Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
England moved closer to victory in the opening Test against New Zealand after another chaotic day at Lord’s produced 17 wickets and fierce criticism of the pitch conditions. New Zealand finished day two at 3 for 36 in their second innings, still needing 218 more runs to reach a target of 254 after England were bowled out for 226 in their second innings.
The match at Lord’s has rapidly become dominated by bowlers as batters from both sides struggled on a surface repeatedly criticised by former players and commentators.
England paceman Gus Atkinson struck twice late in the day to place the hosts firmly in control heading into day three.
Atkinson and Tongue put England in command
New Zealand’s chase began disastrously.
Captain Tom Latham was dismissed for a duck after edging Atkinson to Harry Brook in the slips with only the third ball of the innings.
Kane Williamson offered resistance with 18 before Josh Tongue trapped him lbw shortly before stumps.
The visitors then sent nightwatchman Will O’Rourke to the crease but he lasted only briefly before Atkinson bowled him for a duck.
Atkinson finished the day with figures of 2 for 10 from 3.5 overs.
The collapse continued a difficult match for New Zealand after they were dismissed for just 113 in their first innings.
England now needs only seven more wickets to take a 1 0 series lead.
Emilio Gay and Jamie Smith rescue England innings
England’s second innings also featured major batting struggles.
The hosts collapsed from 126 for 2 to 127 for 6 after losing four wickets for just one run.
Debutant opener Emilio Gay provided the backbone with 57 while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith contributed 39.
Their contributions proved crucial in a match where runs have become increasingly difficult.
“A tough day, the pitch had its demands,” Gay told BBC.
“That’s the beauty of Test cricket, the challenges it brings.”
“The most important thing was trying to embrace it and see it as an opportunity.”
Nathan Smith produced outstanding bowling figures for New Zealand with 6 for 70.
Despite Smith’s efforts, England’s first innings advantage still leaves the visitors with a difficult challenge.
Pitch conditions spark fierce criticism
Much of the conversation after play centred on the surface itself.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain strongly criticised the wicket during commentary.
“High quality bowling is on display from both teams, but it’s on a substandard pitch and it has been for quite some time,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.
“Throughout this Test match, it has lacked pace, and when it does quicken up, it begins to misbehave upwards.”
“Absolutely no chance for the batters.”
Hussain argued that despite Lord’s reputation and facilities, the playing surface had failed to meet expectations.
“The bit in the middle is the most important bit, and it’s not good enough.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan offered similar criticism.
“It’s not a test for the bowlers, because it has been too easy,” Vaughan said on BBC Test Match Special.
“This isn’t a fair balance between bat and ball.”
“The MCC know this pitch isn’t up to standard.”
Robinson completes remarkable return
Ollie Robinson continued his impressive return to Test cricket after more than two years away.
The Sussex quick finished with career best Test figures of 5 for 39 from 10.1 overs after dismissing Matt Henry for a duck.
Robinson had already set up England’s strong position with a devastating spell earlier in the match.
His triple wicket maiden on day one helped reduce New Zealand to 6 for 61.
England entered this series looking to recover after a disappointing 4 1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
While victory now appears close, debate around the Lord’s pitch is likely to continue regardless of the final result.
