England have crushed New Zealand by an astonishing 267 runs in the first Test at Lord’s, with Jimmy Anderson taking the final four wickets to seal a remarkable victory.
The hosts had been in control of the match since the first day, when they posted a mammoth 578-9 declared in their first innings. New Zealand were then bowled out for just 204, with Anderson taking 4-43.
England then declared their second innings on 352-9, setting the visitors a daunting target of 468 to win. New Zealand’s batsmen were unable to cope with the pressure, and were bowled out for just 200. Anderson was the pick of the bowlers, taking 6-40.
The victory was England’s biggest ever Test win over New Zealand, and their biggest win at Lord’s since beating Australia by an innings and 225 runs in 1934.
Anderson was the star of the show, taking 10 wickets in the match and becoming the first Englishman to take 10 wickets in a Test at Lord’s since Ian Botham in 1978. He also became the first Englishman to take 10 wickets in a Test against New Zealand since Bob Willis in 1983.
The victory was a huge boost for England, who had been struggling in Test cricket in recent years. It was also a huge boost for Anderson, who had been struggling with injury and form in recent months.
The second Test of the series starts on Thursday at Headingley, and England will be looking to build on their impressive performance at Lord’s. New Zealand, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back and level the series.
