Matthew Potts promised England would continue to “bump” after 17 wickets fell on a remarkable opening day of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on Thursday. Durham Quick Potts, who made a test debut after an injury crisis knocked out several fast bowlers, had a day to remember when he outmatched England greats James Anderson and Stuart Broad by taking four wickets for 13 runs, while New Zealand were eliminated for only 132.
But Ben Stokes’ first day as England captain since he succeeded Joe Root ended with 116 for seven at the hosts.
No wonder Potts, 23, who was looking for a second-ball duck during England’s latest collapse, told reporters: “Yeah, it was a rollercoaster.
“We’ve come to entertain, that’s our first and most important thing. We’re still in a game to win a test cricket match,” he added as England were chasing just their second win in 18 games. at this level.
“I think we’re going to take our punches… We want to hit, and if they give us two, we’ll throw them four.”
But as boxing purists will attest, there are times when a solid defense is also required.
Nevertheless, Potts’ enthusiasm was understandable given his return against the reigning Test World Champion, which included the removal of New Zealand captain and star batsman Kane Williamson with just his fifth ball of the day.
“I chewed to the point where I was ready to go, I’ve been waiting to put on the top and do my best,” he said.
– ‘Back in the game’ –
England got off to a good start on their response, with Zak Crawley making a smooth 43 before being caught behind Kyle Jamieson.
The opener’s exit left England 59 for one leading to a slump in which seven wickets were lost for just 41 runs on an immaculate pitch in sunny conditions ideal for hitting.
“I think it was a good kickback,” said sky-high pacer Jamieson, who has two-for-20 in seven overs on punches. “We’re back in the game.”
New Zealand had Colin de Grandhomme to thank for hitting three figures, with the all-rounder noting out an innings top score of 42.
That seemed to show the advantage all-rounder de Grandhomme had gained by playing for county club Surrey this season, while some of his team-mates only had to do two warm-up matches to adjust to England’s conditions.
But Jamieson, 27, declined to blame a lack of preparation for New Zealand’s low total, saying: “I think we are as good as we could go in this test.”
“Hopefully, when we get the chance to bat again, we can bat a little longer than we did today,” he added.
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“We want to fight hard in those second innings, try to build a lead and give ourselves something to bowl to.”
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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