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ENG vs NZ | Former Indian pacer slams Lord’s pitch after 17 wickets on Day 1

The English summer got off to a perfect start with two dominant sessions for the hosts at Lord’s this Thursday, June 2. Under new leader Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England shot out the visiting New Zealanders for just 132. Moreover, the reigning World Test Championship holders stooped to 45-7 at one stage.

The home side looked all set for a big first-innings lead following a 59-run stand by openers Alex Lees and Zak Crawley. However, New Zealand’s pace armoury triggered much uproar in the final ten overs of the opening day to shift the pendulum completely towards the visitors.

ENG vs NZ Day 1: Dodda Ganesh questions Lord’s pitch

As many as 17 wickets fell on an entertaining day, thus raising questions over the pitch on offer at the iconic venue. Reacting to the same, former Indian fast bowler and Karnataka veteran Dodda Ganesh took to Twitter and made a sly remark over Lord’s pitch.

He claimed that “hell would’ve broken loose” had 17 wickets fallen on a single day in a Test match in India. The Karnataka legend was obviously referring to the 2021 India vs England Test match at Ahmedabad, which saw 13 wickets fall on the opening day, while the game itself concluded before Day 3.

NZ claims honours after twin comebacks

New Zealand’s 45-7 fiasco was followed by a strong-willed rearguard fightback from the tail, thus dragging the score past the 100-run mark and eventually getting all out for 132. Burly all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme top-scored with a rapid 42* from just 50 balls for the visitors.

Old warhorse James Anderson and newcomer Matthew Potts claimed four-fers while Stuart Broad and skipper Stokes picked up a wicket each.

Much like New Zealand’s first innings, the Black Caps also fought back with the ball after England claimed match grip via their 59-run opening stand. Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson all picked up wickets to reduce England from 92-2 to 116-7 at the end of the day.