New Zealand completed a victory by an innings and 49 runs in the final day of the first Test against England at Auckland.
In a match which had been massively curtailed by rain, the Kiwis overcame a spirited England response in the second innings to grind out the win on the fifth day to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
We look at the good and the bad from the final day of the maiden day-night Test in New Zealand.
THE GOOD
STOKES DIGS IN TO RESIST KIWIS
Playing in his first Test since his return to international cricket, Ben Stokes’ innings on the final day gave England a glimmer of hope of pulling off a remarkable escape. The all-rounder curbed in his naturally attacking tendencies as he produced an uncharacteristically dogged display to resist the New Zealand bowlers for long periods.
The southpaw battled a stiff back and a determined Neil Wagner in his 188-ball vigil at the crease. He reached his 13th Test fifty off 128 balls, the slowest of his career. He stitched together a 83-run sixth wicket partnership with Chris Woakes and the pair were close to completing a wicket-less second session for the Kiwis before Stokes was dismissed off the last ball before dinner was taken.
Stokes showed a different side to his game in a patient innings.
WAGNER BREATHES LIFE INTO KIWI ATTACK
New Zealand’s pace trio have been impressing with their consistency for some time now. While Trent Boult and Tim Southee had showed their prowess with the swinging ball in England’s first innings demolition, Wagner showed what he brings to the triumvirate by bowling his heart out in the second innings.
Through sheer persistence and an incredible work-rate, the Kiwi pacer bounced out three of England’s four half centurions in the second innings.
With New Zealand’s bowlers looking flat as Stokes and Woakes dug in, Wagner summoned all his strength in a terrific spell before the dinner break. He was rewarded with Stokes’ wicket as the England batsman attempted to cut the short-ball over point. If that wicket hadn’t won it for New Zealand, Wagner’s net definitely did as he ended Woakes’ vigil with a sharp bouncer aimed straight for the face.
Neil Wagner is such a great role model, not just for sport but for life in general. The dude never gives up. Ball after ball he charges in. He is relentless and he gets results because of this.
— Nicholas Ross Smith (@1NRSmith) March 26, 2018
THE BAD
BAIRSTOW’S GIFT
Jonny Bairstow had started well on the final day and was forming a solid partnership with Stokes before he was given a big reprieve by Boult. New Zealand spinner Todd Astle bowled a rank short hop which Bairstow pulled straight to the Kiwi pacer at mid-on but Boult put down the simplest of chances.
That let off, didn’t seem to wake up the England batsman as he committed the same mistake 11 deliveries later. Astle delivered another poor short delivery which Bairstow pulled straight into the hands of Kane Williamson at short-leg. The New Zealand skipper made no mistake on his part as the Englishman was left kicking himself for throwing his wicket away.
Bairstow failed to make the most of his reprieve.
MOEEN ALI’S LACK OF FOOTWORK DOES HIM IN
After Bairstow’s dismissal, Moeen Ali had come in and provided ample support to England’s cause along with Stokes. He survived a testy period as Wagner unleashed a barrage of bouncers. One of them even struck the all-rounder on the chest as he failed to get his body out of the way in time.
However, Wagner’s assault had succeeded in getting Moeen on the back-foot and when Boult pitched one up with the new ball, the Englishman’s lack of forward movement did him in.
Moeen was trapped on the pads and was dismissed after a successful review by the hosts, right at the stroke of tea.
Moeen paid the price for being stuck on the back-foot.
