London: England were 354 for seven against New Zealand at stumps on the first day of the first Test at Lord’s on Thursday. After losing the toss, Moeen Ali was 49 not out after Jos Buttler (67) was lbw to Trent Boult off the last ball of the day to end a stand of 103.
Earlier, New Zealand-born Ben Stokes took charge of England’s recovery before falling agonisingly short of a hundred. Stokes and Joe Root rescued England from the depths of 30 for four with a fifth-wicket partnership of 161.
At tea, England were 219 for five. After celebrated former umpire Dickie Bird rang the five-minute bell, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum saw his decision to field first vindicated with the fall of four early wickets, including two for debutant fast bowler Matt Henry. All three of New Zealand’s frontline quicks, plus McCullum himself, had only arrived in England just days before this match after stints for their respective teams in the Indian Premier League.
Scorecard
England 354/7 in 90 overs (Ben Stokes b Craig 92, Joe Root c Latham b Henry 98, J. Buttler lbw b Boult 67, M. Ali batting 49, Matt Henry 3/93, Trent Boult 2/70, Mark Craig 1/77, Time Southee 1/82) vs New Zealand.
