New Zealand ended Day 1 of the first test against England on an impressive note in Christchurch. They are at 319/6, and are looking strong to go past the 400-run mark.
The visitors won the toss and opted to bowl first. Gus Atkinson drew first blood for England by inducing a thick edge off Devon Conway through his in-swinging ball in the second over. He plucked a stunning catch on his follow-through to send Conway packing for 2.
Thereafter, captain Tom Latham took charge of scoring as he steered the team by finding odd boundaries. Soon, Kane Williamson, who was playing his first test after two months, found his rhythm as well.
The 15th over witnessed Brydon Carse finding a healthy outside-edge from Latham, who was well settled at the crease. The southpaw departed for 47 off 54, with six fours.
However, the visitors couldn’t be consistent with their line-lengths to trouble the hosts. The next hour saw Williamson and Rachin Ravindra making full use of the shortish deliveries to score boundaries.
With the sun out, there wasn’t much assistance for the English bowlers. In particular, Ravindra looked potent to score boundaries off good-length balls as well.
Out of nowhere, Shoaib Bashir made Ravindra (34) caught at short mid-wicket off his low full toss. Nevertheless, Williamson continued his momentum and got to his fifty with his expansive boundary towards the deep square leg.
Although, Daryl Mitchell (19) got a start, he couldn’t convert it into a big knock, as Carse induced an edge from his pull shot.
Williamson, Phillips propel New Zealand to a strong total
Despite Mitchell’s dismissal, Williamson was positive with his intent to score boundaries and keep the hosts in good stead. However, the ace batter couldn’t judge the bounce offered from Gus Atkinson’s delivery, and was caught at point for 93 off 197.
In his only fourth delivery, Phillips was dropped by England captain Ben Stokes, however, it was a tough chance to pounce upon. Tom Blundell was looking good, before getting dismissed for 17 by Bashir.
Then, Matt Henry (18) supported Phillips well, who was dealing quite well in boundaries. At the end of Day 1, New Zealand are at 319/6, with Phillips (41*) and Tim Southee (10*) at the crease. Bashir is the pick of the bowlers for the visitors with four scalps.
FAQs
What are the current WTC standings of both teams?
New Zealand are at fourth with a point percentage of 54.55, while England are at sixth with a point percentage of 40.79.
Can England and New Zealand qualify for WTC final?
England doesn’t stand a chance, but the Black Caps can stake a claim if they win all three matches of this series.
