Matthew Potts leads bright start for new England but old batting failings remain

Out with the old, in with … well, the very old.

Of course, there were some box-fresh features about the first day of the new era for England’s Test cricket team at Lord’s on Thursday.

There was a captain calling the shots all on his own, knowing for the first time he would not have to hand back the job to his mate once the game is finished.

A coach who must have felt peculiar when he entered the pavilion and walked through the Long Room to get to the dressing room, rather than walk straight up the stairs to where the away team get changed instead.

A rookie fast bowler for whom Test cricket is apparently an absolute walk in the park.

Perhaps more novel than anything else was the fact the home team actually held some slip catches. It really is a brave new world.

Yet, for all that, England’s first day under new management was characterised by a couple of things that have been staples for years: James Anderson dominating, and the batters wilting.

The restoration of England’s leading Test wicket-taker to the starting XI to face New Zealand, after it had appeared not so long ago that he had been pensioned off, was met with warm approval.

Ahead of the first ball of the UK summer of international cricket, Anderson was announced as taking the new ball from the Pavilion End. Cue a huge cheer.

England's James Anderson celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand's Tim Southee. Action Images

Anderson turns 40 next month. Within six balls of his return, he had proved he has still got it. Within four overs, he had figures of two wickets for zero runs.

He even – briefly – appeared set to have his name etched on to the home team honours board for a remarkable eighth time.

He had Ajaz Patel given out LBW. But Anderson would be