Ben Stokes scored 66 but this wasn’t enough to stop New Zealand from thrashing England in the first Test match in Auckland this morning.
England, who were dismissed for 58 in their first innings, were hoping to secure a draw on day five at Eden Park. All-rounder Stokes hit 66 from 188 balls and he was backed up by Chris Woakes who scored 52.
But once Stokes was dismissed in the 133rd over with England on 300-7, New Zealand wrapped up the tail to win by an innings and 49 runs in the day-night Test match which was heavily affected by rain.
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The defeat was England’s fifth loss in their past six Tests and the tenth in their past 12 away Test matches.
Captain Joe Root told the BBC that England need to learn from the defeat ahead of the second Test against New Zealand that starts on Thursday in Christchurch.
He said: “We weren’t at our best in all departments if we’re being brutally honest. We couldn’t take those ten wickets and it’s important we learn those lessons quickly as we’ve got another Test match [in Christchurch] and we want to win it to draw the series.
“Decisions have to be made with rational thinking and we’ll do that over the next couple of days. I had great belief in the boys in the dressing room. I asked them before the start of play to show how much it meant to them to play for England. The Test match wasn’t lost today, it was lost on day one [when England were all out for 58 in the first innings].”
For New Zealand and skipper Kane Williamson the performances of bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee made the difference in the Auckland victory.
Williamson, who scored 102 in New Zealand’s first innings, said: “We knew we would have to work hard against a quality England bowling attack and to take wickets in the second innings. It was great we were able to exert pressure throughout the day.
“We knew we wanted to come out and play the long game and not get too far ahead of ourselves. We knew the ball wouldn’t do a lot for us. We had a couple go our way but they came after periods of pressure.
“A big part was taking wickets before the end of the session. It was important – the guys’ spirits were high. Trent [Boult] was outstanding, so was Tim [Southee].”
New Zealand vs. England Test series
New Zealand vs. England Test fixtures
England play two Test matches during their tour of New Zealand:
- 1st Test match: New Zealand beat England by an innings and 49 runs
- 2nd Test match: 29 March-April 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch (daily play starts at 11pm UK time)
How to watch and listen to the New Zealand vs. England Test matches
Sky Sports will show live TV coverage from the second Test match in Christchurch. BBC’s Test Match Special will provide ball-by-ball action on BBC Radio 5 live.
