Eng vs New :
New Zealand and England are set to face off for the first-ever Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, named in tribute to former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe and legendary England batsman Graham Thorpe. Due to an injury sidelining wicketkeeper Jordan Cox, Ollie Pope will take on wicketkeeping duties, move down the batting order to number six, and make way for Bethell, who will bat ahead of Joe Root in his milestone 150th Test. While England is already out of contention, new zealand still has a chance to secure a spot in next year’s World Test Championship (WTC) final with a series whitewash.
New Zealand vs England: Thrilling Live Action from the 1st Test
Thrilling Day 1 Ends with New Zealand Crossing 300 Despite England’s Fightback
The opening day of the first Test saw gripping action as both teams wrestled for control. While New Zealand managed to surpass the 300-run mark, exceeding the Hagley Oval’s average first-innings score of 284, England clawed back with a dominant final session. They picked up five wickets for 126 runs in 32 overs, showing their ability to adapt to the shifting conditions.
Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell started the final session with momentum from the second, but a change in weather and England’s short-ball strategy turned the tide. Williamson, who was approaching a well-deserved century, fell for 93, sparking a dramatic collapse that reduced New Zealand from 199/3 to 252/7. Shoaib Bashir stood out with four key wickets, supported ably by Atkinson and Carse, who claimed two apiece.
Glenn Phillips then steadied the innings with a composed knock, receiving crucial support from Matt Henry and Tim Southee. Phillips’ attacking intent, despite the late wickets, ensured New Zealand remained competitive. England’s use of the second new ball will be crucial on Day 2 as they aim to wrap up the innings swiftly.
In a flash interview, Kane Williamson acknowledged the challenging conditions and praised both teams for adapting well. He highlighted the role of partnerships and credited Bashir for effectively using the surface’s bounce.
As Day 2 approaches, England will look to capitalize on the fresh ball, while New Zealand aims to add valuable runs with Phillips and Southee at the crease. The action resumes on Friday, 29th November, at 10 PM GMT. Stay tuned!