England completed a remarkable turnaround to win the first Test against New Zealand by 124 runs at Lord’s on Monday
Ben Stokes was again the inspiration – highlighted by removing key men Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum in consecutive balls – as New Zealand were bowled out for 220 in the final hour of the game. But New Zealand, offered a winning target of 345 off 77 overs, were on the back foot from the start, when they lost two wickets without a run on the board.
James Anderson struck in his first over, to claim his 399th Test wicket, as Martin Guptill edged to Gary Ballance in the cordon. Broad then trapped Tom Latham lbw with his first ball and when he got Ross Taylor the same way the Black Caps were 12 for three.
BJ Watling was sent in ahead of the free-hitting McCullum and Corey Anderson and began to revive New Zealand hopes of a draw as he and Williamson dug in for a 49-run stand.
But again Stokes changed the game as he ripped out Williamson and McCullum in a whole-hearted spell.
Anderson countered with a 44-ball fifty and with Watling, who got to his half-century more sedately, made a 107-run stand that took them into the evening session.
Debutant Mark Wood made the breakthrough with Watling gloving a short ball to Jos Buttler and then Joe Root trapped Anderson lbw.
The New Zealand tail was crushed by the hyped up England side and Stokes grabbed his third wicket, dismissing Mark Craig with a yorker.
Stokes had blown the game apart when he belted an 85-ball century on Sunday, the fastest Test ton ever seen at Lord’s. That came after England were trailing by 134 runs after the first innings, and three down for 74 on Sunday morning.
But from there England took charge of the contest.
Alastair Cook was imperious as he batted through day four, on his way to 162, which hauled his side away from danger and allowed Stokes the freedom to embark on an innings that ultimately gave England the time bowl New Zealand out.
England resumed on 429-6, with a lead of 295, and the word was obviously to try to score a quick fifty-odd to set New Zealand an almost impossible target. But the declaration debate was put on hold when Boult ripped through the lower order; first ending Cook’s outstanding 345-ball innings when the ball grazed the inside edge and then adding Stuart Broad (10) and pinning Moeen lbw for 43.
After being left on four wickets in the first innings, Boult earned his five-wicket haul when he bowled Anderson fifth ball.
But the momentum was with England.
