New Zealand’s Dominant First Innings
New Zealand concluded their first innings with a total of 438 runs, setting a significant target for England in the third Test at Trent Bridge. The visitors’ strong performance on day one was largely due to centuries from openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway. Latham scored 151 runs, while Conway contributed 157 runs. Their partnership established a new record for New Zealand against England for any wicket, home or away, reaching 317 runs.
The openers’ performance was particularly notable given the warm conditions in Nottingham and the early setbacks for New Zealand, who were without Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, and Glenn Phillips due to injury. Latham’s century was his 17th Test century, placing him alongside Martin Crowe on New Zealand’s all-time list. Conway’s eighth Test ton followed a period where his preparation was affected by travel for family reasons.
Despite being dropped once each, Latham on 129 and Conway on 71, they capitalised on these opportunities to build their substantial partnership. The pair had previously achieved a triple-century stand against the West Indies in 2025. New Zealand reached 361-4 by the end of day one, with Rachin Ravindra scoring 7 and Henry Nicholls adding 36 before stumps.
England’s Response and Early Struggles
England’s innings began with an early wicket, as Emilio Gay was caught behind off Will O’Rourke for 0, leaving England at 8-1. Jacob Bethell joined Ben Duckett at the crease, with both players needing to contribute significantly. O’Rourke and Nathan Smith found some movement from the pitch, making runs challenging to score.
Duckett, however, began to find his rhythm, hitting several boundaries. He was dropped at third slip by Henry Nicholls early in his innings, an opportunity that allowed him to continue building his score. Duckett reached his 17th Test fifty on his home ground, demonstrating strong form. He continued to score freely, cutting and driving the ball effectively, and was in full flow, suggesting a potential first half-century since a Test last summer.
By the tea break, England had reached 73-1, with Duckett on 52 and Bethell on 16. The team maintained a scoring rate of over five runs an over despite the early loss. New Zealand’s bowlers, including Blair Tickner and Pedro Smith, aimed to apply pressure, with Smith particularly targeting Bethell’s front pad. Jofra Archer and Shoaib Bashir were among the England bowlers who took wickets in New Zealand’s innings, with Bashir securing his first Test wicket since last July by dismissing Nathan Smith. Archer also removed Ben Sears, trapping him lbw, to conclude New Zealand’s innings at 438 all out.
Bowling Efforts and Fielding Moments
During New Zealand’s innings, Jofra Archer delivered a bouncer that struck Blair Tickner on the helmet, causing a temporary halt in play for medical checks. Archer continued to bowl aggressively, while Bashir showed moments of good spin, despite occasional issues with control. Tom Blundell, who had previously scored a Test hundred at Trent Bridge, was dropped by Bashir while attempting a pull shot off Archer.
Ben Stokes, England’s captain, returned to the team after an incident following New Zealand’s series-opening defeat at Lord’s. The England side faced challenges with injuries, including Josh Tongue who left the field with a hamstring issue. England’s bowlers worked to contain New Zealand’s scoring, with Stokes eventually dismissing Latham caught behind. Joe Root also contributed by taking the wicket of Conway. New Zealand was bowled out for 438.
England will continue their batting effort on day two, aiming to build a substantial response to New Zealand’s first innings total of 438.
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Source: theguardian.com
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”