NZ vs ENG: Joe Root plays reverse scoop, falls prey in his next attempt

In the first Test between New Zealand and England at the Bay Oval, former England skipper Joe Root played reverse scoop - a shot that he rarely attempts to play in the longest format of the game. However, in his very first attempt, the cricketer executed it brilliantly and the commentators were very impressed with his effort. He was trying to master this in the summer of 2022 and was also spotted seeing him playing this shot in the inaugural season of the ILT20.

Joe Root you cannot do that 👀

This is world class from the former England captain 🌏#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/2tyQJK60SO

— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 16, 2023

However, even though he got the result from his first try, he failed to connect while trying it again. Speedster Neil Wagner got the better of him this time around as Daryl Mitchell took a fantastic catch in the second slip to send Root back to the dressing room. His innings was short-lived as the 32-year-old scored 14 off 22 deliveries.

Lightning doesn't strike twice for Joe Root 😔

And just like that England are 154/4... #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/uQ1gA6tcet

— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 16, 2023

Ben Duckett, Harry Brook gives England a powerful start

Opener Ben Duckett gave England a perfect start in England’s first Test against New Zealand. After losing his partner (Zak Crawley) rather early, the 28-year-old rose to the occasion and played a scintillating innings of 84 runs off 68 deliveries. Ollie Pope supported him well but eventually got dismissed at 42.

Meanwhile, Joe Root and skipper Ben Stokes failed to deliver but it is Harry Brook who once again rose to the occasion to help England put a healthy score on board. The 23-year-old registered yet another half-century (89 off 81 deliveries) in red-ball cricket and was looking in great touch before Wagner dismissed him. Meanwhile, stumper-batter Ben Foakes is playing well in the middle as England have crossed the 300-run mark in the first innings.

Meanwhile, with the ball, Kiwi skipper Tim Southee has picked up two wickets like Neil Wagner while Scott Kuggeleijn and Test debutant Blair Tickner, picked up one each. However, they need to improve massively in order to make a comeback and win the match to take a lead in the two-match Test series.

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