Chasing a formidable target of 254 in the first match of the three-test series, New Zealand, known as the Black Caps, were bowled out for 138 before lunch on the fourth day. They had resumed their innings at 55 for five in what was the 150th test at the iconic cricket venue.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) issued an unusual public apology due to the pitch conditions, which heavily favored bowlers, resulting in a wicket falling approximately every 25 balls.
The day began with an early breakthrough as paceman Josh Tongue claimed the first wicket within just seven deliveries, trapping wicketkeeper Tom Blundell lbw for four.
Tongue almost dismissed opener Devon Conway in his next over, but Harry Brook at second slip dropped him when he was on 24, the ball slipping through Brook’s hands. Conway fought hard to score 41 from 91 balls before being caught in the gully by Jacob Bethell off Ben Stokes’ delivery. Nathan Smith soon followed, caught behind by Jamie Smith for four off Gus Atkinson.
Glenn Phillips, who had scored 34 in New Zealand’s first innings of 113, adopted an aggressive approach but lost partner Kyle Jamieson, who was caught by Ben Duckett at short mid-wicket for six off Atkinson. Atkinson ended with five wickets for 30 runs, while Ollie Robinson, the man of the match, took two for 38.
Black Caps captain Tom Latham expressed disappointment at the match’s outcome, stating that while playing at Lord’s is always enjoyable, the way the game unfolded was unfortunate. He noted, “We certainly didn’t think the wicket was going to play like that from a duration point of view.” Latham added, “We saw a lot of guys getting hit on the gloves today, which indicates a lack of trust in the surface.”
England captain Ben Stokes, reflecting on his team’s past challenges, praised debutant opener Emilio Gay, who managed to score one of only two half-centuries in the match despite the unpredictable conditions. “That’s as tough as it gets in test cricket,” Stokes remarked. “The 50 runs he got were priceless.”
The MCC attributed the pitch’s condition to the weather, acknowledging in a statement that the surface showed more variable bounce than desired. “We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are naturally frustrated when a surface falls short of those expectations,” the statement read.
The second test is scheduled to commence on June 17 at the Oval. — Reuters/Allied Media
