ENG vs NZ | 1st Test | Neil Wagner displays heart-warming gesture amidst Test chaos

The English international summer kicked off on Thursday, June 2, with Lord’s Test against New Zealand. As many as 17 wickets fell on an opening day, with reigning World Test Championship holders fighting back in the final 10 overs before stumps.

Amidst the on-field hoopla that featured a new era for England’s Test team, seam movement for pacers and a vigilant fightback from the visitors, a certain Neil Wagner displayed a heart-warming gesture for a lucky spectator at Lord’s.

The incident, captured in the match, saw Wagner walking towards the crowd and gifting a pair of pads to a fan. Later, the speedster walked back and signed autographs for the crowd.

As far as the on-field action is concerned, England succumbed to 116-7 at the end of Day 1 despite enjoying a 59-run stand from their openers. 

Earlier, sparkling spells from battle-hardened veteran James Anderson and young pace sensation Matthew Potts reduced the Kane Williamson-led side to a mere 132.

The hosts eventually folded out for 141 early on Day 2, thus enjoying a 9-run first-innings lead. Tim Southee was the wrecker-in-chief for New Zealand as he claimed figures of 4-55. Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson also found themselves amongst wickets in the first English innings.

New Zealand, in their second batting recital, sustained another poor start by losing both openers and captain Williamson cheaply. 

At the time of writing, the Blackcaps reached 90-4 from 33 overs, thus leading the hosts by 82 runs.