The Test cricket has finally found itself a place in the international calendar as England plays Newzealand at home in a 3-test-match-series. Starting from today, 2nd June, the first test is being played at Lord’s.
The first development after the commencement is the best news as Jack Leach, the prime spin bowler for England injured himself while trying to stop a boundary and is showing symptoms of concussion. As per concussion guidelines, he has been withdrawn from the test.
The England Cricket Board informed that it will announce the replacement in due course.
Many fans have suggested that Matty Parkinson, who is yet to make his debut in red-ball cricket for England, should be included in the side as a replacement for Leach.
The Newzealand team won the toss and elected to bat first. Bowling after a long time together in international cricket, Stuart Broad and James Anderson ripped the top order as they went on to take 4 wickets in the first 10 overs. Anderson for the first 4 overs went on without being hit for a single run and took 2 wickets.
Debutant Matthew Potts made an incredible mark as he took a wicket in the first over of his Test career dismissing the legend Kane Williamson. Newzealand is in deep waters as they stand at 39 for 6 after the first session. They have been losing wickets at regular intervals and have looked dwarves in front of England bowlers who have bowled with great intent and discipline.
The playing XI for both the teams is as follows:
England: 1 Alex Lees, 2 Zak Crawley, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Jonny Bairstow, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Ben Foakes (wk), 8 Matthew Potts, 9 Jack Leach, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James Anderson
New Zealand: 1 Tom Latham, 2 Will Young, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Devon Conway, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Kyle Jamieson, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Ajaz Patel, 11 Trent Boult
