LONDON (AP) — England wrapped up a 115-run victory over New Zealand before lunch on Day 4 of the first cricket test at Lord’s on Sunday, marking a positive start to its “Bazball” reset after the Ashes humiliation Down Under.
Resuming on 55-5 and requiring 254 for an unlikely win, New Zealand lost its remaining five wickets inside the first two hours of play and was dismissed for 138.
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England pacer Gus Atkinson finished with team-best figures of 5-30 on what has been a bowler-friendly surface at the home of cricket that has seen 24 batters out bowled or lbw, and no spinners getting a single delivery.
Glenn Phillips was New Zealand’s top scorer on 44 not out, the best of a disappointing test for the tourists.
This first test series of the summer has been regarded as a fresh start for England and its under-pressure leadership after a 4-1 loss to Australia during an Ashes tour featuring reports of excessive drinking and when England was accused of slack preparation and a wrong tactical approach.
The headline selections early in this second iteration of “Bazball” under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes were opener Emilio Gay and seam bowler Ollie Robinson — and both delivered.
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With a second-innings 57, Gay had the highest individual score from either team while Robinson took seven wickets in the match (5-39 and 2-38).
The second test of the three-match series is across London at The Oval, starting June 17.
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