Kiwi quicks restrict Eng to 241/4

Wellington, November 21

New Zealand’s experienced pace bowlers repaid the faith placed in them on the first day of the opening Test against England, bowling superbly before some late hitting by Ben Stokes lifted the tourists to 241/4 by the close of play. 

Stokes (67*) boosted England’s total after New Zealand conceded around two runs an over for most of the day on a Bay Oval pitch that offered the bowlers no assistance after England captain Joe Root won the toss and chose to bat.  Ollie Pope was on 18 at stumps.

Joe Denly made 74 and had a 61-run partnership with Rory Burns (52) and an 83-run stand with Stokes. New Zealand’s pace attack of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner, however, made life difficult for the visitors. — Reuters

Brief Scores: England: 241/4 (Stokes 67*, Pope 18*) vs New Zealand