Now, with Glenn Phillips and Southee at the crease, New Zealand will be looking to push their total past 350, but England will be eager to wrap things up quickly. For that, they will have to bat through the crucial first hour of play as they will be thoroughly interrogated by the English bowlers. They might extract some early morning movement as the ball is still new and also, it will be interesting to see how the pitch behaves this time around. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting m

For New Zealand, their day revolved around the contributions of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. While several batters managed to get themselves in, they couldn’t convert their starts into substantial scores. Amid the collapse, it was Glenn Phillips who stepped up to rescue the hosts and showed remarkable resistance shepherding the tailenders. He scored at a brisk pace and also struck a few crucial boundaries. He propelled New Zealand to go past 300 and see through the day by forming a compact

The English pacers were inconsistent in holding their lines and lengths that could have troubled the batters, but with the absence of any troubling lateral movement, they were compelled to vary their lengths. The shift to shorter deliveries proved effective, as both Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson capitalized on their skiddy trajectory to claim two wickets apiece, making the most of an otherwise unresponsive surface.

England will be pleased with their efforts at stumps on Day 1, having reduced New Zealand from a comfortable to 227/4 to a worrisome 319/8 which seemed much more at a point. While seam bowling was expected to dominate proceedings on a green surface, it was spinner Shoaib Bashir who emerged as England's surprise weapon, cutting through New Zealand's middle order with remarkable effectiveness. Though England claimed the crucial final session, New Zealand's control of the earlier play leaves them m

It’s Day 2 of this first Test in this iconic Crowe-Thorpe Trophy and we welcome you all joining us in our coverage. The Hagley Oval of Christchurch witnessed a tug-of-war kind of contest in the opening day between hosts New Zealand and tourists England. The Blackcaps remarkably dominated the first two sessions with the bat while the tourists bounced back strongly to affirm their hold on the third session with the ball. 

... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...

Well then, folks, the first day of this first Test has flown by. Coming into the second day, England will aim to run through the two remaining wickets as quickly as possible, taking full advantage of the new ball. While with Glenn Phillips still out there and Tim Southee known to push the total further with his crucial cameos down the order, New Zealand would be keen to extend the score as much as possible. The first ball of Day 2 will be bowled on Friday, 29th November, at 10 pm GMT (the prev

Kane Williamson is up for a flash interview. He says the conditions were challenging and they had to work hard for runs. Adds that they implemented themselves well as scoring runs wasn't easy and both teams did well adjusting to the conditions. Reckons that they knew that there would be boundary opportunities on their way if they kept hanging on and looked to build a partnership. Mentions that Bashir extracted the bounce well on this surface and his height helped him as well. Closes by saying

Despite regular wickets, New Zealand found success through consistent partnerships, with most batters making starts - though only Williamson pushed on significantly, falling just short of a century. England, after struggling through two sessions, showed remarkable resilience to fight back strongly in the final phase. The day ended with both teams having reasons to stay optimistic - New Zealand for their batting partnerships, and England for their late resurgence.

As the shadows lengthened, Glenn Phillips offered stubborn resistance, refusing to let England completely dominate the final phase along with solid support from Matt Henry. GP's aggressive intent, despite the late flurry of wickets, ensured New Zealand stayed competitive on a day that showcased how changing conditions and adjustments can alter the course of the match. Bashir again disrupted a brewing partnership and ended up with four wickets to his name. England opted for the second new ball to

The defining moment came when Williamson fell seven runs short of his hundred, triggering a collapse that saw New Zealand slump from 199/3 to 252/7. This collapse evaporated all the momentum New Zealand had got. Shoaib Bashir emerged as the hero on this seamer-friendly surface, while Atkinson and Carse supported with two each to their names.

The final session began with Kane Williamson unbeaten on 77 and Daryl Mitchell partnering him to build upon the momentum from the second session. However, the gathering clouds in the final session marked a decisive shift in play. England capitalized on these changing conditions, their switch to a barrage of short-pitched bowling proving to be a game-changing strategy.

STUMPS, DAY 1 - A pretty immersive first day of this first Test, to say the least, especially the way it ebbed and flowed. England dominated the final session, claiming 5 wickets for 126 runs across 32 overs. Despite a 30-minute extension to play, the day's full quota of overs couldn't be completed due to the slow over rate. But despite England dominating this final session, New Zealand has managed to breach the 300-run mark and have also crossed the average first inning score at the Hagley Ova

Gus Atkinson to Tim Southee, Full and wide outside off, Tim Southee pokes at it and gets beaten. Tim Southee was flirting outside the off on the final ball of the day. 

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, On a length wide of off, shaping away from the batter. Glenn Phillips leaves it all alone. 

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, Good length on off, Glenn Phillips defends this off the front foot. 

Chris Woakes to Tim Southee, No run.

Chris Woakes to Tim Southee, Back of a length, over the stumps, this jagged back in sharply. Tim Southee edges this onto the pads for no run. 

Chris Woakes to Tim Southee, Pitched up on off, Tim Southee drives this straight back towards the bowler for no run. 

Chris Woakes to Tim Southee, On a length around the pads, Tim Southee misses the flick and the ball thumps into the pads. 

Chris Woakes to Tim Southee, On a length around off, Tim Southee pushes this towards cover for no run. 

Chris Woakes to Tim Southee, NO BALL! Chris Woakes oversteps. Tim Southee goes for the pull though and misses. 

Chris Woakes to Tim Southee, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Tim Southee, 1 run.

Gus Atkinson to Tim Southee, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Tim Southee, 2 runs.

Gus Atkinson to Tim Southee, Good length on off, Tim Southee defends this one. 

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, LEG BYE! On a length, angling down the leg, Glenn Phillips misses this off the inside and the ball deflects off his pads towards off for a single. Leg bye signaled. 

Gus Atkinson to Tim Southee, A bit of mischief from the surface and Tim Southee edges this just wide of gully for a single. 

The second new ball is available now. Will England opt for it? Indeed. The second new ball has been taken by England.

Brydon Carse to Glenn Phillips, Four!

Brydon Carse to Tim Southee, Pitched up on the pads, Tim Southee flicks this towards deep mid-wicket for one. Carse falls on his follow through but that's not a rare sight with the English bowlers in particular. 

Brydon Carse to Tim Southee, 4 Byes.

Brydon Carse to Tim Southee, Four!

Brydon Carse to Tim Southee, Good length in the line of stumps, Tim Southee defends this one. 

Brydon Carse to Tim Southee, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Tim Southee, Quicker and flatter on off, Tim Southee cuts this off the back foot towards backward point for one. 

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, ! c Ben Duckett b Shoaib Bashir.

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, Fuller on off, Matt Henry pushes this away on off for no run. 

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up on off, Glenn Phillips drives this to mid off for no run. 

We are just a couple of overs away from the new ball now. Also, we are into the extended 30 minutes of play now to get through the remaining overs.

Brydon Carse to Matt Henry, No run.

Brydon Carse to Matt Henry, No ball!

Brydon Carse to Matt Henry, Sticking to the short-pitched ploy is Brydon Carse. Matt Henry ducks down once again. Henry is in no mood to take on the short ball. 

Brydon Carse to Matt Henry, No run.

Brydon Carse to Matt Henry, No run.

Brydon Carse to Matt Henry, Short-pitched again, Matt Henry ducks down again. 

Brydon Carse to Matt Henry, No run.

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, On a length, outside off, Glenn Phillips pushes this off the inside towards mid on for no run. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, On a length, way down the leg. Glenn Phillips leaves it. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, On a length, around off, teases GP to go for a drive again. Glenn acknowledges and swings but misses. The keeper collects it and appeals for a caught behind but the umpire says not out. Ben Stokes counts the number of players in favor of a review and goes upstairs. The UltraEdge shows nothing as the ball passes the bat and Glenn survives. England burns another review and they are left with just 1 now.  

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, ! Pitched-up this time, on off, Glenn Phillips swings and connects well. The ball flies off the middle of Glenn's bat and through cover for a boundary. This was hit extremely well. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, ! EDGED AND THROUGH FOR FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Glenn Phillips slashes and slashes hard. Gets an outside edge but he was always looking to play this uppish and manages to land this behind backward point as the ball races away for four. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, Good length on off, Glenn Phillips defends this off the back foot. 

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, Gives it a lot of air, turns in after pitching. Matt Henry gets behind the line of it and blocks this one. 

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Quicker and flatter, angling away from the batter. Glenn Phillips moves away and punches this towards Jacob Bethell at sweeper cover for one. 

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, Comes round the wicket, floats one on off, angling away. Matt Henry drives this to extra cover and runs one. 

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up outside off, Glenn Phillips drives this towards deep cover and runs a couple. 

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Touch quicker, on pads. Glenn Phillips defends this one. 

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, A proper body blow to Henry. Short-pitched, around chest height, Matt Henry takes his guard down and allows the ball to thump into his forearm on the top hand. The ball deflects back to the keeper. 

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, Short-pitched, into the body. Matt Henry dabs this towards short leg for no run. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, Good length outside off, Glenn Phillips punches this towards sweeper cover for one. 

It has gotten a bit overcast now and some of the floodlights have started to lit up as well.

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, Back of a length outside off, Matt Henry punches this on the up and gets it up and over cover for three runs. Matt Henry is striking well. 

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, Bumper, into the batter. Matt Henry ducks down. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, Good length on the pads, Glenn Phillips nudges this towards leg for a single. 

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Flatter, in the line of stumps. Glenn Phillips puhses this in the gap for one. 

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Six!

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Length dragged back, turning in on the pads, Glenn Phillips goes deep and pulls this towards deep mid-wicket for a couple. 

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, 1 run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, No run.

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, 2 runs.

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, No run.

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, Four!

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, Jumps up to beat the bat! Short, on off, Matt hops a bit and has a fiddle but cannot adjust with the bounce.

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, Good length around off, Matt Henry punches this crisply but finds the fielder. 

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, Fuller one, on off, Matt Henry drives it to covers for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, Too full, on off, Matt Henry eases it to the cover fielder.

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, Four!

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Length dragged back around middle and leg, Glenn Phillips rocks back and tucks this towards square leg for one. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, Given out on-field but Glenn Phillips reviews the decision. Good length on the pads, Glenn Phillips goes for the flick and misses. The ball clips his thigh pads on its way to the keeper. A loud appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Glenn Phillips reviews straightaway and the Ball Tracker shows no spike as the ball passes the bat but a spike as it is next to the thigh pad. Excellent review by Glenn Phillips as he survives. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, Short and wide outside off, Matt Henry cuts this straight to point for nothing. The fielder fluffs his line and fumbles but they take a single. 

Ben Stokes to Matt Henry, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, Short and wide outside off, Matt Henry uses the depth of the crease, rocks back cuts this towards deep point for one. 

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Matt Henry, No run.

Matt Henry walks out next to bat. 

Shoaib Bashir to Nathan Smith, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Quicker and flatter on the pads, Nathan Smith rocks back and goes for the flick. Joe Root was well placed at short leg and the ball was hit straight at him. Joe Root makes no mistake and pouches this. 

Shoaib Bashir to Nathan Smith, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Nathan Smith, No run.

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, On a length around off, Glenn Phillips punches this towards off for no run. 

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Ben Stokes to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Ben Stokes to Nathan Smith, Leg bye.

Ben Stokes to Nathan Smith, No run.

Time for the final drinks break on Day 1! Well, that's Test cricket for you! England has managed to snag three wickets in this session and has crept back into the contest after an underwhelming first two sessions of play. Kane Williamson looked rock-solid but couldn't extend his promising half-century into a substantial ton. After that, New Zealand slipped further as they lost two more wickets in quick intervals. Shoaib Bashir and Gus Atkinson have done really well to swing the momentum back

Ben Stokes to Nathan Smith, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Nathan Smith, Flat and full, just outside off, Nathan Smith drives it inside-out to wide of mid off. Matthew Potts scoots and dives to his left to intercept the ball and keeps it to just a single.

Shoaib Bashir to Nathan Smith, Floated up, full and on off, Nathan Smith leans on the ball and defends it under the bat.

Shoaib Bashir to Nathan Smith, Lands it just outside off on a fractionally short length, Nathan Smith hangs back and punches it off the back foot through the covers for a couple of runs.

Shoaib Bashir to Nathan Smith, Slower through the air, turning back in, on off, Nathan Smith rocks back and punches it on the surface.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Short of a good length, spinning back in from outside off, Glenn Phillips rocks back and punches it to the off side.

Gus Atkinson to Nathan Smith, Length on off, Smith gets behind it and defends it in the off side.

Gus Atkinson to Nathan Smith, An attempted yorker outside off, Smith shovels it out off the toe-end of the bat to the covers.

Gus Atkinson to Nathan Smith, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, Back of a length and just around off, Phillips defends it in front of covers.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Nathan Smith, the debutant is in at number 8.

Shoaib Bashir to Tom Blundell, ! c Gus Atkinson b Shoaib Bashir.

Shoaib Bashir to Tom Blundell, Flat and full, on off, Tom Blundell steps ahead and blocks it out.

Shoaib Bashir to Tom Blundell, Fractionally fuller in length, on the stumps, turning in a bit, Tom Blundell presses ahead to defend it out.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Flat and full, on leg, nudged away to square leg.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, Back of a length, on the top of off, Tom Blundell gets right behind the line and punches it off the back foot.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, NO BALL! Another tight leave! Into the channel of off, on a hard length, nips back into the batter. Tom Blundell watches it closely and decides to hang his bat in the air. It passes just over the off-pole.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, Back of a length on leg, Blundell off the back foot works it to mid-wicket.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, Four!

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, Straight and full, just around off, Tom Blundell takes out a huge stride forward and makes a very tight leave.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, Nagging length but going down leg, Tom Blundell chases it down the leg side to pull it away but misses. A half-hearted appeal for caught behind but only Ollie Pope is interested.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Nagging length, straight on the stumps, Glenn Phillips uses the depth of the crease, goes back and punches it back to the bowler.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Drags his length back a bit, on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips rocks back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up and pushed through, full and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips leans on and pushes it to mid on.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Sharp in-drift on a length, on middle, Phillips hangs back and punches it back to the bowler.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Nice and full around off, pushed through, Glenn Phillips eases it towards mid off.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, ! Punished! Very slow through the air with a lot of flight on it, full and outside off, Glenn Phillips waits for it and slaps it over the leaping cover fielder for a cracking boundary.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, Goes fuller now, outside off, Tom Blundell presses forward and knocks it straight to cover.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, Nice and full, on the stumps, Blundell presses forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, ! Driven with great fluency! That will give him more confidence! Gus Atkinson fires in a fuller-length delivery, outside off, Tom Blundell transfers his weight on the front foot, strides across and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, With three regular slips and a gully in position, Atkinson bowls a shorter one, on middle, Tom Blundell glances it off his hips to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Blundell, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Short and on the stumps, punched towards mid on by Phillips off the back foot.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, Flat and short, outside off, Glenn Phillips misses to cut it away.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Tom Blundell, 1 run.

Shoaib Bashir to Glenn Phillips, 1 run.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, A sensational effort by Stokes but he puts it down! Was a tough chance though!

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Glenn Phillips, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Would you believe it?

Glenn Phillips is the new batter in at number 7.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Nagging length, on middle and off, Kane Williamson prods ahead and pushes it back to the bowler.

Gus Atkinson (12-2-43-1) is recalled into the attack, replacing Brydon Carse.

Shoaib Bashir to Tom Blundell, Good length on the stumps, Blundell takes a huge stride out and defends it on the front foot.

Shoaib Bashir to Tom Blundell, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Pushed through and floated up, on middle, Kane Williamson pushes it down to long on for a single.

Shoaib Bashir to Tom Blundell, Too full and outside off, Tom Blundell works it to cover.

Shoaib Bashir to Tom Blundell, Bashir dishes out a flighted on, full and on off, Tom Blundell squeezes it out back to the bowler.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, pushed through, full and on off, driven inside-out to cover.

Shoaib Bashir returns. He is 10-1-32-1 so far, replacing Chris Woakes.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, LEG BYES! Oh, dear! Brydon Carse bowls on a short of a good length, attacking the pads, Tom Blundell misses to tuck it away and the ball deflects off his front thigh pad and runs to the deep fine fence.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, No run.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Carse keeps bowling the short ones, at waist height, Kane Williamson gets the ball at a comfortable height and pulls it to Jacob Bethell at deep mid-wicket for a single.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, WIDE! Over-the-head-bumper, wide called as Kane Williamson ducks underneath it.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Half-tracker again, on off, Kane Williamson waits for it it come at him and drags the pull shot to deep square leg for a single.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, 1 run.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, Short of a length, on the stumps, Tom Blundell is quick to get into position and pull it along the carpet to deep square leg for a single.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Hard length, on off, Kane Williamson is solid in defence as he punches it on the back foot to mid off.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Full and on the stumps, Kane Williamson brings his bat straight down and drives it straight to mid off.

STAT ATTACK - David Gower on-air mentions that Williamson hasn't lost his wicket in the 90s since December 2018. And has converted all into thirteen hundreds since then, which also includes five double hundreds. Astonishing record from the Kiwi right-hander.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Tom Blundell, Woakes bowls it fuller in length on middle and leg, Tom Blundell clips it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single.

Chris Woakes to Tom Blundell, Just beats the outside edge! Woakes hones in the corridor of uncertainty, holding its shape and going straight on, Tom Blundell gets all squared up and brings his bat in front but plays inside the line and gets beaten.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short again, around off, jagging back in, Kane Williamson jumps on the back foot to meet the ball on the bat but gets an inside edge onto the pad.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, This one rises off the deck around off, Kane Williamson hops on the back foot by arching back a bit and guides it to backward point with soft hands.

A mandatory concussion test is in place for Kane Williamson. The physio from the New Zealand dugout rushes out to attend the Kiwi right-hander. He looks fine to continue.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, A vicious bumper on offer, on the bodyline, Kane Williamson misses to pull it away and it flashes right on the front of the helmet.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Bowls a short of a good length, on middle, Kane Williamson gets on the back foot and tucks it with soft hands to wide of short mid-wicket.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Hits the deck hard does Carse, at 142 kph, angles it on middle, Kane Williamson gets opened up and fends it off the outside half towards point.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, Short in length, over the top of off, Tom Blundell weighs on the back foot and pulls it from the waist height and pins it between mid-wicket and square for a single.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, On a good length, on the off-stump line, Kane Williamson meets the ball right under his eyes and blocks it off the back foot.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Hard length, in the channel of off, Kane Williamson camps back and stabs it to point.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, ! Clipped away! Could have been a better effort from Bashir in the deep! 

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Fractionally full in length, angling on the middle and leg, Kane Williamson weighs on the back foot and clips it using his wrists to deep backward square leg for a single. 

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, A wayward bumper, on leg, Kane ducks under it. The on-field umpire calls it 'one bouncer for the over'.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Bowls it on a nagging length, much closer to the body, Kane Williamson hops on the back foot and punches it with soft hands in front of mid on.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, Bangs it short again does Carse, on the top of the stumps, Tom Blundell gets into the position quickly to pull it towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short and on the stumps from Carse, Kane Williamson stands tall and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, Back of a length, on the stumps, nudged away to wide of square leg for a single.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, ! Gee, that's a classy stroke from Kane! Outside off, good length, nipping away. Kane Williamson makes full use of the pace and width, hangs back and creates room for himself. Cuts it skilfully through backward point for a boundary.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Full and around off, Kane Williamson prods forward and knocks it to cover.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Back of a length, outside off, punched into the off side.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, 4 Leg byes.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, Short and outside off, works it down to backward point.

Brydon Carse to Tom Blundell, No run.

Tom Blundell is in at number 6.

Brydon Carse to Daryl Mitchell, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Finally, a breakthrough for England and Carse halts this 69-run stand for the fourth wicket. He gets his second.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short of a length, on off, Kane Williamson stands tall and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a comfortable single.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, A steep bouncer, almost getting that tennis-ball bounce, on the middle, Kane Williamson sits underneath it and lets it sail over.

Brydon Carse to Daryl Mitchell, Digs in a bodyline bumper, angling on the leg stump, Daryl Mitchell swivels and pulls it along the ground to deep fine for a single.

Brydon Carse (9-0-35-1) to operate from the far end.

Chris Woakes to Daryl Mitchell, Hard length, on the top of off, Daryl Mitchell gets on the toes and punches it to wide of mid off for a single to end the over.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Much fuller, angling on middle and leg, Kane Williamson tilts ahead and flicks it to pierce the mid-wicket and mid on gap but the fielder at mid on does well to dive to his right and stop the ball. A single taken.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, On the back of a length, around off, Kane Williamson rises with the bounce, gets behind the line and punches it to the cover region.

Chris Woakes to Daryl Mitchell, 1 run.

Chris Woakes to Daryl Mitchell, A short mid on is in position now, right next to the strip. Woakes hurls it full and on off, Daryl Mitchell defends it solidly off the front foot.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Woakes begins with a length-delivery, tailing back into the batter, Kane Williamson tucks it off the back foot to deep backward square leg for a single.

Welcome back for the final session of Day 1! The umpires and players are out to the middle. Kane Williamson unbeaten on 77 and Daryl Mitchell on 16 to resume their batting for New Zealand. Chris Woakes (11-4-40-0) has the ball and is all in readiness to kick off the post-Tea session for England. Two slips and a wide third slip in place for him. Here we go...

... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...

For England, Shoaib Bashir was the only bowler who managed to pick the wicket of Rachin Ravindra in this session. This New Zealand pair has effectively stabilized the innings after the early loss of Ravindra, and England's bowlers will need to devise a new strategy to break this partnership and regain control as we move into the final session in a short while...

SESSION SUMMARY - 27 overs, 89 runs, and 1 wicket. New Zealand heads into the tea break in a commanding position, having amassed 193 runs for the loss of just three wickets. Kane Williamson remains unbeaten on 76, displaying his trademark composure and skill at the crease. He is well supported by Daryl Mitchell, who has contributed 17 runs as part of a crucial partnership of 63 runs for the fourth wicket.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Lands it short again, just outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulders arms at it. That will be Tea Break on Day 1.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Short again, on middle, Daryl Mitchell fends it to the fielder at point.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Short, on middle, Kane Williamson pulls it gently towards mid-wicket for one.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Short, on leg, Kane Williamson ducks underneath it.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Short, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to backward square leg for one.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, On a length and on off, Kane Williamson looks to block it but edges it to third man for one.

Jacob Bethell to Daryl Mitchell, Full again, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Jacob Bethell to Daryl Mitchell, Too full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell leans forward and blocks it back.

Jacob Bethell to Kane Williamson, Bowls it on leg, Kane Williamson flicks it to backward square leg for one.

Jacob Bethell to Kane Williamson, Fuller one, on middle, Kane Williamson hangs back and blocks it solidly.

Jacob Bethell to Kane Williamson, Short, outside off, Kane Williamson blocks it to short covers.

Jacob Bethell to Kane Williamson, ! Not an ideal start for Bethell. Lands it down leg, Kane Williamson gets low and tickles it fine for a boundary.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller again, on middle, Daryl defends it solidly.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller one, on off, Daryl Mitchell hangs back and defends it to short covers.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Bowls it down leg, Kane Williamson flicks it to square leg for one.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Touch short and on off, Kane Williamson hops a bit and blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Length, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to mid off again.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, On a length and on off, Kane Williamson eases it to mid off.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson punches it through covers for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Flighted up, on off, Kane Williamson eases it to mid off.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Lands it on off, Kane Williamson taps it to the mid off fielder.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Slower through the air, on off, Kane Williamson drives it to covers for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller one, on middle, Daryl Mitchell knocks it down the ground for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Slower one, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on leg, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson punches it through covers for three runs. Fifty partnership up between this duo now!

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Length, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it back.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Length, on leg, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to square leg for one.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Short and wide, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs! A wayward bouncer, down leg, Daryl Mitchell leaves. The keeper fails to reach out to it as the ball races away.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Short, on middle, Kane Williamson defends it back to the bowler.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Bowls it on off, Kane Williamson defends it to mid off.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Too full, on off, Kane Williamson drives it to the fielder at extra cover.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Lands it on leg, Daryl Mitchell works it to square leg for one.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Short, on leg, Kane Williamson ducks under it.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Bowls it down leg, Kane Williamson looks to block it but wears it on his pads.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Touch short and on off, Daryl Mitchell fends it to short mid-wicket for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowlers end but misses.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell leaves.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller this time, Daryl Mitchell drives it to the mid on fielder.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Short, down leg, Daryl Mitchell leaves.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Lands it on off, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it towards square leg for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Lands it on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it solidly.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Full, on middle, Kane Williamson turns it to square leg for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Lands it on off, Kane Williamson looks to sweep it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls towards fine leg. They collect two runs.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Too full, on off, Kane Williamson drives it to the cover fielder.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Slower one, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it to mid on.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Another one outside off, Daryl Mitchell shoulder arms.

Ben Stokes to Daryl Mitchell, Short and wide, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, 3 runs.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Length again, Kane Williamson blocks it back towards the bowler.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Fuller one, down leg, Kane Williamson looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, On a length and on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to short covers.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Fuller this time, Kane Williamson drives it down the ground for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Slower through the air, on off, Kane Williamson sweeps it. The ball hits Joe Root at short leg and deflects towards mid-wicket. 

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Lands it on leg, Daryl Mitchell helps it fine for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to mid on.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Length, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it back towards the bowler.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Short and wide, Kane Williamson leaves it alone. Another no ball for overstepping.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, On a length and on off, Kane Williamson blocks it back.

Gus Atkinson to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller one, on leg, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to mid-wicket for one more.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Lands it on leg, Kane Williamson turns it to square leg for one.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson punches it to the point fielder. No ball called for overstepping.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Bowls it outside off, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, On a length and on off, Kane Williamson taps it to the cover fielder.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Bashir pulls his length back, lands it on off and gets a tinge of turn into the right-hander, Daryl Mitchell hangs back and punches it straight to mid on.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Flighted up, full and on the stumps, Kane Williamson drills it down to long off for a single.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, 2 runs.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Drags his length now, turning back into the batter, Kane Williamson hangs back and defends it out.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, 1 run.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Shorter in length, outside off, Mitchell defends it by going back and across.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Full and at the stumps, Kane Williamson blocks it alertly onto the pitch.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Short and on the top of the stumps, Kane Williamson lifts his front leg in the air to pull but inside edges onto the body. 

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, No run.

Drinks!

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Lands it on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it solidly.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Lands it on leg, Kane Williamson helps it fine for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller one again, on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it to covers. A bit of miscommunication but they safely take a single.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Full, on off, Kane Williamson drives it to covers for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Bowls it on leg, Daryl Mitchell turns it to square leg for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson leaves.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Short and wide, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson ducks under it.

Gus Atkinson to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on leg, Daryl Mitchell turns it to mid-wicket for one.

Gus Atkinson to Daryl Mitchell, Another one down leg, Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone.

Gus Atkinson to Daryl Mitchell, Touch short, down leg, Daryl Mitchell looks to leave it but gets a blow on his pads.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Slower one, outside off, Kane Williamson looks to punch it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Another dot as this is again defended back towards the bowler.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Lands it on off, Kane Williamson blocks it back again.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Slower one, on middle, Kane Williamson defends it solidly.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Full again, Kane Williamson leans forward and blocks it back.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Too full, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it back.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Fuller one, on leg, Kane Williamson flicks it to mid on for one.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Lands it on off, Kane Williamson blocks it back.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Length, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it back.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Bowls it on off, Kane Williamson eases it to covers.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Bowls it on leg, Kane Williamson fends it to short covers.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Length again, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it back.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, On a length and down leg, Kane Williamson looks to flick it but misses. A loud appeal for caught behind but the finger has stayed down. They refer. Ultra Edge shows no spike and the onfield decision stands NOT !

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Slower one, on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to mid off.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Full, on off, Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, ! Another gift for Kane Williamson and he gets to his fifty now! Lands it short and down leg again, Kane Williamson uses the pace of the ball and tickles it fine for another boundary.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, ! That was a freebie! Errs it down leg, Kane Williamson gets low and helps it fine for a boundary.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Too full, on off, Kane Williamson drives it through covers for a brace.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Slower one, on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to mid on.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson pulls it over square leg for a brace.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, On a length and on off, Kane Williamson hops a bit and eases it to covers.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson gets on his toes and punches it to the point fielder. Dot.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it soldily.

Brydon Carse to Daryl Mitchell, Bowls it on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Brydon Carse to Daryl Mitchell, Length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it to backward point.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Lands it on leg, Daryl Mitchell helps it fine for one.

Daryl Mitchell walks in.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller one, on off, Daryl Mitchell blocks it back.

Shoaib Bashir to Rachin Ravindra, ! c Zak Crawley b Shoaib Bashir.

Shoaib Bashir to Rachin Ravindra, Slower one, on off, Rachin Ravindra moves forward and blocks it back.

Shoaib Bashir to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller one, on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it back.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Length, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to short covers.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short, outside off, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Four!

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, ! Shot! Touch short and outside off, Kane Williamson stands tall and tugs it over mid-wicket for a boundary. That was some shot from him.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Full, on off, Kane Williamson eases it to the cover fielder.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, No run.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Bowls it on leg, Kane Williamson turns it to square leg for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Kane Williamson, Slower through the air, on off, Kane Williamson eases it to the cover fielder.

Shoaib Bashir to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller one, on off, Rachin Ravindra moves forward and taps it to covers for one.

Shoaib Bashir to Rachin Ravindra, Lands it on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to short covers.

Shoaib Bashir to Rachin Ravindra, Bowls it on middle, Rachin Ravindra defends it solidly.

Shoaib Bashir to Rachin Ravindra, Flatter one, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra blocks it back.

Shoaib Bashir comes into the attack now.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to mid off.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, On a length and just outside off, Kane Williamson reads it well and leaves it alone.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson slaps it but finds the cover fielder.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Slower one, outside off, Kane Williamson leaves the harmless delivery.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Length, on leg, Kane Williamson looks to flick it but miscues it to the point fielder.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson drives it to the fielder at extra covers.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Bowls it on middle, Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Length, on off, Kane Williamson defends it back.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short, on off, Kane Williamson hops to block it but gets a hit on the lower part of his helmet.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Lands it on leg, Kane Williamson defends it back to the bowler.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, On a length and it gets some extra bounce off the deck, Kane Williamson blocks it to short covers.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Length and outside off, shaping away, Kane Williamson looks to drive it but gets beaten.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Full, on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it back.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, ! Well played! On a length and outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets on his toes and punches it elegantly through the point region.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Full, on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it to mid off.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Wide! A wayward bouncer, Rachin Ravindra ducks. Wided.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, No run.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Too full, on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it to mid off.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Good length, on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it to short covers.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Oh! Length in the channel and this shapes away late, Kane Williamson wafts at it but is beaten all ends up.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Length ball, outside off, Kane Williamson guides it towards point. The fielder stops it well diving to his right. Dot.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Fuller one, on leg, Kane Williamson blocks it back again.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Length, on off, Kane Williamson stands tall and blocks it solidly.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Too full, on off, Kane Williamson slashes it through point for a brace.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Touch short and on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to mid on.

Brydon Carse to share the attack.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Four!

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, On a length and it shapes away a shade, Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but is beaten all ends up.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Two more! Touch short again, on off, Rachin Ravindra punches it through covers for two more.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Nicely played! Back of a length again, Rachin Ravindra rocks back and punches it through covers for a brace.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra let's it alone.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, No run.

We are back for the second session of Day1. The umpires and the players are back in the middle. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson will resume their innings. Chris Woakes to start with the ball. Let's play...

... DAY1, SESSION 2 ...

While Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse managed to generate some movement and beat the bat multiple times, England's bowling efforts yielded little reward as Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra have so far looked very positive in their approach and have also constructed a sturdy third-wicket partnership. The post-Lunch session, traditionally the best time for batting, beckons as England's bowlers seek to disrupt the growing partnership and gain quick breakthroughs to level the contest. Join us shor

Just as the second-wicket partnership was growing into a substantial one, Brydon Carse struck gold and removed the Kiwi skipper, right on the brink of his half-century. Despite picking up two wickets and sending both openers back into the sheds, England couldn't capitalize on it and runs kept flowing at a good rate for the hosts.  Rachin Ravindra kept the momentum going with efficient strike rotation and timely boundaries. While England's bowlers faced challenges with the foot landing area,

After being inserted to bat first on a green strip, New Zealand did not have a promising start as they lost Devon Conway off the very second over of the match, courtesy of Gus Atkinson taking a stunning low catch off his follow-through. However, skipper Latham looked well-settled and treated the fans with some scenic strokes and helped the scorecard tick along at a brisk pace. He found an able partner in Kane Williamson who took his time to settle on the crease. Once settled, Kane looked much

LUNCH, DAY 1 - Session Summary - 24 overs, 104 runs, 2 wickets. The first session has flown by in this series opener and it well and truly belongs to the hosts. England, despite snagging a couple of wickets, couldn't stop the run flow and did not fully utilize the new ball to their benefit.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Full in length, outside off, Kane Williamson prods ahead, strides across and solidly drives it to cover. And that will be LUNCH ON DAY 1!

Ben Stokes to Rachin Ravindra, 1 run.

Ben Stokes to Rachin Ravindra, No run.

Ben Stokes to Rachin Ravindra, No run.

Ben Stokes to Rachin Ravindra, Stokes bowls an effort ball and bangs into the surface, attacking the top of off, Rachin Ravindra sways away from the line by arching back.

Ben Stokes to Rachin Ravindra, Around the wickets. Full and on off, Rachin Ravindra presses forward and blocks it underneath the bat.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Woakes keeps the line of attack on the middle and leg, bowls short in length, with a hint of tail back into the batter. Rachin Ravindra pulls it away to deep square leg for a single.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Woakes bowls it full and angles it on the pads, Rachin Ravindra clips it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs. The partnership now moves into the 40s for the third wicket.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Nipping away from outside off, on a fuller length, Rachin Ravindra takes the front foot out, checks the delivery and makes a good leave.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, No run.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Much fuller now, outside off, Rachin Ravindra prods forward and drives it on the up but finds the fielder at cover.

Chris Woakes (7-3-24-0) is back on, replacing Gus Atkinson.

Chris Woakes to Rachin Ravindra, Bowls a length-delivery on the pads, Ravindra is beaten on the defence and wears it high on the front pad.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Solid in defence is Kane! Back of a length, on the top of the stumps, Kane Williamson rides the bounce and punches it with soft hands onto the pitch.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, ! Two-in-two! Short in length, nipping away from off, Kane Williamson weighs on the back foot and pulls it through the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. Stokes is absolutely livid with the landing area, again! Hands on his heads in frustration and also kicks the surface.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Four!

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Oh, that's a beauty! Stokes bowls it on that in-between length, outside off, it invites Kane on the front foot to have a poke at it, but the ball nibbles away from the pitch and beats the outside edge.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Wide!

Ben Stokes to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra punches it with soft hands and pins the shot between gully and backward point fielder for a quick single.

Some more saw-dust has been sprinkled now at the landing area.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Williamson shoulders arms to this away going delivery from outside off.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Oh, a tight leave from Kane! Lands it around off and gets it to jag back into the batter, over the top of the pegs, Kane Williamson checks the ball closely and hangs his bat in the air. The ball passes just over the off-stump.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, Pitched fuller in length, on off, Rachin Ravindra brings his front foot out and drives it straight down the ground for three more runs.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, ! Pulled away! Short and on the body, Rachin Ravindra stays in his crease and pulls it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Halt! Stokes is having a bit of a word with the umpire regarding the recurring issues on the landing area. 

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, No run.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Hard length, on off, punched off the back foot to the pitch.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, ! Shot of real authority! Slightly drags his length down, short of a good length, on off, Kane Williamson stands tall and pulls it through wide of mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Over the wickets now. Tinge fuller, in front of the sticks, Kane Williamson lets the ball arrive at him and defends it right under his eyes.

Ben Stokes to Rachin Ravindra, Brings the stumps into play now does Stokes, full and on off, from around the stumps, Rachin Ravindra presses forward and knocks it into the cover-point region for a quick single.

Ben Stokes to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length, outside off, angling in, Rachin Ravindra gets on the back foot and punches it with an angled bat to deep cover for a couple of runs.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Short and angling into the batter, Kane Williamson rides on the bounce and nudges it with soft hands to deep square leg for a single.

Ben Stokes to Kane Williamson, Starts from over the stumps, gets the ball to shape away from the right-hander. Kane Williamson shoulders arms as it is fairly outside off. Uh, oh! A false start from the English skipper, NO BALL for overstepping.

Ben Stokes brings himself into the attack now. He replaces Brydon Carse.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, This one comes straight on, back of a length, over the top of the stumps, Kane Williamson hops on the back foot and punches it solidly to the cover-point region to collect a quick single.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Full and deviating away from the surface, outside off, Kane Williamson closely reads the line and length, shoulders arms.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Short of a length outside off, left alone by Williamson.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, 1 run.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, Slanting across off, on a hard length, Rachin Ravindra shoulders arms at it.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Bends his back and bangs it short into the surface, going down the leg side. Kane Williamson is happy to duck underneath it.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, An away swinger, full and outside off, Kane Williamson strides across and drives it solidly but finds the fielder at cover.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short one again, jagging back in, Kane Williamson ducks under it.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Now tests the batter with a steep bumper, over the stumps, Kane Williamson squats underneath it and lets it fly over his head.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Good bowling this! Hard length, on off, it nips away off the deck. Kane Williamson weighs on the back foot to punch but gets his bat inside the line to make the leave.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Outside off, length ball, left alone.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, No ball!

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, An away angler outside off, Ravindra shoulders his arms.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, Fractionally fuller in length, attacking the off-pole, Rachin Ravindra lets the ball come at him, commits on the front foot with a good stride out. Meets the ball under his eyes to defend.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, Slanting across off on a good length, Rachin makes a watchful leave.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, Beaten! Gee, that's a nice delivery! Atkinson creates that angle, full and across off, Rachin Ravindra is drawn ahead on the front foot to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, Hits the deck hard, leaving the batter, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra watches it till the end and decides to shoulder arms at it.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Short, on the body, Kane Williamson sits under it and lets it sail over his head.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Nips away slightly off the deck, on a good length, Kane Williamson judges it well and makes a good tight leave.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Bowls from wide of the crease and angles the ball into the batter, in front of the stumps, Kane Williamson is watchful to block this full ball on the front foot.

Brydon Carse to Rachin Ravindra, 3 runs.

Brydon Carse to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length, on the top of off, Rachin Ravindra gets behind the line and defends the ball right under his eyes.

Brydon Carse to Rachin Ravindra, Bowls full and nips away from outside off, Rachin Ravindra makes a good leave.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Back of a length, skidding and bouncing a bit extra, outside off, Kane Williamson is watchful to make the leave.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, Length ball, angling around off, Ravindra taps it in the point region for a single.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, 3 runs.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Atkinson hits the hard length, outside off, punched solidly to the cover region by Kane Williamson.

Gus Atkinson to Rachin Ravindra, A misfield and Rachin gets off the mark!

Rachin Ravindra is in at number 4.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Fuller delivery on the pads, Williamson flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, ! c Ollie Pope b Brydon Carse.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, 2 runs.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, No run.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, 1 run.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, Onto the pads, full in length, Latham tilts forward and clips it to deep fine for a single.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, Hard length, outside off, slanting away, left alone.

Drinks! Well, the batting conditions have looked quite favorable as of now with very minimal chances created so far. Latham has looked rock-solid in his approach and has peppered the field with some glorious strokes. Williamson is just get going in his inning and has played alertly, negating any trouble. Despite England striking in the second over, with Gus Atkinson dismissing Devon Conway, off an athletic catch, England have not been able to get those early breakthroughs. Chris Woakes has bow

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, 1 run.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Full, zipping and nipping away from the left-hander. Latham is watchful and lets it be.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Four!

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Length, outside off, left alone.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, No run.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, 3 runs.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Hard length, on off, Kane Williamson swivels and pulls along the ground to wide of mid-wicket. The fielder from the inner ring chases the ball. As it is not quite timed well from Kane, it slows down on the way and is cut off by the fielder. Three taken!

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Carse keeps getting that spongy bounce off the surface, outside off, left alone.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, No run.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, 1 run.

Brydon Carse is not happy with the landing area.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, WIDE! Over-the-head-bumper from Carse around off, Latham gets his bat away from the line and leaves. Wide called.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, Short of a good length, on the body, Latham stands tall, swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, Whoa! A seed of a delivery! Carse lands it on a good length, slants it on off, it lands and nips very sharply, cutting the left-hander in half. Latham hangs his bat away from the body and the ball zips past the outside edge.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Back of a length, around the fourth stump line, Kane Williamson rides the bounce and taps it off the back foot onto the pitch.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Goes straight on now, on the stumps, on a good length, Kane Williamson gets behind the line and punches it onto the pitch.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, A bit of an outswing on this one, full and at off, Kane Williamson sees the ball closely, lets it arrive at him and taps it with soft hands to the cover region.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, This one leaves the right-hander after pitching outside off, on a fuller length, Williamson is happy to leave it alone.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Hits the good length, on middle and leg, it jags back in a touch. Kane Williamson looks to work it across the line but plays over and gets rapped on the front thigh pad.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Straighter and fuller, on middle, Kane Williamson plays with a straight bat and blocks it back to the bowler.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, Short delivery outside off, Latham drops his wrists and sways out of the line of it.

Brydon Carse to Tom Latham, EDGED AND ! Not exactly where he intended to hit but gets it through. A genuine half-volley on off, nipping away, Latham commits on the front foot and opens the bat face to go through the covers. It takes the healthy outside edge and runs wide of the packed slip cordons for a boundary at widish deep third.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Williamson is off the mark and gets a good cheer from the crowd! Back of a length, on the top of off, Kane Williamson rides the bounce and punches it through the cover region for a single. 

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, This is fuller in length, on the stumps, Kane Williamson with his soft hands, just angles the bat by opening its face and eases it to point.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, WIDE! Some extra bit of bounce for Carse, short-pitched bumper that flies off the deck, on off, Kane Williamson squats under it as it sails over his head. Wide signaled by the umpire.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Hard length, just outside off, Kane Williamson shoulders arms at it.

Brydon Carse to Kane Williamson, Brydon Carse replaces Gus Atkinson and steams in from over the stumps. Outside off on a length, left alone by Kane.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, ! Good response from Latham! Glorious straight drive! Half-volley, angling in from outside off, Tom Latham taps his front foot out, presents full face of the bat and drives it straight down the ground for a boundary at wide of long off.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, No run.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, There comes the inswinger now, on the stumps, full in length, Tom Latham gets behind the line, brings his bat ahead of the pad and defends it out.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, With four slips waiting in place, Woakes bowls it outside off on a hard length, Latham gets on the toes and taps it to the cover region.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, This one is bowled on a nagging length, just outside off, angling in, Tom Latham prods ahead and eases it with soft hands towards backward point.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Good length, on the middle and leg, tucked away solidly to mid on.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Hits the back of a length, outside off, Kane Williamson offers no shot at it.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Steams in from that around-the-wicket angle, hard length, outside off, Tom Latham gets on his toes and rides the bounce by lofting it behind backward point. Ben Stokes gives it a long chase and stops it before the ropes. Three taken!

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Atkinson corrects his line and length, good length, outside off, left alone. NO BALL called for overstepping! The third NO BALL already.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Four!

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, This is much fuller at 136.2 kph, on off, Latham strides forward and keeps it out to the off side.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Length, outside off, angling in, Latham prods forward and offers no shot at it.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, An away swinger that leaves the batter from outside off, left alone by Williamson.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Edged but doesn't carry again! 

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Short of a good length, outside off, left alone by Kane.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Shorter in length on off, Williamson stands tall and defends it to backward point.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, Woakes continues with a leg slip in place now. Kane Williamson leaves this good-length delivery, pitching and nipping from outside off. 

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, A solid front foot drive but straight to the fielder. Atkinson bowls it on a nagging length, outside off, Tom Latham strides across, uses the full face of the bat and drives it solidly but finds the man at cover.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, 2 runs.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Back of a length on the stumps, Latham works it to widish mid on.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Good work there by Stokes! Length-delivery outside off, Latham taps it off the back foot to get past the gully fielder but Stokes does well as he dives low to his left and intercepts the ball.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Four!

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, And again! This is very full now, holds its line and nips away from the deck, outside off, Williamson draws his front foot out to defend but gets beaten again on the outside edge.

Chris Woakes to Kane Williamson, No run.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, 5 runs.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, ! First boundary of this series! Woakes bowls a rare loosener, swinging into the batter, full in length, Tom Latham uses the angle and pace and just tickles it to deep fine for a boundary.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, No run.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, 2 runs.

Gus Atkinson to Kane Williamson, Length on the stumps, it nips back after pitching, Williamson is beaten on the front foot defence as he tries to work it across, and wears it high on the front pad.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Slants it into the pads now, on a good length, Tom Latham lets the ball arrive at him and tickles it with soft hands to deep backward square leg for a single.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Gets that inswing again, outside off, curving back in, Latham makes a tight leave.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, This one swings sharply intyo the batter, on a fuller length, Tom Latham prods ahead and flicks it to wide of mid on and scampers back for the second run.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Attacking the stumps now, on a fullish length, Latham is on the front foot and taps it with soft hands to the bowler.

Gus Atkinson to Tom Latham, Swinging into the batter, on a fuller length, around off, Tom Latham presses ahead and defends it across to the leg side.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Latham is off the mark now! Hard length, around off, angling in, Tom Latham commits on the front foot and knocks it in the cover-point region for a quick single.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Bowls an-swinger on the stumps, Latham waits for it and blocks it in the leg side.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Beaten! Chris Woakes brings the angle closer to the stumps now, but keeps it outside off on a fuller length. It lands it just straightens off the deck and beats the outside edge of Latham who commits on the front foot for a defence.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Hits the fuller length, keeps it well outside off, nipping away, no interest shown by Latham on that one.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Outside off, again, full in length, Latham lets it be.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Outside off, nipping away from a good length, Latham leaves it alone.

Kane Williamson is in at number 3.

Gus Atkinson to Devon Conway, ! c & b Gus Atkinson.

Gus Atkinson to Devon Conway, First runs off the bat for New Zealand and Devon Conway is off the mark! This is fuller in length, just around off with a tinge of outswing, Devon Conway gets on the front foot and pushes it through point for a couple of runs.

Gus Atkinson to Devon Conway, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Devon Conway, NO BALL! Outside off on a fractionally fuller length, Devon Conway makes a tight leave. Gus Atkinson has overstepped here.

Gus Atkinson to Devon Conway, No run.

Gus Atkinson to Devon Conway, Keeps the line of attack on the fourth stump, on a fullish length, Devon Conway strides across on the front foot and defends it solidly to the cover region.

Gus Atkinson to Devon Conway, Brings the stumps into play now, attacks the off-pole, on a fuller length, Devon Conway presses ahead and presents a solid front foot defence. Uh, oh! Atkinson has overstepped and it is called a NO BALL.

Gus Atkinson to Devon Conway, Atkinson begins from around the stumps and bowls on a nagging length, outside off, Conway watches it closely and lets it go through alone.

Gus Atkinson to operate from the far end.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, No run.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Outside off again, good length, Latham lets it be.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Fairly outside off, full in length, left alone by Latham.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Goes a bit fuller with a hint of outswing on offer now, around off, Latham takes a half stride forward and decides to let it pass alone.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Brings the angle much closer now does Woakes, on a good length, on middle, Latham gets right behind the line and defends it out watchfully on the front foot.

Chris Woakes to Tom Latham, Woakes starts with three regular slips and a gully in place. Lands it on a good length, from around the stumps, on off, Tom Latham rides the bounce and taps it with soft hands to the off side.

All in readiness for this iconic Crowe-Thorpe Trophy to kick off. The two umpires are already out and the players of England spread out to the field. Devon Conway and Tom Latham are the two openers for New Zealand. The bell has rung and Chris Woakes, who has the shining new red ball is all set to get the proceedings underway. Here we go...

Just a few moments away from the game to begin at the Hagley Oval. But before that, the shining trophy is brought by carefully and is being placed on the pedestal. Now, the two sets of players along with the match officials line up for the national anthems. It will be England's first, followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

Tom Latham, the captain of New Zealand says that they would have bowled first as well but says that if you get through the first hour, it gets a bit easier to bat on. Mentions that the public has got right behind them and having a series against England is exciting. 

Ben Stokes, the captain of England says that the wicket generally gets better here and also states there's a good covering of grass as well. Is hopeful that they can get the most out of it with the new ball. He is also hopeful that the results will pan out in their favor this time. Also adds that it's about how the teams try to get the game on and push their limits. On being asked about the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, he says that it is an honor and feels great to be a part of such series. Informs that

England (Playing XI) - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell (On Test Debut), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (WK), Ben Stokes (C), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke.

TOSS UPDATE - The flip of the coin lands in the favor of England, and Ben Stokes elects to BOWL first.