England secured a 27-run first-innings lead over New Zealand after bowling the visitors out for 113 in the first Test at Lord’s.
Ollie Robinson starred with the ball on his return to international cricket. The fast bowler claimed 5 for 39, his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket since September 2022. His performance helped England take control after New Zealand struggled against disciplined pace bowling.
Robinson made an immediate impact on the opening day. He tore through New Zealand’s top order with figures of 4 for 10 in a six-over spell. The burst included three wickets in four balls and left the visitors in serious trouble at 29 for 6.
Despite the early collapse, New Zealand fought back through Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson. Phillips scored a counterattacking 34, while Jamieson added an unbeaten 38 to reduce the deficit.
The second morning began positively for England. Josh Tongue struck with the first ball of the day, bowling Phillips with a full delivery. He then removed Nathan Smith, who left a ball that moved sharply back into the stumps.
At 82 for 8, New Zealand were still well behind England’s first-innings total of 140. However, Jamieson continued to attack. He hit the first six of the match by sending Tongue’s slower ball over the bowler’s head and later struck Robinson for two consecutive sixes as England targeted the lower-order batters with short-pitched bowling.
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Will O'Rourke contributed one run during a 26-run ninth-wicket partnership with Jamieson. The stand ended when Gus Atkinson deceived O'Rourke with a fuller delivery, forcing an edge to slip.
Robinson completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Matt Henry, who was batting at No. 11 after suffering back spasms on the opening day. The England seamer knocked over Henry’s middle stump to end the innings.
New Zealand later said Henry’s back condition had improved overnight. The team added that his availability to bowl would depend on his level of discomfort during the warm-up before England’s second innings.
England now begin their second innings holding a narrow but important 27-run lead, with the match finely balanced heading into the next phase of play.