England were crushed by New Zealand as the tourists lost the first Test by an innings and 65 runs at the Bay Oval.

Resuming on 55-3, England needed to bat through the day to save the Test but were bowled out for 197 with 21.4 overs remaining in Mount Maunganui.

Joe Denly made 35 from 142 balls and Ben Stokes 28 from 84 but no batsman could produce a defining innings.

Pace bowler Neil Wagner took a superb 5-44 and Mitchell Santner 3-53 as the Black Caps secured a 1-0 series lead.

The second and final Test begins at 22:00 GMT on Thursday.

New Zealand could be without Trent Boult, who was absent for much of the day with a rib injury, but the performance of his other bowlers will offer captain Kane Williamson some reassurance.

England were let down by their shot making and will be left to rue the collapse on the second day that prevented them posting a substantial total.

It is perhaps fortunate for England the series is not part of the World Test Championship, meaning that they have not lost out on any points in defeat.

But it was a fine all-round performance from New Zealand, and leaves England with plenty to ponder before they travel to Hamilton.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1326 HRS, NOV 25, 2019
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