Ollie Robinson runs riot as England take control in Lord’s Test vs New Zealand
Ollie Robinson stole the show on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test to put England in a dominant position against New Zealand. Recalled to the England set-up after two years, Robinson made an immediate impact, tearing through New Zealand’s top order with a devastating spell of 6-3-10-4 as the Black Caps trailed by 79 runs on a day where 16 wickets fell.
After Kyle Jamieson took five wickets to help the Kiwis bowl England out for 140, Robinson brought England firmly back into the contest with his penetrating burst.
The opening day at the Home of Cricket was defined by relentless seam bowling, dramatic momentum swings and repeated interruptions due to rain and poor light. Only about 59 overs could be bowled during the day but the action was packed with intensity as wickets fell at regular intervals in tough batting conditions.
The best of England vs New Zealand, 1st Test Day 1 from Lord’s, London
After his memorable comeback, Robinson said: “It’s really special, I can’t put it into words. It’s a bit surreal. An amazing couple of hours, but I’m so glad to be back. There were doubts, but so good to be back, to have everyone’s support.”
“I didn’t hear much, I was in a daze. The crowd was amazing, it was unbelievable. I just tried to shake it up today. The field responded better to it. I got a couple of calls from the umpires, which sometimes didn’t go your way,” added Robinson.
It has been almost 28 months since Ollie Robinson played Test cricket for England.
He took three wickets in his first overback today. There are returns; then there it is.— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 4, 2026
BROOK CARRIES ENGLAND
England, batting first after New Zealand won the toss and elected to field, were bowled out for 140 in 39.4 overs. Harry Brook provided excellent resistance with a brisk 56 off 71 balls, smashing 10 boundaries in a counter-attack that briefly lifted England out of trouble during their collapse.
However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled in the testing conditions of seam and swing. Jamieson led the New Zealand attack with figures of 14-0-62-5, well supported by Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke, as England lost wickets at regular intervals. Joe Root and Ben Stokes failed to impress, while Jamie Smith was bowled while shouldering Jamieson’s delivery on the surface offering significant movement.
ROBINSON RUNS KIWI
New Zealand’s response got off to a disastrous start. Gus Atkinson struck early but it was Ollie Robinson who produced the defining spell of the innings, tearing through the top order with remarkable intensity. He removed Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra in his very first over, leaving New Zealand reeling at 2 for 3 in just two overs.
Gus Atkinson then took the wicket of Tom Latham before Josh Tongue dismissed Tom Blundell as New Zealand ended the day on 61 for six. However, Glenn Phillips showed some resilience and remained unbeaten on 31 off 34 balls.
Going into the second day, Phillips will hold the key as New Zealand look to reduce the deficit. England, on the other hand, will try to wrap up the innings quickly and keep the pressure on the visitors firmly.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
05 Jun 2026 01:34 IST