LONDON, June 7, (V7N) – England thrashed New Zealand by 115 runs to win the first Test at Lord's on Sunday. New Zealand, set 254 to win, were bowled out for 138 before lunch on the fourth day, with paceman Gus Atkinson taking 5-30 — the fourth time in three Tests at Lord's he has taken five wickets in an innings.
Victory in the 150th Test staged at Lord's — the most at any ground — gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Bowlers on both sides were on top throughout under overcast conditions and on a pitch of uncertain bounce, with Ollie Robinson marking his return to England duty for the first time in over two years with a Test-best 5-39 in New Zealand's meagre first-innings total of 113 all out.
Emilio Gay scored 57 on his England debut during a second-innings total of 226 as the hosts enjoyed a comprehensive win in their first Test since a 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia completed in January. The series continues across London at the Oval, where the second Test starts on June 17.
Brief scores: England first innings 140 (H Brook 56; K Jamieson 5-62, N Smith 3-38); New Zealand first innings 113 (O Robinson 5-39, J Tongue 3-40); England second innings 226 (E Gay 57; N Smith 6-70); New Zealand second innings 138 (G Atkinson 5-30).
Result: England won by 115 runs. England now lead the three-match series 1-0, with two Tests remaining. The second Test will be played at the Oval starting June 17.
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