Atkinson’s five-wicket haul powers England to victory over New Zealand at Lord’s Test

LONDON: England defeated New Zealand by 115 runs in the first Test of the three-match series, ending Kane Williamson’s final appearance on a disappointing note at Lord’s on Sunday.

Resuming their innings at 55/5 with 199 runs still required, New Zealand were bowled out for 138 in 40.3 overs, courtesy of a fiery bowling display by England's pace unit.

Devon Conway top-scored for the Blackcaps in the second innings with 41 runs off 91 deliveries, including four boundaries. Glenn Phillips fought back with 44 runs off 42 deliveries, comprising seven boundaries and one six.

New Zealand's strong batting unit failed to pile up big runs as skipper Tom Latham was dismissed for a duck, Kane Williamson contributed 18 runs, followed by Rachin Ravindra with eight, while Will O’Rourke and Daryl Mitchell were dismissed for ducks.

Gus Atkinson led the charge for England and registered figures of 5/30 in 11.3 overs, followed by Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue with two wickets each, while Ben Stokes chipped in with one wicket.

Batting first in the opening innings, New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson produced a five-wicket haul that rattled England’s batting line-up, as the hosts were bowled out for 140 in 39.4 overs.

Harry Brook was the only batter to make a significant contribution, scoring 56 off 71 deliveries, including 10 fours, while opener Ben Duckett managed 19 off 37 balls, hitting two boundaries.

Jamieson led the Kiwi bowling attack with figures of 5/62 in 14 overs. Nathan Smith claimed three wickets, while Will O’Rourke picked up two.

In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for 113 in 29.5 overs, with no batter reaching a half-century, handing England a 27-run first-innings lead.

Jamieson remained unbeaten and top-scored with 38 off 29 deliveries, striking two fours and three sixes, while Glenn Phillips made 34 off 39 balls, including six boundaries.

Ollie Robinson led England’s fightback with a five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/39 in 10.5 overs. Josh Tongue took three wickets, while Gus Atkinson claimed two.

Batting in the second innings, England added 226 runs to set New Zealand a target of 254. Debutant Emilio Gay top-scored with 57 off 95 deliveries, hitting eight fours.

Jamie Smith contributed 39 off 52 balls with six boundaries, while Ben Duckett and Ollie Robinson added 33 and 29 runs respectively.

New Zealand’s Nathan Smith claimed six wickets for 70 runs in 17 overs. Will O’Rourke took two wickets, while Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry picked up one wicket each.