ENG vs NZ: Matthew Potts Promises England Will Keep "Throwing Punches" Against New Zealand

Matthew Potts guaranteed England would proceed to “throw punches” after 17 wickets fell on a surprising first day of the season of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on Thursday.

Durham speedy Matthew Potts, given a Test debut after an injury crisis precluded a few quick bowlers, had a memorable day as he surpassed England greats James Anderson and Stuart Broad by taking four wickets for 13 runs as New Zealand were bowled out for only 132. 

Nevertheless, Ben Stokes‘ first day as England skipper since replacing Joe Root finished with the hosts 116 for seven at stumps. 

We’re Still In A Contest To Win A Game Of Test Cricket: Matthew Potts

No big surprise the 23-year-old Potts, dismissed for a second ball duck during England’s most recent breakdown, told reporters: “Yes, it was a rollercoaster. 

“We’ve come to entertain, that’s our first and foremost thing. We’re still in a contest to win a game of Test cricket,” he added with England looking for only their second triumph in 18 matches at this level. 

“I think we’re going to throw our punches…We want to exchange blows, and if they throw us two we’ll throw them four.” 

In any case, there are times when a strong defence is needed too. 

I Have Been Chomping At The Bit Ready To Go: Matthew Potts

Nevertheless, Potts’ energy was reasonable given his display against the prevailing World Test champions which included eliminating New Zealand skipper and star batsman Kane Williamson with simply his fifth ball of the day. 

“I’ve been chomping at the bit ready to go, I’ve been waiting to pull the top on and do the best job I can,” he said. 

England made a sound beginning to their answer, with Zak Crawley making an elegant 43 before he was gotten behind off Kyle Jamieson. 

The opener’s dismissal left England 59/1 and ignited a breakdown that saw seven wickets lost for only 41 runs on a wicket that did not seem that difficult in sunny conditions ideal for batting. 

We Are Back In The Game: Kyle Jamieson

“I think it was a good fightback,” said towering paceman Jamieson, who at stumps has figures of two for 20 in seven overs. “We’re back in the game.” 

New Zealand had Colin de Grandhomme to thank for arriving at three figures, with the all-rounder making an innings top-score of 42 not out. 

That seemed to show the advantage that all-rounder de Grandhomme had acquired from playing for local club Surrey this season, while a few of his partners just needed two warm-up matches at most to conform to English circumstances. 

In any case, Jamieson, 27, wouldn’t fault an absence of practice for New Zealand’s modest aggregate, saying: “I think we’re as good as we could be going into this Test.” 

“Hopefully when we get a chance to bat again we can bat for a little bit longer than we did today,” he added. 

“We want to fight hard in that second innings, to try and build a lead and give ourselves something to bowl at.” 

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