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NZ vs ENG 1st Test, Day 1 Highlights: Williamson Misses Century, Bashir Takes Four as Kiwis Close at 319/8  

NZ vs ENG 1st Test Day 1 Highlights [Source: @englandcricket/x.com]NZ vs ENG 1st Test Day 1 Highlights [Source: @englandcricket/x.com]

The Day 1 of the first Test between New Zealand and England at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch had everything in it- from gritty batting to brilliant bowling. England’s bowlers came charging on a green top, but the Kiwis stood firm, finishing at 319/8 by Stumps.

Here’s the timeline of how Day 1 of the NZ vs ENG 1st Test panned out in Christchurch.

NZ vs ENG 1st Test, Day 1 Highlights: Conway Departs But Latham and Williamson Steady the Ship

Asked to bat first on a pitch with plenty of juice, New Zealand’s openers had their work cut out. Gus Atkinson made an immediate impact, removing Devon Conway for just two in the second over. Tom Latham, however, wasn’t fazed. The Kiwi skipper, alongside Kane Williamson, weathered the early storm.

Latham played some delightful strokes, punishing anything loose, while Williamson calmly took his time to settle. Their partnership blossomed past 50, offering New Zealand some much-needed stability. But just as Latham seemed set for a half-century, Brydon Carse got one to nip back, and Latham departed for 47.

Rachin Ravindra joined Williamson, and the pair ensured no further damage before lunch. New Zealand went to the break at 104/2.


NZ vs ENG 1st Test, Day 1 Highlights: Williamson’s Class and Ravindra’s Determination

Post-lunch, Rachin Ravindra and Williamson built on their solid start. Williamson continued to display his trademark elegance. His drives and flicks were a masterclass in batting technique. Ravindra, meanwhile, dug in, supporting Williamson as they added 68 runs together.

England’s breakthrough came courtesy of Shoaib Bashir, who trapped Ravindra with a full toss, the Kiwi batter flicking straight to midwicket. Daryl Mitchell chipped in with a brief cameo of 19 but fell to Carse, skying one to deep third man.

Williamson soldiered on, reaching his 36th Test fifty with some exquisite strokes. However, heartbreak followed as he fell for 93, cutting a short ball from Atkinson straight to backward point.

NZ vs ENG 1st Test, Day 1 Highlights: Phillips Holds the Fort as Bashir Shines

England turned the screws in the final session. Tom Blundell fell cheaply, cutting Bashir straight to Atkinson. Debutant Nathan Smith couldn’t make an impact either, nicking a simple catch to Joe Root at short leg.

Bashir, brimming with confidence, claimed his fourth wicket when Matt Henry tried to go big but holed out to Ben Duckett. However, Glenn Phillips stood tall and played some excellent strokes to remain unbeaten on 41 at Stumps on Day 1.

Tim Southee is at the other end as New Zealand reached 319/8, a competitive total on a lively surface. With Phillips and Southee still at the crease, New Zealand will aim to push their total closer to 350 on Day 2 whereas England’s bowlers will be eager to wrap things up quickly.