England's Bethell receives contract upgrade after impressive test debut
England batter Jacob Bethell has been awarded a central contract upgrade, signing a two-year extension until September 2026, the country's cricket board (ECB) said on Wednesday.
Zak Crawley Sport News
England name unchanged team for second New Zealand test
Ollie Pope is set to continue as England wicketkeeper in the absence of an injured Jordan Cox, with the visitors naming an unchanged playing eleven for the second of their three-test series against New Zealand on Wednesday.
First Time In 147 Years: England Register Unbelievable Record In Test Cricket Against New Zealand
England shattered records with another 'Bazball' run-chase of 104 runs during the first Test against New Zealand at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Sunday, taking the least amount of overs to complete a 100-plus run chase in history of Test cricket. Set a target of 104 runs, England did lose Zak Crawley for just one run, but knocks from Ben Duckett (27 in 18 balls, with four boundaries and a six), Jacob Bethell, the Test debutant (50* in 37 balls, with eight fours and a six) and Joe Root (23* in 15 balls, with three boundaries and a six) helped them complete the chase in just 12.4 overs, the fastest-ever in Test history. Previously, the record was held by the losing side, NZ, who had chased down 109 against Bangladesh in 18.4 overs back in 2017 at the same venue.
Carse takes six as England claim convincing Christchurch victory
:Brydon Carse took six for 42 before England comfortably chased down their 104-run victory target in the first test against New Zealand on Sunday to win by eight wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Brook century drags England back into first NZ test
:Harry Brook scored a brilliant century to drag England right back into the first test in Christchurch on Friday, driving the tourists to within 29 runs of New Zealand's tally of 348 on 319 for five at the end of day two.
England lose three early wickets after dismissing NZ for 348
England lost Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell and Joe Root cheaply to reach lunch on 45-3 after finally bowling out New Zealand for 348 on the second day of the first test at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Friday.
Williamson drives NZ to 193-3 at tea in Christchurch
:Kane Williamson scored his 36th half century to drive New Zealand to 193 for three at tea on the opening day of the first test against England in Christchurch on Thursday.
Bethell handed England test debut against New Zealand
England's Jacob Bethell will bat at number three for the first time in first-class cricket when he makes his test debut against New Zealand at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Thursday.