London, June 7, 2026: England capitalised on a challenging Lord’s pitch to secure a comprehensive 115-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a day and two sessions to spare.
Set a daunting target of 254, New Zealand were bowled out for 138 before lunch on the fourth day of the 150th Test at the Home of Cricket, as England’s pace attack exploited variable bounce and lateral movement to devastating effect.
Resuming on 55-5, the visitors suffered an early setback when fast bowler Josh Tongue trapped wicketkeeper Tom Blundell lbw for four after just seven deliveries of the morning session.
Tongue nearly struck again moments later, but Devon Conway was handed a reprieve on 24 when Harry Brook spilled a difficult chance at second slip.
Conway fought hard to keep New Zealand’s hopes alive, scoring 41 off 91 deliveries, but his resistance ended when England captain Ben Stokes induced an edge that was brilliantly caught low in the gully by Jacob Bethell.
The wickets continued to tumble as Nathan Smith was caught behind off Gus Atkinson for four, before Glenn Phillips lost partner Kyle Jamieson, who was dismissed for six after being caught by Ben Duckett at short midwicket.
Phillips provided the lone bright spot for New Zealand with an unbeaten 44, but lacked support from the other end. The innings ended when Atkinson bowled Matt Henry, sealing England’s emphatic victory.
Atkinson was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 5-30, while Ollie Robinson chipped in with 2-38. Tongue and Stokes also made key contributions as England wrapped up the match with ease.
The result gives England an early advantage in the series and underlines their dominance on a pitch that consistently troubled New Zealand’s batters throughout the match.
The teams will now turn their attention to the second Test, which begins at The Oval on June 17.
