England debut ‘Bazball’ in New Zealand before Stokes’s sporting declaration on Day 1
New Zealand cricket fans got a taste of England’s ‘Bazball’ approach on the first day of the first Test at Mount Maunganui on Thursday, as visitors blew the wind out of the hosts’ sails thanks to daring performances by Ben Duckett and Harry Brook.
Set in the bat, England raced to 325 to 9 before Ben Stokes made a sporting statement in the day-night contest and it worked wonders for them as New Zealand were reduced to 37 to 3 by the end of the game in the final session.
The Duckett & Brooks Show
Duckett smashed 84 of 68 balls with 14 fours while Brook didn’t stay out with 89 of 81 balls with 15 boundaries and a six. Duckett and Ollie Pope added 99 as many balls for the second wicket, helping England score 134 runs for losing two wickets in the first session.
The stand between Brooks and Ben Foakes (38) then ensured England amassed another 145 runs in the second session, knocking down the hosts after they recovered by three wickets.
Paceman Neil Wagner finished 4-82 and captain Tim Southee (2-71) bowled with his usual discipline, but all four New Zealand sailors conceded an over over five runs.
Kiwis fight under lights
The home batsmen survived four overs in which James Anderson and Stuart Broad tested the momentum, but Ollie Robinson struck with his third ball to remove Tom Latham for one, the opener being caught on the short leg by a diving Ollie Pope.
Anderson had then taken Conway straight to the second slip, but Zak Crawley had the easiest chance to save the first set to nine.
Kane Williamson (6) wasn’t as lucky as he tapped the pads from an Anderson ball that came in. Referee Aleem Dar ignored lbw’s appeal but it was upheld on review.
Crawley later made amends by catching Henry Nicholls for four to secure Anderson’s second wicket. Opener Devon Conway was 18 not out and night watchman Neil Wagner was on four with Anderson taking two wickets and Ollie Robinson one.
It was an impressive performance from the perennial Anderson, but earlier in the day it was the new guys who took the lead.
England, who have won nine of their last ten Tests, are bidding to win their first series of Tests in New Zealand since 2008. (With agency contributions)
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Published on: Thursday, February 16, 2023 4:45 PM IST