NZ VS ENG 1ST TEST
1st Test, Mount Maunganui, February 16, 2023, 06:30 AM
England
325/9(58.2ov) & 374/10(73.5ov)
New Zealand
306/10(82.5ov) & 126/10(45.3ov)
England beat New Zealand by 267 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Harry Brook
Commentry
Right then, that's all from this game. It is England who have drawn first blood in the series, winning the first Test by 267 runs and will now be eying a 2-0 whitewash. On the other hand, New Zealand will look to put up a better show in the second Test and draw level in the series. The second and final Test of this series begins on Friday, 24th February at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The first ball will be at 3.30 am IST (10.00 pm GMT). As always, you can join us in advance for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!
Ben Stokes, the skipper of England, says that they were clinical in both departments. Adds that they executed their plans with the pink ball under the lights and it was always going to be tough for anyone against Stuart Broad and James Anderson. Feels that they managed to react well to whatever was thrown at them by New Zealand. Also says that it was an entertaining game and it was what everyone wanted. Ends by saying that Harry Brook is a fantastic talent and he is going to be a global superstar.
Tim Southee, the skipper of New Zealand, says that it is disappointing and credits England for the way they played. Adds that the decision to bowl first was right but the way England batted was brilliant. Feels that they needed to stem the flow of runs and create chances. Also mentions that Stuart Broad bowled exceptionally well last night. Ends by saying that it will be a different challenge at the Basin Reserve and his team are looking forward to that game.
Harry Brook is the Player of the Match for scoring fifties in both innings. He says that there was no standout performer in this game and everyone contributed equally well. Adds that bowlers in particular bowled extremely well on this docile pitch. Feels that it did help with New Zealand bowling short balls. Shares that he stuck to his strengths and took on the bowlers. Ends by saying that he is excited to bat every time and he is happy that he is carrying on from his form in Pakistan.
Time for the Presentations...
England though impressed with the bat yet again and set New Zealand a target of close to 400 with three of their batters scoring 50s. Their bowlers then were ruthless as they ran riot in the last session of Day 3. Broad was at his best then. Day 4 though belonged to James Anderson and Jack Leach who made quick work of the lower order to complete a comprehensive win.
To be honest, New Zealand were just outplayed. Things just did not go their way, whereas, for England, every move they made worked. First, after being inserted, they managed to score 325 with Harry Brook impressing yet again. Also, they weren't bowled out but declared on the last session of Day 1. That decision proved to be a good one as they managed to bag three wickets before Stumps. They had New Zealand staring down the barrel at 83 for 5. Had it not been for Tom Blundell who scored a brilliant ton, England would have gotten a big lead. Courtesy of that superb knock, the lead was just a slender one.
A thumping win for the visitors and England's impressive form in the longer format continues. They needed five wickets heading into Day 4 to win this game and they wrapped it up quite quickly.
In over# 46
0W
0
0
James Anderson 18/4(10.3)
45.3
W
OUT! TIMBER! That is it. It is Anderson who finishes it off. Goes length again and on off, Tickner plays down the wrong line and misses. It hit the top of off. England win by 267 runs.
45.2
.
Goes Fuller this time and on middle, Tickner was ready for it as he defends.
45.1
.
Bangs it short and on the body. Blair defends.
In over# 45
0
0
0
4
0
0
Stuart Broad 49/4(15)
44.6
.
Bangs this short and on middle, this is pulled but to square leg. Mitchell fails to take the one.
Halt! The umpires are unhappy with the seam of this ball and have called for a replacement. All good to go now.
44.5
.
Fuller and on off, it is driven back to the bowler. One ball to go in the over.
44.4
.
Bangs it short, this is pulled to mid-wicket.
44.3
4
FOUR! Another lovely shot from Mitchell. Fuller and around off, this is driven through covers for a boundary.
44.2
.
Another pull shot towards deep square leg. No run taken.