NZ vs ENG, 1st Test, Review: Dominant New Zealand wrap up innings victory

New Zealand have won the first Test of the two-match series against England at Eden Park in Auckland by an innings and 49 runs. Unlike first innings, it was a collective effort from the bowlers of the hosts who hunted in a pack. England though batted defiantly on the final day and made their opponents work hard for every wicket. Eventually, it was in the final session when they capitulated in front of some hostile and disciplined bowling performance and conceded the series lead to the home side.

Earlier in the morning, it was the duo of Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes who started the proceedings for the visitors even as the former was dismissed early on 23. But Stokes took Jonny Bairstow by his side and blocked almost every ball thereby frustrating Kane Williamson and Co. for more than 20 overs. However, it was the stunner from the skipper himself which ended Bairstow’s vigil on 26. England were 181/5 at that stage and it felt as if the match would finish early.

Stokes fights for his team

But Stokes, in his comeback game, was not ready give up easily as he further added a crucial stand of 36 runs with Moeen Ali who was pinned in front by Trent Boult courtesy a smart review. Chris Woakes joined the party then and showed his prowess with the bat to stitch a partnership of 83 runs. However, it was a heartbreak for the visiting side as the defiant Stokes was dismissed just at the stroke of the dinner break to dash all the hopes of England to save the match.

He made 66 off 188 deliveries and announced his return in the longest format of the game. Soon after his wicket, the Kiwis were all over the tailenders even as Woakes brought up his half-century which eventually went in vain. England were bundled out for 320 runs with almost an hour of play left in the day. Woakes made 52 runs during his stay in the middle and proved his mettle with the bat in hand.

For the home side, it was the trio of Boult, Wagner and Todd Astle who shared 9 wickets between them as Southee scalped the remaining wicket. Boult, for his sensational spell in the first innings, was named Man of the Match. England, however, should be praised as they gave a better account of themselves in their second essay with the bat and would be eyeing to come back strongly in the final Test match of the series.

Brief Scores

England 58 after 20.4 overs (C Overton 33*; T Boult 6/32, T Southee 4/25) & 320 after 126.1 overs (B Stokes 66, M Stoneman 55; T Boult  3/67, T Astle 3/39)

New Zealand 427/8dec after 141 overs (H Nicholls 145*, K Williamson 102; S Broad 3/73, J Anderson 3/87)

Result: New Zealand won by an innings and 49 runs

Man of the Match: Trent Boult

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