England had a dream start to the first Test against New Zealand on day one, with James Anderson, aged 40, leading the way with three wickets.
The day began with England winning the toss and electing to bowl first. New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval put on a solid partnership of 56 before Anderson struck in the 15th over, trapping Latham LBW for 28.
Raval and Kane Williamson then put on a further partnership of 56 before Anderson struck again, this time trapping Williamson LBW for 33.
New Zealand then lost two quick wickets, with Anderson claiming his third wicket of the day when he bowled Ross Taylor for just 4.
At the end of the day, New Zealand were on 166-4, with Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling at the crease.
England’s bowlers had done a great job of keeping the New Zealand batsmen in check, with Anderson leading the way with 3-37 from his 15 overs.
England’s batsmen then had a chance to make inroads into the New Zealand total, and they did not disappoint.
Openers Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings put on a solid partnership of 56 before Cook was dismissed for 28.
Jennings and Joe Root then put on a further partnership of 56 before Jennings was dismissed for a well-made 44.
Root and Gary Ballance then put on a further partnership of 56 before Root was dismissed for a well-made 33.
At the end of the day, England were on 166-3, with Ballance and Ben Duckett at the crease.
England’s batsmen had done a great job of making inroads into the New Zealand total, with Cook, Jennings, Root and Ballance all making valuable contributions.
It was a dream start to the first Test for England, and they will be looking to build on their strong start on day two.
