Attack-minded England take control of first Test in New Zealand
High-octane batting and a precocious day-one declaration put England in control of the first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.
James Anderson Sport News
1st Test: Attack-minded England take control on Day 1 against New Zealand
The Black Caps limped to 37-3 at stumps in the day-night Test at the Bay Oval, having been thrust on to the back foot by England's swashbuckling 325-9 declared.The tourists raced to their total in just 58.2 overs -- boosted by blistering half-centuries to Ben Duckett and Harry Brook -- as England opened the two-Test series with the sort of attacking approach, dubbed "Bazball", that has carried them to nine wins from their past 10 Tests under coach Brendon McCullum.England captain Ben Stokes instructed his lower-order batsmen to throw the bat before calling them in, leaving 18 overs to bowl at the Black Caps under lights with a new pink ball.
England in command of first test as 'Bazball' hits New Zealand
:A swashbuckling England raced to a sporting total with the bat then crashed through New Zealand's top order as "Bazball" made its pink ball debut on day one of the first test in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.
Ben Stokes hopes counties take up 'Bazball' mantle
England have won nine of their last 10 Tests since captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum took charge last year and imbued the team's batsmen with an attacking mindset.The England Lions, the country's second-tier team, have taken up the mantle, with Jamie Smith smashing 126 from 82 balls in the first innings of the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka 'A' last week.Opener Alex Lees, who was dropped from Stokes's England last year after struggling for runs, scored 97 from 113 balls in the same innings for the Lions in another knock straight out of the 'Bazball' playbook.
England captain Stokes hopes counties take up 'Bazball' mantle
Ben Stokes hopes the 'Bazball' revolution that has shaken up test cricket and led an English resurgence can also fire up the domestic county game.
England's Stuart Broad returns for first Test against New Zealand
Stuart Broad on Wednesday for this week's first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, reuniting his strike partnership with veteran James Anderson.Broad, who has 566 Test wickets, will lead the attack alongside 40-year-old Anderson, England's all-time leading bowler with 675 dismissals and seamer Ollie Robinson.Skipper and all-rounder Ben Stokes, who will lead England in the country of his birth for the first time, will be the fourth seam option with spinner Jack Leach completing the bowling attack for the day-night encounter beginning Thursday.The 36-year-old Broad missed the 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan in December following the birth of his child.
New Zealand paceman Blair Tickner to make Test debut against England
Tim Southee has confirmed paceman Blair Tickner will make his Test debut against England at Mount Maunganui on Thursday but said selectors will wait until the morning of the match to finalise the team.Tickner gets his chance in the pink ball series opener with Kyle Jamieson sidelined due to injury, Matt Henry on leave for the birth of his first child and Trent Boult overlooked after opting out of his national contract.The 29-year-old Central Districts bowler has played in 17 T20Is and nine ODIs for the Black Caps but has a modest first class average of 35.17 in 61 matches.He is expected to slot into a pace attack featuring veteran quick Southee and Neil Wagner, and possibly one of either Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn if selectors go with a four-prong seam attack.
New Zealand paceman Tickner to make test debut against England
New Zealand captain Tim Southee has confirmed paceman Blair Tickner will make his test debut against England at Mount Maunganui on Thursday.