LORD’S — England got their Test summer off to a flying start with a 115-run win against New Zealand early on the fourth day at Lord’s.
Landing on the right side of the result in this chaotic first Test that lasted just 147 overs in total was absolutely crucial for this regime given the toxicity generated from last winter’s 4-1 Ashes humiliation in Australia.
Under-pressure coach Brendon McCullum will feel satisfied that the two major picks made here – debutant opener Emilio Gay and returning seamer Ollie Robinson – paid off handsomely.
Given the nature of the shocking Lord’s pitch, not too was really learned from this contest. But England’s ability to show the requisite fight and character contrasted sharply from the winter.
So how did the XI actually do? Here’s our first player ratings of the summer…
