ENG vs NZ: Ben Stokes Was Reminded In Second Half That England's Batting Still Big Issue – Nasser Hussain

Former England captain Nasser Hussain mentioned England needs to work harder after the batting collapse on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand.

On Wednesday, England skittled out the Black Caps for a paltry 132. Senior bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad returned to the team and Matthew Potts made his debut for England.

Anderson and Broad set the tone with three wickets in the early overs. Debutant Potts nicked Kane Williamson behind the wickets before he cleaned up Daryl Mitchell.

Colin de Grandhomme was unbeaten on 42 as New Zealand were bowled out in 40 overs.

Ben Stokes & co falter in the second half of Day 1

Despite Zak Crawley’s audacious drives giving England a promising start, the old woes of batting collapse once again spoiled the moment for the hosts. From 92 for 2 England were reduced to 116/7 at the end of the first day’s play.

Their old failings with the bat came back to haunt them: Nasser Hussain

Hussain stressed England’s old issues in the middle order, something that has been a major concern in their Test cricket catastrophe.

“No matter how much good work Stokes did in the first half of the day, he was reminded in the second half that England’s Test batting is still a big issue. There’s plenty of work still to be done – technically, mentally and positionally,” Hussain wrote in Daily Mail.

“Many of the things England have been doing wrong in the field over the last 17 Test matches they got right on Ben Stokes’ first day as full-time captain. It was just a pity their old failings with the bat came back to haunt them,” he further mentioned.

Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes (6) and Stuart Broad (4) are batting for England and will resume the innings on Day 2 (Friday, June 3).

England last defeated New Zealand in a Test match in 2015 and interestingly the venue was Lord’s, where the current first Test is being held.

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