New Zealand took charge of the first Test at Lord's yesterday, reducing England to 160 for four when rain forced an early close to the first day.
England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and batted but his side rarely got out of first gear in the face of some accurate bowling by the tourists.
Trent Boult was the pick of the attack, removing both Cook and Jonathan Trott after lunch on his way to an economical return of two wickets for 29 runs in 17 overs.
Fellow left-arm seamer Neil Wagner then dismissed Ian Bell for 31 in theu00a0final session.u00a0When rain forced an early close, the inexperienced Yorkshire duo of Joe Root (25 not out) and Jonathan Bairstow (three not out) were at the crease.
England’s plight would have been worse had not Jonathan Trott, who made a painstaking 39, been dropped by Bruce Martin off his own bowling when on nought.
New Zealand bowled 30 maidens in 80 overs yesterday — a testament to their accuracy and the inability of an England top-order missing the injured Kevin Pietersen to hit them out of their stride. u00a0At lunch, England were 56 for one with left-hander Cook 30 not out and Trott unbeaten on four.
u00a0
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
