England started their post-Ashes rebuilding phase with a convincing 115-run victory over New Zealand national cricket team in the first Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The win was completed early on the fourth day when Gus Atkinson took 5 wickets for 30 runs and dismissed the final batter, Matt Henry, as New Zealand were bowled out for 138 while chasing a target of 254.
New Zealand resumed their second innings at 55-5 and needed another 199 runs to win. Their situation worsened when Josh Tongue trapped Tom Blundell lbw for four, leaving the visitors at 58-6.
Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway briefly kept New Zealand’s hopes alive with a 53-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Conway scored 41 while Phillips remained unbeaten on 44. However, Conway was later caught off the bowling of Ben Stokes, triggering a collapse.
New Zealand then lost their remaining wickets quickly, with Atkinson removing Nathan Smith and Kyle Jamieson before clean bowling Matt Henry to seal the match.
England will now aim to wrap up a series win with victory at The Kia Oval from Wednesday June 17, ahead of the third and final Test at Trent Bridge from Thursday June 25.
