ENG vs NZ 1st Test Day 1 Match Updates 2024

Kane Williamson’s comeback match New Zealand vs England 1 Test 2024

New Zealand finished the first day of the opening test against England in Christchurch at 319 for 8, with a gritty batting display setting up an intriguing contest on Thursday. Let’s look at ENG vs NZ 1st Test Day 1 Match Updates.

Kane Williamson, who missed the whole India series, which New Zealand won 3-0, made his comeback in style and played a sold knock of 93. However, he missed his well-deserved century by seven runs, his knock provided New Zealand a platform to post a good first innings total.  

Glenn Phillips kept the Kiwis on track despite playing with lower order batters and in the last hour of third season. He remained not out at 41 and will start the second day for New Zealand alongside Tim Southee (10).  

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham was the second-best run-scorer for the side on the opening day with 47. Rachin Ravindra scored 34.  

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England bowlers at Christchurch

Young spinner Shoaib Bashir starred with the ball for England, as he bagged four wickets, and also having a chance to complete his fourth five-wicket haul in his short test career.  

Gus Atkinson dismissed two of New Zealand main batters; Devon Conway for 2 and Kane Williamson for 93. Brydon Carse got the wicket of the Blackcaps skipper Tom Latham (47), and the in-form Daryll Mitchell for 19.  

Chris Woakes, who opened the bowling for the visitors, remained wicketless despite bowling 16 overs in a day. Captain Ben Stokes also bowled 13 overs and failed to provide his side with a breakthrough.  

WTC 2025 Chances for New Zealand and England

England arrived in New Zealand after facing a 2-1 series defeat against Pakistan. While they are already out of the WTC 2025 final race, a win in any of the three tests can jeopardize New Zealand’s hopes of reaching the WTC final.  

Currently in fourth spot on the WTC points table, the Kiwis will need to win all of the three red-ball tests against England to remain in contention for their second WTC final.  

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