In a dramatic opening to the first Test at Lord’s, Ollie Robinson showcased his top form after a two-year absence from Test cricket. The English paceman secured four wickets, including an extraordinary three in the first over, helping reduce New Zealand to a staggering 29-6 on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
First Day Shocker for New Zealand
After losing the toss, England was bowled out for just 140. However, this appeared formidable after Robinson’s explosive performance. The conditions suited fast bowlers, and when New Zealand came out to bat, they faced significant pressure right from the start.
Robinson’s Stunning Opening Over
- Robinson claimed three wickets without conceding a run in his second over.
- Key dismissals included Devon Conway (lbw), Kane Williamson (catch), and Rachin Ravindra (lbw).
This remarkable achievement left the Lord’s crowd in awe, marking a celebratory atmosphere for the 150th Test hosted at the historic ground.
England’s Resistance and New Zealand’s Collapse
New Zealand’s difficult day continued as Gus Atkinson dismissed captain Tom Latham lbw. Robinson continued his dominance, removing Daryl Mitchell for 12, finishing his spell with exceptional figures of 4-10 in just six overs. Fast bowler Josh Tongue contributed by bowling out Tom Blundell, solidifying New Zealand’s trouble at 29-6 in just 13 overs.
Jamieson’s Five-Wicket Haul for New Zealand
- Kyle Jamieson achieved 5-62 in 14 overs, marking his sixth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
- Harry Brook was the standout performer for England, scoring 56 runs amidst a batting collapse.
Brook’s innings included two dropped catches, allowing him to build a fragile resistance. Despite this, England’s batting lineup performed poorly, showing a stark contrast to their previous Ashes series struggles.
Key Performances and Looking Ahead
Overall, the first day was dominated by bowlers, and England’s total held significant weight after New Zealand’s early fallout. The two teams will look ahead to the next matches in this three-Test series, with both aiming to turn their fortunes around.
