England’s Gus Atkinson celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Matt Henry to finish his 5 wickets haul throughout First Check in opposition to New Zealand Lord’s Cricket Floor, London, Britain on June 7, 2026. — Reuters
England exploited to the total a Lord’s pitch as soon as once more providing erratic bounce and lateral motion on Sunday to win the rain-interrupted first Check in opposition to New Zealand by 115 runs with a day and two periods to spare.
New Zealand, set a frightening 254 to win the opening sport within the three-match collection, had been dismissed for 138 earlier than lunch on the fourth day after resuming on 55 for 5 within the one hundred and fiftieth Check on the dwelling of world cricket.
The primary wicket of the day fell after solely seven deliveries when paceman Josh Tongue jagged the ball late into wicketkeeper Tom Blundell (4) who was hit low on the again pads and given out lbw.
Tongue then had opener Devon Conway dropped on 24 by Harry Brook at second slip in his subsequent over when the ball flew by way of the fielder’s outstretched palms as he reached in useless over his head.
Left-hander Conway battled his technique to 41 from 91 balls when he was brilliantly caught low within the gully by Jacob Bethell off captain Ben Stokes’s bowling and Nathan Smith was then caught behind by Jamie Smith for 4 off Gus Atkinson.
Glenn Phillips, as he had within the first innings when he scored 34 in his group’s meagre 113, opted to play his pictures, however quickly misplaced his new companion Kyle Jamieson, caught by Ben Duckett at brief mid-wicket for six off Atkinson. He was left unbeaten on 44 after Atkinson bowled the injured Matt Henry.
Atkinson was the decide of the bowlers with 5 for 30 whereas Ollie Robinson, who captured three wickets within the opening over of New Zealand first innings, took two for 38.
The second Check of the collection will begin on June 17 at The Oval.
