Kane Williamson’s composed knock of 93 anchored New Zealand’s innings on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday. At stumps, New Zealand stood at 319/8, with Glenn Phillips (41*) and Tim Southee (10*) unbeaten at the crease.
Williamson, in his first match back after injury, looked in fine form, helping New Zealand recover from an early setback. After being sent in to bat by England’s captain Ben Stokes, Williamson played a measured innings, forming important partnerships with skipper Tom Latham (47), Rachin Ravindra (34), and Daryl Mitchell (19). New Zealand reached tea at 193/3, firmly in control of the game.
However, Williamson’s promising innings came to an end just short of his 33rd Test century, as he was dismissed for 93 following some extra bounce from England’s Gus Atkinson (2/61) shortly after tea. England mounted a strong fightback, with Shoaib Bashir (4/69) taking the final three wickets of the day, adding some hope for the visitors. Despite that, Phillips and Southee saw out the final overs safely.
New Zealand is still in the hunt for a spot in next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final, though they would likely need a 3-0 sweep of England at home to secure their place in the one-off Test at Lord’s in June 2025.
England, already out of contention for the World Test Championship Final this year, struck early when Atkinson dismissed Devon Conway (2) in the second over, leaving Williamson to steady the ship once again for New Zealand.
Brief score: New Zealand 319/8 (Kane Williamson 93, Glenn Phillips 41*, Rachin Ravindra 34; Shoaib Bashir 4/69) vs England.