Eng vs NZ: New Zealand Take Control as England Collapse to 94/6 at Lord’s

After rain limited the opening session to just ten overs, New Zealand returned after lunch with renewed energy and immediately put England's batting lineup under pressure.

England resumed on 24/1, with Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell looking to rebuild following Emilio Gay's early dismissal. However, the hosts failed to establish any meaningful partnerships as New Zealand's seamers exploited the helpful conditions.

Nathan Smith provided the breakthrough shortly after the resumption when he trapped Duckett lbw for 19. The dismissal left England at 31/2 and opened the door for New Zealand to attack an increasingly fragile batting order.

O’Rourke Removes Bethell and Root

Will O’Rourke then produced a decisive spell that further tilted the match in New Zealand's favor.

Bethell, who had resumed unbeaten on 4, was dismissed lbw for 6 after New Zealand successfully reviewed the on-field decision. Just two overs later, O’Rourke struck again by removing Joe Root for only 1. The experienced batter edged behind to Tom Blundell, leaving England reeling at 34/4.

The double blow stunned the Lord's crowd and handed New Zealand complete control of the contest.

Brook Fights Back Amid Collapse

Harry Brook attempted to steady the innings and briefly counterattacked after surviving a New Zealand review earlier in his innings.

Brook played positively and reached 43 not out from 51 deliveries, striking eight boundaries to keep England moving. However, wickets continued to fall around him.

Jamie Smith was bowled by Kyle Jamieson for 1, reducing England to 55/5. England captain Ben Stokes then joined Brook in an effort to rebuild, but the partnership never fully settled.

The pair added valuable runs before Jamieson returned to deliver another crucial breakthrough. Stokes was caught by Kane Williamson for 12, becoming the bowler's third wicket of the innings and leaving England at 94/6 in 26.5 overs.

Jamieson Leads New Zealand Charge

Jamieson was the standout performer for New Zealand, claiming 3/43 in 8.5 overs. O’Rourke supported him brilliantly with figures of 2/18, while Nathan Smith chipped in with 1/21.

Their combined effort prevented England from gaining any momentum and ensured the visitors remained firmly on top throughout the afternoon session.

With Harry Brook still unbeaten and England six wickets down, New Zealand held the advantage as play continued at Lord’s. The visitors will now look to finish off the lower order quickly and capitalize on a dominant first day in the England vs New Zealand series opener.