England fought back in dramatic fashion on the first day of the opening Test in Christchurch, dismissing New Zealand’s Kane Williamson for 93 and reducing the hosts to 319-8 by stumps. After New Zealand enjoyed a solid start, reaching 193-3 by tea, England turned the tide with a five-wicket session in the evening, spearheaded by spinner Shoaib Bashir’s 4-69.
Williamson Anchors Before England Roars Back
Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, the nation’s leading Test run-scorer, appeared poised to guide his team to a commanding position. Coming to the crease early after Devon Conway’s second-over dismissal, Williamson displayed patience, taking 14 balls to get off the mark, but soon steadied the innings.
He built partnerships with Tom Latham (50 runs), Rachin Ravindra (68 runs), and Daryl Mitchell (50 runs), methodically guiding New Zealand to 227-4. However, his determined knock came to an end at 93 when he attempted a cut shot off Gus Atkinson and was caught at point by Zac Crawley. This was the first time in six years that Williamson had been dismissed in the 90s.
Williamson faced 197 balls over 274 minutes in sweltering 30°C heat, striking 10 boundaries in a resilient display.
England’s Dominance After Tea
New Zealand’s post-tea collapse began with Mitchell’s dismissal for 19 in the second over of the session. Williamson’s wicket followed soon after, triggering a flurry of dismissals, including Tom Blundell and debutant Nathan Smith, as New Zealand stumbled from 252-4 to 252-7.
A late resistance came from Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry, who added a spirited 46-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Henry’s brisk 18 ensured New Zealand crossed the 300-mark before falling, leaving Phillips and Tim Southee to close the day unbeaten.
Early Strikes and Missed Opportunities
England’s bowling started strongly after captain Ben Stokes opted to bowl on a green-tinged surface. Gus Atkinson struck early to remove Devon Conway for a duck. However, Williamson and Latham counterattacked effectively, with Latham taking advantage of loose deliveries before being dismissed for 47, edging Brydon Carse behind.
Ravindra adopted an aggressive approach during his 34-run knock but fell to a loose full toss from Bashir, miscuing a shot straight to midwicket.
Notable Moments and Player Updates
Williamson showcased his resilience, shrugging off two blows to the helmet and surviving a contentious caught-behind appeal when replays showed the ball hit his thigh pad.
England debutant Jacob Bethell bowled one over of left-arm spin, with his first ball being dispatched to the boundary by Williamson.
Uncapped Durham wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson was added to England’s squad, replacing Jordan Cox, who fractured his thumb during training. Robinson is expected to join the team by Saturday.
Ollie Pope took on wicketkeeping duties in this match, shifting down to bat at number six, with Bethell occupying the number three spot.
Looking Ahead
With Phillips and Southee holding the crease, New Zealand will aim to push their total closer to 350 on day two. England, buoyed by their late-session success, will look to wrap up the innings quickly and capitalize on the favorable bowling conditions.
