New Zealand finished the first day of the Hamilton Test with 315/9, having lost 9 wickets after reaching 210 runs. While 105 runs were added by the opening partnership, it’s unlikely that New Zealand will be entirely satisfied with their performance. Instead, England’s camp will likely feel more relieved. Ben Stokes and his team will be planning to quickly dismiss the hosts tomorrow morning and get to batting as soon as possible.
At the start of the match at Seddon Park, New Zealand’s legendary pacer Tim Southee walked onto the field carrying his daughter in his arms, marking the beginning of his final Test match. However, he didn’t get a chance to bowl early on. After winning the toss, England captain Stokes chose to field, sending New Zealand in to bat. For the first time in over a year, the Kiwis’ opening partnership put together a century stand, with captain Tom Latham and Will Young leading the way.
Young, who made 42, was dismissed in the 31st over when he edged a delivery from pacer Gus Atkinson to the slip. After that, New Zealand had four partnerships of over 30 runs, but none of them turned into substantial stands. Latham made 63, and Kane Williamson contributed 44 at number three, but England would have relished his dismissal. After playing a defensive shot off Matthew Potts, the ball was on its way to hit the stumps, and Williamson could only stop it with his foot. He was bowled out, and disbelief was evident on his face.
After the opening stand, the second-highest partnership came at the eighth wicket, thanks to two bowlers. Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry added 41 runs in 54 balls. Santner remained unbeaten on 50 at the end of the day, with his partner being Will O’Rourke. Tim Southee, playing his final Test, produced his usual “cameo” with the bat—hitting 3 sixes and 1 four in 10 balls to score 23 runs. Atkinson and Potts both claimed 3 wickets for England.
Brief Scorecard:
New Zealand: 315/9 in 82 overs (Latham 63, Santner 50*, Williamson 44, Young 42, Southee 23; Atkinson 3/55, Potts 3/75, Currie 2/78, Stokes 1/86) — End of Day 1.
