ENG vs NZ, 1st Test 2026, Day 1 highlights: New Zealand 61/6 at stumps on Day 1 at Lord's, trail England by 79 runs

ENG vs NZ Live Score, 1st Test 2026: Sixteen wickets fell and not a single over of spin was required as fast bowlers ruled a dramatic first day of the Lord's Test, with New Zealand closing on 61/6 after dismissing England for 140 on Thursday.

The visitors appeared firmly in control for much of the day after Kyle Jamieson celebrated his return to Test cricket with figures of 5-62, his first five-wicket haul since the 2021 World Test Championship final. Nathan Smith added 3-40 and Will O'Rourke claimed two wickets as England collapsed from 31-1 to 34-4 under overcast skies.

Harry Brook counterattacked with 52 off 64 balls, striking nine boundaries, while Ben Stokes contributed 25 on his 35th birthday. Their partnership offered England some respite before Williamson produced a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss the home captain. A late stand worth 22 runs between Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir eventually proved valuable.

However, England responded emphatically with the ball. Returning pacer Ollie Robinson electrified Lord's by taking three wickets in his opening over, removing Devon Conway, Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. He finished with outstanding figures of 4-10 from six overs, while Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue shared two wickets.

New Zealand's batting unravelled despite Josh Inglis-like resistance from Glenn Phillips, who remained unbeaten on 31. With only the tail left to accompany him, the visitors ended a chaotic, weather-affected day with their early advantage almost entirely wiped out.

14:35 (IST) Jun 05

England vs New Zealand Lord's Test

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14:33 (IST) Jun 04

England vs New Zealand Lord's Test Live Score: Ollie Robinson gets another opportunity

One of the more notable selection stories ahead of the Test is the return of Ollie Robinson. England felt they lacked a genuinely confrontational new-ball bowler during the Ashes, and Robinson has been recalled to help address that issue. His record is impressive. He has taken 76 wickets at an average of 23 in just 20 Tests. Yet his international journey has not been straightforward.

Robinson was dropped in 2024 because concerns about fitness and attitude damaged trust within the setup. Since then, he has worked to rebuild his reputation. Captaining Sussex this season appears to have helped his development, and England now believe he is ready for another opportunity. Unavailability of Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse have also opened the door. Robinson knows this could be a significant moment in his career. Strong performances could cement his place in the side again. Failure would likely bring renewed questions. Either way, his return adds another interesting storyline to a match already carrying considerable significance for England.

14:31 (IST) Jun 04

ENG vs NZ Live Score: New faces get chance in England rebuild

England have decided change is necessary at the top of the batting order. The selectors have lost patience with Zac Crawley and Ollie Pope and have turned to new options for the Lord's Test. Durham opener Emilio Gay and Jacob Bethell have been brought into the side, signalling a fresh direction.

Gay arrives with strong domestic form, including three centuries in the current County Championship season. His story is particularly interesting because he played three T20 internationals for Italy last year, meaning he will now become a dual international.

Bethell also enters the match with confidence after scoring his maiden Test century during the final Ashes Test in Sydney earlier this year. England hope these changes bring fresh energy to a batting order that struggled badly in Australia. Selection decisions often reveal how a team views its future, and these choices suggest England are willing to move on from familiar names if performances do not improve. The Lord's Test therefore represents not only an opportunity for England to win but also a chance for new players to establish themselves at the highest level.

14:27 (IST) Jun 04

ENG vs NZ 1st Test Live: McCullum faces first major home test

Brendon McCullum has already transformed England's approach to Test cricket once. Now he faces another important challenge. After England's poor Ashes campaign, questions were raised about the direction of the team and whether enough accountability existed within the setup. McCullum emerged from the review with his position intact, but expectations remain high. The former New Zealand captain understands the scrutiny. Speaking about criticism after the Ashes, he said: “You have got to handle a little bit of the backlash.” England's response has included changes behind the scenes. A curfew has been reintroduced, while additional staff members have joined the setup. The appointment of Sarah Taylor as a fielding coach has attracted attention, making her the first woman to coach England's men's Test side. McCullum's biggest task, though, remains helping the team win matches. His aggressive style transformed England when he took over in 2022. The challenge now is proving that approach can still succeed after a difficult period. New Zealand provide the first test of England's summer and perhaps the first indication of whether the team has genuinely moved on from its Ashes disappointment.

14:24 (IST) Jun 04

England vs New Zealand Live Score: Lord's traditions meet England's modern challenge

Few venues in world cricket are as tied to tradition as Lord's. The Long Room, the famous slope, the ringing bell before play, strict dress codes and the honours boards all help make the ground unique.

Players from around the world speak about the special feeling of walking out at Lord's. Yet when England take the field against New Zealand, the focus will not just be on the history around them. It will be on the future. England are trying to move on from an Ashes defeat that left supporters frustrated and searching for answers.

The contrast is striking. Lord's represents continuity and tradition, while England are searching for change and improvement. The home side know that performances on the field will ultimately shape the conversation. A strong start to the summer could quickly change the mood around the team. A poor performance, however, would bring fresh scrutiny. That makes this Test more significant than just another match. It is England's first chance to show what lessons, if any, were learned after the difficult tour of Australia and whether the team is ready to move forward.

14:23 (IST) Jun 04

ENG vs NZ Live Score: England begin home season under pressure

England return to Lord's for their first home Test of the year, but the mood around the team is very different from what they would have wanted. A home Test at the famous ground is usually seen as a fresh start, but England arrive carrying the baggage of a disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia. The tour ended in a heavy defeat, with England losing the series in just 11 days before Christmas.

Questions were asked about preparation, tactics and even off-field discipline. Reports of excessive drinking became a major talking point and attracted criticism from supporters and the media. Despite the backlash, the leadership group remained unchanged. Director of cricket Rob Key, coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes all survived the review that followed the Ashes. That decision did not go down well with everyone. McCullum acknowledged the criticism, saying: “You have got to handle a little bit of the backlash.” England now have a chance to shift attention back to cricket. A strong performance against New Zealand would not erase the memories of Australia completely, but it could begin the process of rebuilding confidence among players and supporters alike.

ENG vs NZ, 1st Test 2026: Ollie Robinson marked his return to Test cricket with a sensational spell as England fought back after being bowled out for 140 to leave New Zealand reeling at 61/6 on a remarkable opening day at Lord's on Thursday.

On a gloomy, seamer-friendly day interrupted by rain and bad light, Robinson grabbed 4-10 from six overs, striking three times in his first over of Test cricket since February 2024. Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra all fell in quick succession before Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue joined the wicket-taking spree.

Earlier, New Zealand had dominated after winning the toss. Kyle Jamieson, playing his first Test in almost two years, produced a superb 5-62 while Nathan Smith claimed three wickets and Will O'Rourke picked up two as England were dismissed in just 39.4 overs.

Harry Brook's attacking 52 was the only significant contribution for the hosts, while Ben Stokes made 25 before falling to a brilliant one-handed catch by Williamson. England had slumped to 34-4 before Brook and Stokes briefly repaired the innings.

But Robinson's dramatic return changed the complexion of the match, with Glenn Phillips unbeaten on 31 at stumps as New Zealand ended a chaotic day in deep trouble.

ENG vs NZ, 1st Test 2026, Day 1 highlights: New Zealand 61/6 at stumps on Day 1 at Lord's, trail England by 79 runs

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ENG vs NZ, 1st Test 2026, Day 1 highlights: New Zealand 61/6 at stumps on Day 1 at Lord's, trail England by 79 runs

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