England have gained control of the ENG vs NZ first Test 2022 at Lords at the end of day three. With five wickets in hand, the hosts just need 61 runs to win the match. England are hoping to win the match without losing any more wickets with Joe Root and Ben Foakes at the crease. Though, given the way the match has gone so far, another twist is likely on day 4. Let's have a look at the scenario for the first Test match between England and New Zealand.
First Test Match Scenario between England and New Zealand
New Zealand's regular captain, Kane Williamson, has returned to the Test team for the England series after missing numerous international matches owing to an elbow injury. On the other hand, leg-spinner Matt Parkinson and medium pacer Matthew Potts made their debuts for England. Additionally, this is the first series for both newly appointed Test captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Here is the ENG vs NZ first Test 2022 current match situation.
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New Zealand’s First Innings
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson opted to bat first in order to put some runs on the board. However, the pitch was perfect for the pace bowlers to finish two innings on day 1. The English pacers exploited the pitch extremely well and picked up 6 wickets for 39 runs at lunch.
New Zealand tried to make a comeback with a 41-run partnership between Colin de Grandhomme and Tim Southee for the eighth wicket. Their stand helped the visitors get past the 100-run barrier. The New Zealand batters were in an aggressive mood in the post lunch session and that helped them score some quick runs.
They were eventually bowled out for 132 in 40 overs. Colin de Grandhomme remained unbeaten on 42*, while England's veteran James Anderson and newcomer Matthew Potts each took four wickets.
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England’s First Innings
Unfortunately, England couldn’t take full advantage of their good work with the ball. Like the Blackcaps, the hosts also suffered a batting collapse in their first innings. They lost 7 wickets on day 1 for 116 runs. It took New Zealand only 6.5 overs in the first session of day 2 to pick up all of England’s wickets for 141 runs. England only managed to take a 9-run lead in the first innings.
Openers Alex Lees (25) and Zak Crawley (43) gave England a good start by putting up 59 runs between them. But after their departures, England’s innings fell apart, and they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Tim Southee picked up 4, while Trent Boult got 3 wickets for New Zealand.
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New Zealand’s Second Innings
The pitch became a bit easier to bat on day 2. New Zealand once again found themselves in big trouble at the beginning of the innings. They lost 4 wickets for 56 runs. However, a magnificent 195-run stand between Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell for the fifth wicket took New Zealand's total to 251 runs. Blundell made 96 runs, while Mitchell made a century with 108 runs.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 285 runs after giving England a 277-run target. Stuart Broad and Matthew Potts picked up three wickets each for England.
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England’s Second Innings
England started their chase in the first session of day-three and they tried to attack the Kiwi pacers from the beginning of the innings. Like in the first innings, the openers gave a solid start for England. But the hosts also saw a dramatic collapse in their second innings, losing 4 wickets for 69 runs.
Joe Root and skipper Ben Stokes then repaired the innings with a 90-run stand between them on the fifth wicket. Ben Stokes lost his wicket to Kyle Jamieson after scoring 54 runs. Root (77*) and Foakes added 57 runs for the sixth wicket before the end of the day’s play, taking the total to 216.
The pair will come on to bat on day 4 to chase down the 277 run target. Kylie Jamieson has been superb in the second innings for New Zealand. He has already picked up four wickets for the visitors.
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Verdict
The English team is still in danger of losing the ENG vs NZ first Test 2022 after losing five crucial wickets. Besides, this particular pitch at the Lords is doing the bowlers a big favour. The batters have struggled to shine on this surface because of this. However, batting is becoming more comfortable in the second innings, which is an optimistic sign. With two days remaining, England must be watchful and calm in their pursuit of the winning target. Oppositely, New Zealand bowlers will have to give it their best to take all of England's wickets. That's the only way they will be able to win the game.