England won by 5 wickets in Ist test-[photo-twitter/ICC]
Root’s ton took match away from New Zealand, England won by 5 wickets in Ist test.-The first test of a three match series between England and New Zealand was a full of drama between ball and bat. In the end England won by 5 wickets in ist test match.
Both the teams were not able to cross 200 mark with the bat in their first ininnig. First innings belonged to the bowlers and was dominated by the ball.
In their first innings New Zealand were all out on 132 runs. England in return were bundled on 141 runs.
New Zealand made 285 runs in their 2nd innings thus setting a target of 275 for England batsman. The first 20 overs of England batting was dominated by Kiwi’s. England were 69/4 after twenty overs. The game looked titled towards Kiwi’s till Joe Root starts building the partnership.
With skipper Ben Stokes, Root made a match winning partnership and took match away from New Zealand. Stokes was out after scoring a half century, 54 runs, that includes five 4’s and three 6’s.
Whereas, Root remained not out on 115 ( of 170 balls). He hit 12 boundaries in his century.
Earlier New Zealand struggling,in second innings, with their bat. They were 56/4 after 23 overs. Then 150+ partnership between Daryl Mitchell and de Grandhome put Kiwis in strong position.
Again, drama started with the ball. At 251 England team took a hatrik dissmissing both the set batsman. Last five batsman of Kiwis managed to score just 34 runs. Such was the intensity of batting collapse of Kiwis batting in the end.
Also read:Why Michael Vaughan is not happy with England vs New Zealand first test match at Lords
Joe Root-Player of Match
For his brilliant match winning century Joe Root was given Player of the Match. Speaking on his award, Root expressed joy, after a long time. Earlier Root stepped down as captain of tests, owing to the bad performance of England in test cricket. England under his captaincy lost Ashes by embarrassing 0-4 defeat.
England team is in a new shape lead by new mercurial captain Ben Stokes and also a new batting coach McCullum. This is the first test match for Mcullum as a batting coach for any team.
Related Post:England vs New Zealand- A decisive series for World Test Championship 2023 spot
