Set a challenging target of 254, New Zealand resumed the day on 55/5 but never looked capable of mounting a comeback. England’s bowlers quickly finished the job, taking the remaining five wickets within the first session to bowl the visitors out for 138.
Fast bowler Gus Atkinson led the charge with outstanding figures of 5/30, the best by an England bowler in the match. The Lord’s pitch continued to favour seamers throughout the contest, with 24 wickets falling either bowled or lbw. Remarkably, not a single delivery was sent down by a spinner during the Test.
Glenn Phillips provided the lone bright spot for New Zealand with an unbeaten 44, ending as the tourists’ highest scorer in what was otherwise a disappointing performance with the bat.
The series opener carried added significance for England following their difficult Ashes campaign in Australia, where they suffered a 4-1 defeat. That tour was overshadowed by criticism of the team’s preparation, tactical decisions and reports concerning off-field conduct, placing additional scrutiny on the leadership group of captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
Early selection decisions for this refreshed version of “Bazball” paid immediate dividends. Opener Emilio Gay justified his inclusion by producing the highest individual score of the match, making 57 in England’s second innings, while returning seamer Ollie Robinson starred with the ball.
Robinson finished with seven wickets across the Test, claiming 5/39 in the first innings and adding 2/38 in the second to play a crucial role in England’s victory.
England now head across London with momentum firmly on their side as they prepare for the second Test of the three-match series at The Oval, which begins on June 17.
