Devon Conway notched up a magnificent hundred on his Test debut to put New Zealand on top against England at Lord’s in their first day of international action this summer. He shared an unbroken 132-run stand for the fourth wicket with Henry Nicholls (46*) to help the visitors reach 246/3 at stumps on Day 1.
Lord’s welcomed around 6,500 spectators at the venue. Since 2019, this was the first time fans were allowed entry to an international cricket match on English soil.
England went in with four seamers and omitted Jack Leach from their line-up. This is the first time since 2012 that they have not picked any specialist spinner in a home Test.
Tom Latham (23) and Conway added 58 for the opening wicket after Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bat first. Debutant Ollie Robinson provided the first breakthrough by having Latham play on to his stumps.
Williamson (13) played on too, off James Anderson, while Ross Taylor (14) was beaten and trapped leg-before by Robinson. New Zealand were 114/3 at one point.
Conway did not give any chance to England throughout the day. He reached the three-figure mark with a flourishing whip off the pads. At the other end, Nicholls kept his calm and played 149 balls before the close of play.
Robinson claimed 2-50 and Anderson 1-55, the wicket of Williamson. Stuart Broad and Mark Wood went wicketless.
With 250 approaching and BJ Watling yet to come, New Zealand will be looking to post at least around 400 runs in the first innings to set themselves in a decent position.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand 246/3 (Devon Conway 136*; Ollie Robinson 2-50) vs England