.

Ollie Robinson's dramatic triple-wicket over

In the second innings, Ollie Robinson couldn’t have asked for a better comeback over, removing three Kiwi batters in his first over itself. He first trapped Devon Conway (1 off 5) in front of the wicket and got Kane Williamson (0 off 2) caught at short leg two balls later.

He ended the over, dismissing Rachin Ravindra (0 off 1) lbw as New Zealand were reduced to 2/3 in two overs. Tom Latham (3 off 21) was also trapped in front by Gus Atkinson (1/8) as England bowlers continued to attack the stumps from around the wicket against the left-handers.

An error in judgement saw Daryl Mitchell attempt a risky leave against Robinson, and the ball crashed into his stumps, leaving New Zealand in tatters at 20/5. Josh Tongue (1/22) also destroyed Tom Blundell’s stumps with a peach of a delivery as New Zealand were further reduced to 29/6 in 13 overs. A counter-attacking Glenn Phillips saw off the day for New Zealand as bad light brought early stumps.