ENG VS NZ: It Is A Change Of Mindset For Everyone: Ben Stokes After Winning The Lords Test

The first Test match between England and New Zealand was won by England by 5 wickets at Lords on Sunday.

The match had a lot of twists and turns as it progressed at a fast pace. NZ was dismissed for 132 in their first innings after electing to bat first. They clawed their way back into the contest, dismissing England for just 141 runs. NZ, on the other hand, was put on the back foot once more as they lost four quick wickets in their second innings.

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell contributed more than 190 runs for the 6th wicket, bringing New Zealand back into the game.

However, England battled their way back into the game by bowling out New Zealand for less than 300 runs. In the fourth innings, New Zealand seamers did a good job of dismissing four of England’s top order batters, but Ben Stokes and Joe Root stabilised the innings, and subsequently, a century partnership between Root and Ben Foakes sealed the match for England. Root hit a fantastic century and reached 10,000 Test runs in the process.

This is England’s first win under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s new leadership.

The Game Ebbed and Flowed: Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes after the match said, “A great Test match. It always seems to be, England vs New Zealand – especially at Lord’s. Regardless of being captain, the first Test of the summer always has a special buzz about it.

“It was a special week with all the build-up and to come away with the win makes it even better. We’re happy leaving here with a win but one thing that everyone needs to take into account is that it’s a change of mindset for everyone and it’s not something that’s going to happen overnight.  The game ebbed and flowed. It was the first innings vs second innings and the third innings vs fourth innings, no one had the upper hand at any stage.”

On being asked about Root, he said, “Scoring a hundred and 10,000 runs – what a player, what a man.”

Stokes would hope that England can carry the momentum in the 2nd Test.

Also Read: Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After England vs New Zealand 1st Test