London, June 6: The first match of the three-Test series between England and New Zealand at Lord’s has reached an exciting phase. In a game dominated by bowlers, New Zealand needs to chase down a target of 254 runs in their fourth innings.
On the second day of the Test, England’s second innings concluded at 226 runs. The innings started well with Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay forming a 52-run partnership for the first wicket. Duckett was dismissed for 33 runs, followed by a 47-run partnership between Gay and Bethel for the second wicket, where Bethel scored 14 runs before getting out.
The innings faltered after a 27-run partnership between Joe Root and Gay, with Gay being dismissed for 57 runs at a total of 126 runs. England then lost three wickets for just one run, collapsing from 126 to 127. A crucial 57-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith helped stabilize the innings, with Atkinson scoring 14 runs. Smith added 39 runs before being dismissed at a total of 213. England’s innings ultimately ended at 226 runs, with Robinson being the last wicket to fall for 29 runs.
For New Zealand, right-arm fast bowler Nathan Smith was the standout performer, taking six wickets for 70 runs in 17 overs. Will O’Rourke claimed two wickets, while Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry took one wicket each.
Earlier, New Zealand’s first innings had collapsed for just 113 runs, trailing England by 27 runs, who had scored 140 runs in their first innings. Based on this 27-run lead, England set New Zealand a target of 254 runs. New Zealand has the last session of the second day and a full three days to achieve this target.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
