England took control of the opening Test match against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui on Thursday because of some high-octane batting and an early day-one declaration. Ben Duckett (84) and Harry Brook (89), who both played outstanding innings, helped England reach a massive score before New Zealand’s innings ended at 325/9.
Ben Duckett and Harry Brook both slammed half-centuries as England started the two-Test series with the aggressive style, known as “Bazball,” that has helped them win nine of their last ten Test matches under coach Brendon McCullum. The tourists reached their total in in 58.2 overs. Ben Stokes, the captain of England, told his lower-order batsmen to chuck the bat before calling them in, giving his team 18 overs to bowl at the Black Caps with a brand-new pink ball while under lights. The plan was successful because Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, and Henry Nicholls left before the number of people reached ten. With a 288 run deficit looming over them on Friday, opener Devon Conway and nightwatchman Neil Wagner will both restart play at 18 and 4, respectively.
It was a depressing reply to an England innings that included 48 fours and a magnificent six from Brook off the bowling of Tim Southee of New Zealand, who took 2-71 from 13 overs. After losing Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes in quick succession midway through the second session, New Zealand’s weak attack made a comeback, giving debut speed bowlers Blair Tickner (1-72) and Scott Kuggeleijn (2-80) the opportunity to take their first Test wickets.Although Brook acknowledged the record, he claimed that putting England in a solid position was his main driving force.
I tried to put pressure on the bowlers and performed the way I typically do,” he claimed.
Duckett, like Brook, made a name for himself during the 3-0 series victory in Pakistan in December. He continued his hot form with a quick 84 off 68 balls.
Aggressive shotmaking was responsible for the most of England’s wickets, notably that of Root, who was 14 when his attempt at a reverse lap off Wagner was guided directly into the slip cordon.
The storms that battered New Zealand on Tuesday and prompted a state of emergency hampered preparations for both teams, but Mount Maunganui escaped serious damage and play began on schedule.