England take the lead after First Test

England defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first Test, completing a chase of 104 runs in just 13 overs at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

The victory came with over a day and a half remaining, giving England a commanding 1-0 lead in the series. New Zealand struggled in both batting and fielding, allowing England to dominate from start to finish.

England’s standout performance included Harry Brook’s brilliant first-innings score of 171, capitalising on several dropped catches. Debutant Jacob Bethell added flair in the second innings, hitting a half-century from just 37 balls and scoring the winning run. England’s opener Ben Duckett also contributed with a fiery 27 off 18 balls.

New Zealand began the final day at 155-6, holding a slim four-run lead. Brydon Carse’s excellent bowling sealed their fate, taking 6-42 in the second innings and achieving a 10-wicket haul in the match—the first by an England bowler overseas since 2012. Daryl Mitchell and tailender Will O’Rourke showed some resistance, adding 45 runs for the last wicket, but it wasn’t enough to challenge England.

Kane Williamson’s 93 in the first innings and Mitchell’s 50 in the second were the only highlights for the Black Caps. Tim Southee, playing his final Test in Christchurch, briefly entertained with two sixes before being dismissed.

Despite their triumph, England faced a potential setback with captain Ben Stokes sustaining a possible hamstring injury. Stokes remained on the field, suggesting the injury may not be serious ahead of the next Tests in Wellington and Hamilton.