Published: May 27, 2015, 07:30 AM (IST)
Edited: May 29, 2015, 07:46 AM (IST)
New Zealand landed in England with the dreams of clinching the Test series, but their hopes were crushed as an impressive England beat them by 124 runs to lead the two-Test series 1-0. New Zealand had their moments but did not hold their shape. With a series win ruled out, they now face the daunting task of trying to win a game at Headingley, where the weather is not expected to be the best. READ: England defeat New Zealand by 124 runs in 1st Test at Lord’s
New Zealand had England reeling at 30 for 4 on Day One at Lord’s, but they allowed Joe Root and Ben Stokes to stitch a stand. After England scored 389, the tourists were 403 for 2 in their first innings but collapsed to 523. With 77 overs to save the Test on Day Five, their batsmen did not quite apply themselves and eventually lost the game with 9 overs to spare.
The last wicket, Trent Boult hitting a short and wide one down to deep third man, was reminiscent of how they played the Test. They were aggressive but did not mix caution and lacked awareness at times.
Boult had a good Test along with Kane Williamson who scored a brilliant ton. Boult picked up nine wickets in the Test and would be hoping for more support from his team-mates, particularly Tim Southee who had a Test to forget. Matt Henry was impressive but New Zealand could not break the stands once they got going, for Corey Anderson and Mark Craig failed to make an impact with the ball.
With Anderson’s back giving some trouble, it remains to be seen how New Zealand go about it since BJ Watling has been struggling with fitness too. Brendon McCullum had a poor Test and will certainly want to show that he has much more than just the slam-bang.
Coming to England, they had a very good Test to begin a testing summer for them. The middle-order stepped up for them in the first innings with Root continuing his good run. Stokes had a magnificent Test, scoring a 92 and then hitting the fastest ton at Lord’s in whites in the second innings to give England the much-needed momentum leading into the final day.
James Anderson got a solitary wicket in the Test but will be eyeing his 400th Test wicket at a venue which is expected to assist the pace bowlers. Stuart Broad bowled really well but did not quite have the figures to back him up.
Alastair Cook backed up his ton in West Indies with another one, probably one of his best, coming against a quality attack to lay the platform for Stokes to go big. His return to form is a big boost for England, who have had a lot of off-field issues to distract them. READ: Alastair Cook finds his lost mojo
With Trevor Bayliss having named coach along and Paul Fabrace who is currently working with them, England will hope they can continue the intensity and keep up the good work building to the all-important Ashes 2015. READ: Trevor Bayliss confirmed as new England head coach
The only area of concern for England may be that they played Moeen Ali at No. 8. Moeen was their lone spinner, and he did chip in with quick wickets but one wonders had New Zealand not thrown away their good start, England would probably have paid for the lack of bowling options. Mark Wood had an impressive debut and England would be expected to keep the same eleven.
England were not favourites going into the Lord’s Test, but they start as favourites at Headingley. New Zealand have a poor record in England. If they want to and save the series they will need to win the key moments. With McCullum hungry for success, we can expect another close contest.
Squads:
England: Alastair Cook (c), Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Mark Wood.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk), Kane Williamson.
Time: 10.00 GMT | 15.30 IST
(Nikhil Popat is a cricket lover and a PotterHead, who loves to be himself, and is not shy of expressing himself. He can be followed on Twitter @CricCrazyNIKS)
