Highlights of Day 1 of the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand.
Despite taking the honours on Day 1, New Zealand still find themselves as the outsiders with the bookmakers.
The Kiwi’s made six changes to their side, and still managed to restrict England to 258/7 on Day 1.
It was a bizarre day all in all. First of all, England batted a session without losing a wicket, and then after lunch, the wheels fell off Joe Root’s side.
Having been 72/0, England soon found themselves at 85/3. Then after a mini recovery, the hosts found themselves on 175/6 after James Bracey’s first ball duck.
Day 1 Highlights – England Vs New Zealand 2nd Test, 2021
England did manage to fight back, and give themselves a foot hole in the game. This was thanks in the main to a half century from Dan Lawrence (67no), and some tail end runs from Olly Stone (20) and Mark Wood (16no).
After winning the toss and batting though, England would have hoped for more than 258/7.
The same batting frailties shown at Lord’s were also on show here. Zak Crawley looks hopelessly out of form, and as the panel on Sky discussed at Tea, is looking like a guy whose brain is a touch scrambled.
The break from England duty after his match should do Crawley some good, and with a bit of luck for him, the Vitality Blast may be a way to play himself back into some sort of form ahead of the Test series with India.
For New Zealand, they showed remarkable character for a side who made six changes. The hosts showed they have plenty of strength in depth, and are right in this Test match. Especially if they can mop up England’s tail early on Friday morning.