Christchurch – New Zealand’s Nathan Smith, making his Test debut, delivered a remarkable performance on the opening day of the first Test against England in Christchurch. The Oamaru-born all-rounder claimed two crucial wickets in the final over before lunch, leaving the visitors reeling at 45-3.
Smith dismissed debutant Jacob Bethell for 10 and England’s all-time leading run-scorer Joe Root, who was playing his 150th Test, for a duck. The double strike followed a strong start by New Zealand’s seam attack, with Matt Henry removing opener Zak Crawley for a duck in the fourth over.
New Zealand Sets the Tone
Resuming their first innings at 319-8, New Zealand managed to stretch their total to 348, thanks to an unbeaten 58 from Otago’s Glenn Phillips. England’s bowlers wrapped up the tail quickly, with Brydon Carse (4-64) and spinner Shoaib Bashir (4-69) leading the charge.
England Struggles Under Pressure
England’s response got off to a shaky start as Henry trapped Crawley lbw for naught. Bethell, who showed signs of resilience early on, fell victim to a sharp delivery from Smith, edging behind to the keeper. Four balls later, Smith sent shockwaves through the England camp by dismissing Root, who chopped onto his stumps without scoring.
Ben Duckett managed to steady the ship somewhat, remaining unbeaten on 32 by the lunch break. England, however, faces an uphill battle to recover from their precarious position.
Tim Southee Bids Farewell in Final Series
Veteran pacer Tim Southee, playing in his farewell Test series, shared the new ball but it was Matt Henry who made the initial breakthrough, exploiting the movement off the seam to trouble England’s top order.
