Henry at the double before Root fights back

Image
AFP London
Last Updated : May 21 2015 | 6:22 PM IST
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry took two wickets on his Test debut before England fought back on the first day of the first Test at Lord's today.
England, in dire straits at 30 for four, recovered to 113 for four at lunch thanks Joe Root (49 not out) and Ben Stokes (36 not out).
The fifth-wicket pair's counter-attacking and so far unbroken stand of 83 had come in just 84 balls.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's decision to field after winning the toss in the first of this two-Test series was soon vindicated.
His pacemen, despite having only just arrived -- along with their skipper -- in England days before this match after stints in the Indian Premier League, enjoyed themselves initially on a green-tinged pitch despite the blue skies above Lord's.
Debutant England opener Adam Lyth, selected after Jonathan Trott retired after a run of low scores during the disappointing 1-1 series draw in the West Indies, fell for seven when he was caught behind off Tim Southee.
The 100th Test between England and New Zealand saw the hosts lose a flurry of three wickets, as three went down for five runs in 15 balls to leave them 30 for four.
Gary Ballance, driving at Trent Boult, was well caught by Southee at third slip for one.
Then England captain Alastair Cook, who had made 16, fell when, beaten for pace by 23-year-old Canterbury quick Henry, he top-edged an attempted hook through to wicket-keeper BJ Watling.
Henry then produced another classic fast bowler's delivery to dismiss Ian Bell for one, a full-length ball pitching on off stump and holding its line.
Bell's exit meant Henry had taken two wickets for four runs in seven balls.
Root, recently installed as England's vice-captain, had a nervy moment on 36 when he was struck on the back leg after missing a sweep against off-spinner Mark Craig.
The Black Caps reviewed South African umpire Marais Erasmus's original not out decision but, with replays showing Root had been hit just outside off stump, the Yorkshireman survived.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 21 2015 | 6:22 PM IST

Next Story