The inaugural World Test champions’ title defence hasn’t gone well so far as they drop more points with a five-wicket defeat in the first Test on their tour of England. The Kane Williamson-led side will look to bounce back when they lock horns with the hosts at Trent Bridge, Nottingham in the second Test starting on June 10.
England ushered in their new era under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum with an inspiring win at Lord’s powered by their old skipper Joe Root. This was England’s first Test victory in the last 10 Tests, breaking the cycle of their disastrous performances in recent times.
The Black Caps won the toss and chose to bat first but were immediately made to regret it as they were bowled out for just 132. Matthew Potts was outstanding on his debut, picking 4 for 13, while James Anderson scalped 4 for 66 on his comeback. The Kiwis, however, weren’t going to die wondering as they shot out England for 141 in response after the hosts were 59/0 at one stage. Tim Southee picked 4 for 55 while Trent Boult bagged 3 for 21.
Having kept the deficit to only 9 runs, New Zealand nullified their first innings batting performance but their second innings started in similar fashion as they lost four wickets for 56. Two unlikely heroes stepped up for the visitors as Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell put on a mammoth 195-run partnership. Mitchell registered his second Test century while Blundell scored 96. After being in a strong position, the Black Caps lost 6 for 34, setting a target of 277.
Chasing the target, the hosts were in a spot of bother having lost four wickets for 69 runs. Root and Stokes then brought the team back in the game with a 90-run partnership. The England skipper made use of the good fortune after being dismissed off a no-ball and scored 54. Root then took charge of the situation and scored a magnificent 115*, adding an unbroken stand of 120 runs with Ben Foakes.
The World champions slipped to seventh position on the table, having won 33.33% of points from seven Tests. England climbed to eighth with this win, now having 19.23% points after 14 Tests.
Key players
Joe Root, one of the best players of his generation, has been in sensational form since the start of 2021. The right-hand batter joined the 10k club during the first Test, becoming only the second English player to achieve the milestone. He averages 49.57 in the format with 26 hundreds and 53 fifties. Root was magnificent in the Lord’s Test, scoring an unbeaten 115 to take the team over the line.
One of the greatest bowlers to ever play the game, James Anderson has 646 wickets to his name from 170 Tests at an average of 26.52. The veteran seamer has picked 31 five-fors and three 10-wk hauls in the format. The 40-year-old was superb at Lord’s, picking 4/66 and 2/57 in two innings.
Kyle Jamieson has been outstanding in the red-ball format so far. The tall right-arm seamer has scalped 72 wickets in just 15 Test matches at a terrific average of 18.54. He has registered five five-wicket hauls and one 10-wk haul in his career. Jamieson was the best Kiwi bowler on show at Lord’s, picking 2/20 and 4/79.
Devon Conway has had a great start to his Test career for New Zealand. The left-hand batter has scored 783 runs in eight matches at an excellent average of 55.92.
He has registered three hundreds and as many fifties in the format. Conway fell cheaply in both the innings at Lord’s but remains a key player for the visitors.
Prediction
As far as the recent matches between the two teams are concerned, New Zealand lead 2-1 in the last five Tests, with two matches ending in draws.
Despite what we saw in the first Test, New Zealand do have a good batting unit comprising Williamson, Conway, Tom Latham and Will Young. Mitchell and Blundell have been big positives. The bowling attack remains as potent as ever and could be bolstered if they include Neil Wagner in place of the spinner.
England have found a good option in Potts to pair with the experienced duo of Anderson and Stuart Broad. Leg-spinner Matt Parkinson, who played as a concussion substitute, has been added to the side. The batting unit remains a concern with a shaky top order and a lot will be riding on Root-Stokes.
Overall, both the teams are matched pretty well but given the volatile nature of the English side, New Zealand should head into the game as slight favourites.
