England’s decision to recall Ollie Robinson paid immediate dividends as the fast bowler ripped through New Zealand’s top order with a stunning triple-wicket maiden on the opening day of the first Test at Lord’s.
Robinson, who returned to the England side after being sidelined since early 2024 due to fitness concerns, dismissed Devon Conway (1), Kane Williamson (0), and Rachin Ravindra (0) within four deliveries. The Sussex seamer’s sensational spell left New Zealand reeling at 3-2 and handed England early control of the contest.
The 32-year-old has never lacked quality, having claimed 76 wickets in his first 20 Test matches at an average below 23. He showcased those skills once again in favorable bowling conditions, trapping Conway and Ravindra lbw while Kane Williamson was brilliantly caught at short leg by England debutant Emilio Gay.
Robinson finished with impressive figures of 4-10 from six overs after later removing Daryl Mitchell (12), who left a delivery that crashed into his stumps. England’s pace attack continued to dominate as Gus Atkinson dismissed Tom Latham (3) lbw and Josh Tongue cleaned up Tom Blundell (4) to secure his 50th Test wicket.
Despite England’s bowling heroics, New Zealand’s seamers responded strongly. Kyle Jamieson starred with 5-62, registering his sixth five-wicket haul in just 20 Tests during his first red-ball match in more than two years. Nathan Smith (3-38) and Will O’Rourke (2-25) also played key roles as England were bowled out in 39.4 overs.
Harry Brook top-scored for England with a brisk 56 off 71 balls, while Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten on 31 for New Zealand. Remarkably, they were the only batters from either side to cross the 20-run mark on a dramatic day dominated by the bowlers.
The action-packed opening day marked the beginning of England’s post-Ashes rebuilding phase after their disappointing 4-1 series defeat in Australia. Head coach Brendon McCullum had emphasized the need for “smarter” cricket, and while England’s batting struggled, their collapse was largely due to New Zealand’s disciplined and accurate seam attack rather than reckless shot selection.
England debutant Emilio Gay showed glimpses of promise before edging a superb delivery from Jamieson for 8. Earlier, he had confidently driven the New Zealand pacer for boundaries, offering a brief highlight in a match that quickly turned into a bowler’s showcase at the Home of Cricket.