England’s Ollie Robinson returns to Test cricket at Lord’s with a destructive new-ball spell as rain disrupts the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand. On a rain-affected pitch, England are bowled out for 140. In New Zealand’s reply, the tourists are reduced to 61 for 6 while chasing 254, with Robinson central to the collapse. Multiple reports say Robinson strikes in his first over back after more than two years away from Test cricket, taking three wickets in that over and lifting England’s position as the innings unfolds. The condensed nature of play and the heavy rainfall mean several wickets fall across a limited number of overs. By the close of day one, New Zealand are 61 for 6, trailing England by 79 runs. Other coverage adds that Robinson ultimately finishes with a five-wicket haul on his return, including further wickets after his opening spell, while both teams’ pace attacks benefit from a surface that helps the ball move. The overall match state leaves England holding a first-innings advantage heading into the next day.
Ollie Robinson takes early wickets as rain-affected Lord’s Test shifts toward England
England’s Ollie Robinson returns to Test cricket at Lord’s with a destructive new-ball spell as rain disrupts the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand. On a rain-affected pitch, England a...
- Ollie Robinson makes a return to Test cricket for England against New Zealand at Lord’s.
- England are all out for 140 on day one in the first Test.
- New Zealand, chasing 254, reach 61 for 6 by the end of day one, trailing by 79 runs.
- Rain-affected conditions contribute to rapid fall of wickets during a limited number of overs.
- Robinson takes three wickets in his first over back and later completes a five-wicket haul.
Lord’s surface diminished the spectacle, but there is plenty to chew over after England’s opening victoryBy his own admission Ollie Robinson was “nowhere near ready” to play in the Ashes last winter. Yet his return after a two-year exile was a reminder that England were desperately short on new-ball nous during their 4-1 series defeat. Robinson provided it at Lord’s, making the ball breakdance during that triple-wicket maiden on day one. There was no need for him to go short, as proved by the 77mph bumper Daryl Mitchell brushed to the ropes. Wobbling it down on a length was lethal enough. It was the perfect surface for Kyle Jamieson, too, the hulking quick back for his first Test since February 2024, a back stress fracture keeping him away. His five-fer was a stirring sight, keeping those numbers nice and pretty: his bowling average sits under 20 after 20 Tests. Continue reading...
3 days agoComeback hero Robinson helps England crush New Zealand in Lords rainhit Test
4 days ago32-year-old Robinson took two wickets for no runs in four balls as New Zealand lost half their side in a tricky run chase.
5 days agoNew Zealand were 55 for five chasing 254 at Lord’s.
5 days agoEngland's Ollie Robinson completes a five-wicket haul on his return to Test cricket against New Zealand at Lord's
6 days agoFirst Test: England 140; New Zealand 61-6Paceman’s stunning return gives England the edgeIt took two years for Ollie Robinson to force his way back into the England set-up and then about five minutes to win over their supporters. Steaming in from the Nursery End, Robinson produced a devastating three-wicket first over – and four overall – to cap an absurd opening day against New Zealand.Some 16 wickets fell across only 60 overs of rain-affected play and, if this Test was being played in Australia, the groundsman might be feeling twitchy about having to give a press conference on Saturday. The pitch may ease up before then, even if the quicks on both sides will be hoping it stays just as fruity. Continue reading...
1 week ago
UEFA appoints Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate 2026 Super Cup after US visa denial
UEFA appoints Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup after he is barred from entering the United...
Shakira performs at Mexico City as 2026 World Cup opens
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with an opening ceremony in Mexico City featuring Shakira and other performers, ahead of...
Manchester City bids for Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest
Manchester City make offers for England midfielder Elliot Anderson but Nottingham Forest reject the bids, according to m...