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England edge a close-fought day one against New Zealand with Joe Denly and Ben Stokes leading the way

Joe Denly has played the pull shot with precision against Neil Wagner - REUTERS
Joe Denly has played the pull shot with precision against Neil Wagner - REUTERS

5:26AM

England edge the first day

New Zealand battled hard and are very much still in the game. But, with Stokes still in and Pope looking good, England have the chance to score something substantial on a good batting deck.

The ground was arguably the star of the show - anlovely venue for test cricket.

Denly and Stokes very good for England, solid from Burns and Sibley. Root not so much.

De Grandhomme was the pick of the bowlers and was well supported by Southee.

Roll on day two!

5:22AM

OVER 90: ENG 241/4 (Stokes 67* Pope 18*)

And here is the last over of the day. Can England survive to cap off a pretty good day overall?

Southee to bowl it. Pope leaves the first ball, and the second. Pope has not had to play in the first four balls of the final over. Surely you have to make him play with the last two balls of the day.

Southee bowls a bouncer and Pope pulls it for four through mid-wicket. What a shot!

Pope leaves the last ball. Good days cricket that.

5:18AM

OVER 89: ENG 237/4 (Stokes 67* Pope 14*)

Just two overs to go in a closely contested day one of the series. Boult digs one in and Pope pulls it downwards out to fine leg for one.

Stokes has gone back into his shell, understandably, with only a couple of overs to go in the day. He will want a ton tomorrow.

Stokes leaves again.

5:15AM

OVER 88: ENG 236/4 (Stokes 67* Pope 13*)

Good ball from Southee draws a play and miss from Stokes.

Southee over pitches but Stokes' drive goes straight to the fielder.

Maiden.

5:11AM

OVER 87: ENG 236/4 (Stokes 67* Pope 13*)

Boult goes very full and Stokes tries to get it away but the ball trickles back to the bowler. Stokes plays aggressively again but no run scored.

Stokes tries to take on the hook, but it beats him and Watling. England pick up one bye as Watling parried the ball towards fine leg.

Pope avoids a short ball from Boult. Just over three overs left in the day now. Pope drives Boult past backward point for four. The Black Caps starting to look very weary now.

5:07AM

OVER 86: ENG 231/4 (Stokes 67* Pope 9*)

Pope clips Southee through square leg for another England boundary. Runs flowing.

Pope has been very impressive since coming out. Positive footwork with bags of confidence, good signs for England.

5:03AM

OVER 85: ENG 227/4 (Stokes 67* Pope 5*)

Boult serves up a half-volley and Stokes drives it with class through mid-off for four runs. Beautiful shot.

Stokes then clips the ball off his pads through square leg four another boundary as the ball runs away from the fielders. And a third boundary in as many balls as Boult drops it short on the offside and it is punched past extra-cover for four.

Stokes tries to cut the last ball and it flies to Taylor in the slips. The ball bursts through his hands and runs away for the fourth consecutive boundary. Wow what a chance for New Zealand.

4:59AM

OVER 84: ENG 211/4 (Stokes 51* Pope 5*)

Stokes works the ball for two bringing up his 50. He has looked in excellent touch. Stokes then chases a wide one put it lands safe - single taken.

4:57AM

Here is Joe Denly's dismissal

4:55AM

OVER 83: ENG 208/4 (Stokes 48* Pope 5*)

Tricky period here for Pope against the new ball with not long left in the day. Boult is too legside and Pope helps it on its way to the boundary. Too fine for the fielder at fine leg.

Solid from the Surrey youngster.

4:51AM

OVER 82: ENG 204/4 (Stokes 48* Pope 1*)

Pope drives the ball through the covers for one - confident start from the precocious talent.

4:50AM

WICKET! Denly c Watling b Southee 74

Another good delivery swinging away from the right hander is this time rewarded. Denly groans as he gets a thick edge through to the keeper. Here comes Pope.

4:48AM

OVER 82: ENG 203/3 (Stokes 48* Denly 74*)

Southee to take the new ball at the other end. He takes the edge from the first ball but it fall short of the slips. Denly was a bit lucky there, he got a decent chunk of that.

England's number three then nails the ball through extra cover for four. 200 up.

4:45AM

OVER 81: ENG 199/3 (Stokes 48* Denly 70*)

And here comes the new ball. England are in a commanding position but these last few overs could swing the balance back towards the home side.

Boult to Denly. A little bit of shape from the first delivery with the new ball. Denly drives but finds the fielder at mid-off.

Denly chases a wide one to no avail before driving the next ball for one through the covers.

4:41AM

OVER 80: ENG 198/3 (Stokes 48* Denly 69*)

It looks like this will be the last over before the new ball is taken.

Denly takes a single to mid-on. Stokes then works the ball round the corner for two.

4:37AM

OVER 79: ENG 195/3 (Stokes 46* Denly 68*)

England have been scoring at just under six runs an over for the last six overs after really struggling to score all day - in part due to the introduction of spin at one end. Valuable runs.

Denly takes a single behind point off Wagner. Wagner is now coming round the wicket to Stokes.

Stokes pulls the ball to deep mid-wicket for one.

Wagner swings one back into Denly - half-appeal, almost a run out and then an over throw. That is cricket.

4:33AM

OVER 78: ENG 192/3 (Stokes 45* Denly 66*)

Denly clips the ball towards short leg off Santer - the ball hits Latham's boot. Very, very tough chance. Denly then strokes the ball out to long-off for a single.

Stokes takes a single and then Denly drives for one again.

Stokes then reverse sweeps the ball from outside leg for two runs to third man. Aggression with the new ball only two overs away. England have really picked it up in the last couple of overs.

4:30AM

OVER 77: ENG 187/3 (Stokes 42* Denly 64*)

Wagner is into his 22nd over. Stokes drives for no run. He then cuts a short ball over gully for four. Stokes is going very nicely here.

Stokes then pulls the next ball through mid-wicket - mid-on really - for four runs. They are cashing in before the new ball.

Wagner bowls a slower ball that nearly deceives Stokes - good thinking from the bowler.

4:24AM

OVER 76: ENG 179/3 (Stokes 34* Denly 64*)

Stokes cuts Santner away for two runs. He then works the ball for one to the leg side.

Three from the over.

4:21AM

OVER 75: ENG 176/3 (Stokes 31* Denly 64*)

Wagner continues, what a work horse.

Stokes nail a straight drive for four. Some runs flowing for England - they are going well here before the new ball.

Stokes takes one into the offside.

4:18AM

OVER 74: ENG 171/3 (Stokes 26* Denly 64*)

England did very well in the first hour of the final session of day one. But the new ball is near and could change the momentum of the match.

Santner to continue. Stokes hits the ball to long on for a single off the first ball - little short from Santner.

Denly lofts the ball over extra cover for four. Lovely shot from Denly. New Zealand won't mind that too much though. Denly then hits a six straight over Santner's head. What a shot! The ball flew into the hoardings.

50 partnership up.

4:12AM

Joe Denly went to 50 in style

4:10AM

OVER 73: ENG 160/3 (Stokes 25* Denly 54*)

Single for Stokes off the first ball and a clip for two off the second ball to Denly.

Good end to the over from Wagner who has now completed 20 overs. And that is drinks.

4:06AM

OVER 72: ENG 157/3 (Stokes 24* Denly 52*)

And we finally get to see some spin! Santner is into the attack. Only nine overs until the new ball.

Denly hits the ball to short leg - Tom Latham - who gathers and dummy throws. Very strange because Denly was out of his crease. It would have been close if he had released the ball.

Denly plays ball with soft hands past the slip for two. Solid start for the spinner.

4:02AM

OVER 71: ENG 155/3 (Stokes 24* Denly 50*)

Stokes is being very patient here, leaving Wagner's tempters well alone.

Stokes then climbs into a ball which was a bit wide - four runs. Wagners grunts in disappointment. Textbook block from the next delivery.

3:58AM

OVER 70: ENG 151/3 (Stokes 20* Denly 50*)

De Grandhomme continues to plug away. Stokes gets a single off the inner half of the bat.

Just the one from the over.

3:54AM

OVER 69: ENG 150/3 (Stokes 19* Denly 50*)

Wagner is back for another spell. Stokes takes a single from a loosener. Denly then creams the next ball to mid-off. He looks frustrated as it run scoring has dried up completely. Denly has taken 135 balls to get 46.

There we go! He drives the ball through extra cover for four runs - sweet timing. And that is 50 for Denly! His ashes promise continues. 150 up for England too.

Play and miss from the Kent batsman to end the over.

3:50AM

OVER 68: ENG 145/3 (Stokes 18* Denly 46*)

De Grandhomme is building the pressure with dot ball after dot ball once again.

Stokes steps down the track and swipes the ball to deep point for one.

3:47AM

OVER 67: ENG 144/3 (Stokes 17* Denly 46*)

Denly drives Boult but finds the fielder in the covers. A bumper flies past Denly who lets it go by with relative ease.

Maiden.

3:43AM

OVER 66: ENG 144/3 (Stokes 17* Denly 46*)

De Grandhomme is back - his 17th over. He draws a false shot from Stokes right away. A thick outside edge which runs away for two.

No ball as the big all-rounder oversteps. Another edge from Stokes but along the ground again.

3:39AM

OVER 65: ENG 141/3 (Stokes 15* Denly 46*)

Boult is into his 16th over. It won't be a long spell with the second new ball not too far away.

Stokes works the ball down to fine leg for one. One from the over.

3:36AM

This is some ground - plenty more tests to come here I imagine

Trent Boult of New Zealand bowls the first ball during day one of the first Test match between New Zealand and England at Bay Oval on November 21, 2019 in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand - Credit: Getty Images
What a ground Credit: Getty Images

3:34AM

OVER 64: ENG 140/3 (Stokes 14* Denly 46*)

Stokes clips the ball through the leg side for two before a lovely drive is denied any runs by a cracking diving stop. Stokes gets the next drive away for a single to deep point.

3:30AM

OVER 63: ENG 137/3 (Stokes 11* Denly 46*)

Boult is back. He draws a play and miss from Denly first up.

Denly gets two of the inside edge from the last ball of the over. Good return from Boult.

3:26AM

OVER 62: ENG 135/3 (Stokes 11* Denly 44*)

Denly works Southee into the legside for an easy single from the first ball of the over. Stokes then does the same.

Denly then clips the ball throw the legside for another single. Some runs finally starting to flow for the away side.

Stokes drives behind point and they scramble two. Five from the over.

3:22AM

OVER 61: ENG 130/3 (Stokes 8* Denly 42*)

Stokes drives Wagner but gets nothing of it and it tamely rolls to mid-off. Wagner drops the ball a bit short and he pulls it away for four with real power. An inbetween length and punished.

Stokes then toe ends one threw the slips and they jog two. Strange. Stokes played over the top of the ball and it went straight down off the toe.

3:18AM

OVER 60: ENG 124/3 (Stokes 2* Denly 42*)

Stokes drives gently to mid-off. No run. He then leaves a length delivery. Cautious start has become Stokes preferred method in recent times.

Stokes then leans into a drive but finds the fielder. He then drops the ball into the offside for a single.

3:14AM

OVER 59: ENG 123/3 (Stokes 1* Denly 42*)

Stokes is still on 0, having faced 14 balls so far. And there is his first run. The ball is clipped off his hip in front of square leg for a single.

Denly drives crisply through the offside but the ball is well fielded. Another drive finds the fielder.

3:10AM

OVER 58: ENG 122/3 (Stokes 0* Denly 42*)

Southee starts from the other end. A lovely delivery first up shapes away and past the outside edge of Denly's bat. Well bowled - still a fraction of nibble.

A good bouncer from Southee to end the over. England's run rate is down to 2.10 runs per over and is only heading in one direction.

3:06AM

OVER 57: ENG 122/3 (Stokes 0* Denly 42*)

The players are back out on the field. Wagner will get us underway.

Denly drives nicely through extra-cover but a diving stop limits to just one. Stokes is tempted outside the off stump but leaves late.

2:57AM

Will England kick on or be dragged back?

A fascinating session awaits. Stokes, Pope and Buttler could equal an increase in scoring rate. Equally, England could be six down by the end of the day. Which team will own the day?

2:46AM

Joe Root could not capitalise on the platform that was laid despite batting at number four

2:44AM

The England captain will be disappointed with this dismissal

2:43AM

TEA!

Well England have batted the over well but have been kept under control by Williamson's team. They have a chipped away and will be pleased to have picked up three wickets. This day could go either way in the last session.

One session apiece. Denly has been the star for England while de Grandhomme has been the standout bowler for the Black Caps.

2:41AM

OVER 56: ENG 121/3 (Stokes 0* Denly 41*)

De Grandhomme continues. Denly gets an inside edge through mid-wicket for one.

Solid block from Stokes. And again. The run rate is down to 2.16 runs per over.

And that is tea. New Zealand's session, no doubt.

2:38AM

OVER 55: ENG 120/3 (Stokes 0* Denly 40*)

Stokes on strike to the left armer Wagner. He leaves his first couple of deliveries. Can Wagner make him play?

Here comes the trademark bouncer which is evaded by the world class all-rounder. A yorker is then kept out by Stokes.

Wagner then cuts him in half with a ball that jagged back off a length. Very good from Wagner.

2:33AM

OVER 54: ENG 120/3 (Stokes 0* Denly 40*)

Denly drives the ball back at de Grandhomme who tips the ball onto the stumps. Stokes got back just in time. Nervy times for England.

Bumper from de Grandhomme surprises Denly who eventually sways out of the way.

2:30AM

WICKET! Root c Southee b Wagner 2

Root edges the next ball to second slip off the back foot. He looked scratchy and the pressure of New Zealand paid off. Wagner deserved a wicket. England are throwing away a great start.

2:29AM

OVER 53: ENG 120/2 (Root 2* Denly 40*)

Wagner back into the attack. Denly on strike - the Kent man clips him for one through square leg with tea approaching.

Root then gets one away through the legside - a tight single becomes two as Raval misses the ball. The England skipper will be grateful for that.

2:25AM

OVER 52: ENG 117/2 (Root 0* Denly 39*)

Denly gets an inside edge and knicks a single.

Half appeal against Root but it was bat first. Root can't get a short ball away. Yet to score from 19 deliveries.

2:21AM

OVER 51: ENG 116/2 (Root 0* Denly 38*)

Boult comes round the wicket to Denly and fires in a yorker which is kept out by Denly. Denly pinches a single off the last ball of the over.

2:17AM

OVER 50: ENG 115/2 (Root 0* Denly 37*)

De Grandhomme continues, with unerring accuracy. Denly gets a single through the offside.

Only one from the over. New Zealand have really slowed England's scoring rate.

2:15AM

Here is the Rory Burns dismissal

2:14AM

OVER 49: ENG 114/2 (Root 0* Denly 36*)

Root is yet to get off the mark - 11 deliveries so far. Make that 12. 13. 14. 15.

Maiden from Boult.

2:10AM

OVER 48: ENG 114/2 (Root 0* Denly 36*)

Maiden from de Grandhomme. He has been excellent today.

2:07AM

OVER 47: ENG 114/2 (Root 0* Denly 36*)

Denly works a single through mid-wicket off the wicketless Boult. Root on strike.

Root leaves well. Root then drives and the ball goes along the floor to gully. Another wicket here and New Zealand would be very happy with their work given the conditions.

2:02AM

OVER 46: ENG 113/2 (Root 0* Denly 35*)

Here comes the skipper, back at number four. The lack of pace is slightly throwing Root's timing off.

Wicket maiden from the Kiwi all-rounder.

2:00AM

WICKET! Burns c Watling b de Grandhomme 52

Ahh Rory, not now. Right after his 50 he gets a slim edge through to the keeper from gentle delivery on a good length.

1:58AM

OVER 45: ENG 113/1 (Burns 52* Denly 35*)

Denly drives Boult through the covers for a single. Burns works the ball off his hip for two - very Cook like.

Burns then clips the ball through mid-wicket with real style to bring up his 50! Super shot! His fifth 50. Can he convert to a second 100?

Another single to Burns down to fine leg off the last ball of the over.

1:53AM

OVER 44: ENG 105/1 (Burns 45* Denly 34*)

De Grandhomme is back into the attack. Nine overs, 1-19 in the match so far.

Denly drives through extra-cover but the ball is fielded. The lack of pace drew Denly forward there.

Denly drives again but only gets an inside edge on it - streaky single. Burns then plays and misses. Medium pace causing problems with some gentle swing being generated.

1:50AM

OVER 43: ENG 104/1 (Burns 45* Denly 33*)

Boult to continue after refreshments. He is into his tenth over.

Big LBW appeal against Burns. That looked very close. Was there bat involved? Williamson calls for the review after it is given not out.

There is not bat! Surely this will be out. No! It is umpire's call on height. That is very unfortunate, it looked plum after there was no bat involved. Review retained. New Zealand cannot get any luck this session.

Burns works the ball through mid-wicket for a single and Denly gets a single off the last ball of the over through point.

1:43AM

Drinks!

England going well so far - they have rode their luck a little but Denly especially has looked very good.

1:41AM

OVER 42: ENG 102/1 (Burns 44* Denly 32*)

Denly gets a single early in Southee's over. England are just settling back down after a challenging period. They are ticking along at 2.41 runs an over currently.

Burns chases a wide half-volley and the ball squirts into the air for a single. 50 partnership up!

1:38AM

Joe Denly's aggressive taking on of the short ball has been the highlight of the session so far

Joe Denly in action - Credit: Reuters
Joe Denly in action Credit: Reuters

 

1:36AM

OVER 41: ENG 100/1 (Burns 43* Denly 31*)

Boult is into the attack. Half-appeal for LBW generates no interest from the umpire.

Maiden.

1:32AM

OVER 40: ENG 100/1 (Burns 43* Denly 31*)

The unfortunate Southee continues. Denly is leaving well against the right armer.

Southee then strays a little too straight and Denly flicks it for two. 100 up for England! Only one down. Fantastic platform laid for Root, Stokes, Pope, Buttler and Curran. Ominous for New Zealand.

1:28AM

OVER 39: ENG 98/1 (Burns 43* Denly 29*)

Burns flicks the ball down to fine leg for one as Wagner's spell continues.

Wagner then gets an edge from Denly but it falls short of first slip. You've got to feel for New Zealand here. Wagner then draws a play and miss from the next delivery. His spell has really injected some energy into the game and doubt into the England players' minds. Denly works a single off the final delivery of the over.

1:24AM

OVER 38: ENG 96/1 (Burns 42* Denly 28*)

Oh no! You hate to see it. Southee gets a big edge from Burns but both Taylor and Latham leave it as the ball splits them. That was poor - it was very catchable for either of them. Four runs.

Burns then plays and misses. Southee must be fuming. Burns then drives through the covers for a single. New Zealand needed a breakthrough and they should have had one.

1:20AM

OVER 37: ENG 91/1 (Burns 37* Denly 28*)

Denly works the ball away for a single from the first ball of the over. Wagner then bowls a short ball at Burns that glances the Surrey opener's helmet. The ball ricochets for four and Burns is unhurt. The doctor is out to check just in case.

Wagner is short again and Burns gets on top of it. Wagner goes full drawing a play and miss from Burns before a follow-up bouncer. Well bowled. This type of aggression is what has turned him into a top operator.

The last ball of the over is worked of Burns' hip for one.

1:15AM

Here is Joe Denly's glorious pull shot in action

1:13AM

OVER 36: ENG 85/1 (Burns 36* Denly 27*)

England have started really well after lunch, the runs are flowing thanks to Denly.

Burns chases a wide one from Southee but misses out. Burns then drives back towards the bowler who stops the ball running away from runs.

1:10AM

OVER 35: ENG 85/1 (Burns 36* Denly 27*)

Full from Wagner to start the over. No interest shown by Denly who waives it through to Watling.

Another pull shot attempted but this time it is mistimed to mid-wicket for none. The next ball is timed and the pull goes for four - the ball was hit hard and went right through Latham all the way to the boundary.

Wagner comes back with a peach that comes back towards the stumps from a full length. It cut Denly in half.

Denly then hits his foruth pull shot for four in two overs. Wow, he really is taking on Wagner at his own game. The Kent Ponting?

1:05AM

OVER 34: ENG 77/1 (Burns 36* Denly 19*)

Burns pushes Southee through the offside for a single.

Denly blocks the ball back to the New Zealand bowler who puts on some faux-aggression pretending to throw the ball back at him. Denly then clips the ball through mid-wicket for a single.

1:02AM

This sounds about right...

1:01AM

OVER 33: ENG 75/1 (Burns 35* Denly 18*)

Wagner hits the pitch again but Denly rocks back and pulls away for four. Commanding shot from the Kent man.

Wagner responds with a better short ball - bit of zip on that one. Another good short ball follows and the ball pops up into the air but it falls short of de Grandhomme at gully. The next ball is then pulled away for four. What a battle this over has been. 2-2 I reckon so far.

Bouncer again, Denly ducks well. And repeat. That was an entertaining over. A battle between Wagner and Denly developing nicely.

12:56AM

OVER 32: ENG 67/1 (Burns 35* Denly 10*)

Denly is leaving well outside the off stump as Southee persists with a full length. He draws a drive from Denly which finds the inner half of the bat.

Southee then drops the ball short and is pulled away for a single.

12:52AM

OVER 31: ENG 66/1 (Burns 35* Denly 9*)

Wagner starts from the other end. The first ball is clipped off Denly's hip for two before the next ball is driven through the offside for three. Good from Denly.

Burns evades a short ball from Wagner. Might be a few more of those...

Five from the over.

12:48AM

OVER 30: ENG 61/1 (Burns 35* Denly 4*)

Southee starts for the Black Caps after lunch - Burns on strike. The first two balls are both driven through the offside for none. And so is third. Lots of work for extra-cover in this over. And so is the fourth, this time slightly in the air.

Play and miss as Burns is drawn forward by Southee. Well bowled. He has been very full in this over.

12:39AM

Here we go!

The players are back onto the pitch ready for the second session of the day. Will it be New Zealand's or England's?

12:32AM

Military medium did the trick for Dom Sibley - one up for the former house mate of the England new boy

12:29AM

Neil Wagner got the short stuff warmed up before lunch

Rory Burns of England evades a delivery from Neil Wagner of New Zealand during day one of the first Test match between New Zealand and England at Bay Oval on November 21, 2019 in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand - Credit: Getty Images
Rory Burns of England evades a delivery from Neil Wagner Credit: Getty Images

 

12:25AM

The weather conditions have been perfect for batting

England could not have asked for better conditions. Only minimal swing with the new ball and the sun is well and truly out. England's deep batting line up could really cash in after lunch and into the evening session if they deal with the first 30 minutes after the break properly.

12:21AM

Dom Sibley certainly stuck to his strengths

12:18AM

Here are Scyld Berry's, Telegraph Cricket Correspondent and Cricket Journalist of the Year, thoughts on England's new opener

Sibley, being new, was able to enact his game-plan of ignoring everything outside his offstump and scoring entirely on the legside, until New Zealand realised the right line for him. In scoring 22 and putting on 52 for the first wicket with Burns, Sibley did not score a single run on the offside, only on the legside between midwicket and fine-leg. The second step in Sibley’s Test career will be his reaction to all the bowling being directed outside offstump, such as the outswinger which had him caught at slip, off-driving with the face of the bat turned legside.

Sibley became the first England player since Chris Woakes in 2013 to hit a boundary off his first ball in Test cricket. It was right in his slot, as Sibley sets up to score through midwicket - like some of England’s finest batsmen have done, such as Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood, here as assistant coach. But, dominant as their bottom hands were on the bat, they learned to score bucketloads of runs on the offside too.

With those first runs on the board, Sibley did not have to fret about getting off the mark, and was content to block or leave the next 21 balls, before his second scoring shot was another clip to the midwicket boundary. His third scoring shot was a clip to square-leg for a single, and his fourth. After 45 balls he had scored only ten runs but, no less importantly, Sibley survived the first 20 overs when the Kookaburra moves around before, like a penitent con-man, going straight; and Burns meanwhile was busy at the other end.

12:13AM

Lunch

There was a strong first hour for England. Discipline reigned and the new ball was seen off with relative ease. Sibley looked in good order, letting the bowlers come to his strength through the leg side. He will be disappointed not to have a registered a score but a solid enough start nevertheless. The second hour was more even but England remain only one down.

England's session.

12:07AM

Lunch: England 61/1 (Burns 35* Denly 4*)

Good old fashioned fare on a pleasant ground. Debutant Dom Sibley, who played okay when the ball was on his pads, showed glimpses of a technical flaw when shovelling across a ball outside the off-stump, and was smartly caught in the slips. Rory Burns has played well. I am going to hand you over to Jake Goodwill. Cheers!

12:05AM

OVER 29: ENG 61/1 (Burns 35* Denly 4*)                         

Wagner with his trademark mixture of short bangers and wide tempters, but in this over before lunch, Burns is happy to take a single to fine leg. Denly sees out the rest, and that is lunch.

12:00AM

OVER 28: ENG 60/1 (Burns 34* Denly 4*)                         

Runs! And four of them. De Grandcolin with the floater outside off, Denly guides it through the covers.

11:59PM

OVER 27: ENG 56/1 (Burns 34* Denly 0*)                       

Wagner mixing this up well. He has rattled Burns with a bumper here, Rory ducks and wears it on the point of the shoulder. That'll smart. Caught at second slip. Scoring has slowed to a crawl. How will England respond to that? Have they the patience to keep calm and dig in?

11:55PM

OVER 26: ENG 56/1 (Burns 34* Denly 0*)                       

Colin has got his line together nicely here, and this is handy stuff now.

11:53PM

OVER 25: ENG 56/1 (Burns 34* Denly 0*)                     

Wagner has a trick or two! After a barrage of short balls, he gives Burns the wide tempter outside off, and Burns is drawn to it as a moth to a flame. Drives and, luckily for him, misses.

11:47PM

OVER 24: ENG 56/1 (Burns 34* Denly 0*)                     

Burns cuts for three. Denly leaves one that shaves his off stump. Shaves is a bit of an exaggeration. Flirts with, perhaps.

11:44PM

Fantastic stuff

Naseem Shah there getting his Pakistan cap. At the grand old age of SIXTEEN! Pakistan playing a Test in Brisbane right now.

11:42PM

OVER 23: ENG 53/1 (Burns 31* Denly 0*)                   

Wagner, after a single to Burns, gets a look at Denly. And decides he'd like to try and separate the Denly head from the Denly neck. Denly, ducking smartly, denies him in this aim.

11:40PM

OVER 22: ENG 52/1  (Burns 30* Denly 0*)                   

Dear old No Pants Denly comes out. Survives his first two.

11:38PM

WICKET! Sibley c Taylor b de Grandhomme 22

That is a lot more like it from the New Zealanders. Finally, belatedly, Colin has found the line. He slides one across Sibley and there's a big shout, but no review because he didn't hit it. He's hit this next one though! Sliding across, Sibley is playing it on the move, stiff front leg, an edge and a smart low catch at slip from Ross T. FOW 52/1

Bowlers worldwide will be noting the way the bat came across that ball in a scything, hooking motion from second slip to wide mid on. He didn't play straight, and that's what you get, kids.

11:35PM

OVER 21: ENG 52/0 (Burns 30* Sibley 22*)                 

Wagner in for an over of hot and heavy short balls, but Burns plays this all pretty nicely.

11:32PM

Wagner is setting a man

back for the hook. I think I know where this one is going.

11:31PM

OVER 20: ENG 52/0 (Burns 30* Sibley 22*)                 

Couple of singles, legside.

11:27PM

OVER 19: ENG 50/0 (Burns 29* Sibley 21*)               

Wagner. Sibley tucks it off the legs for three and this new opening pair have notched the first of, one hopes, many opening fifty stands.

11:26PM

OVER 18: ENG 47/0 (Burns 29* Sibley 18*)               

This is edging into the realms of "very nice morning indeed" for England, or at least it will do if Colin persists with these mid 70s legside gimmes.

11:19PM

OVER 17: ENG 43/0 (Burns 25* Sibley 18*)             

Neil Wagner, all bristle and BS with his heavy metal material. But this is MOR stuff: a couple of balls on the legside, cheap runs for Test players, and Sibley has made no mistake with a brace of easy legside fours.

11:17PM

OVER 16: ENG 35/0 (Burns 25* Sibley 10*)             

Couple off Colin, who looks to be bowling a place (or really two) too high up the dance card. Coupla singles.

11:09PM

OVER 15: ENG 33/0 (Burns 24* Sibley 9*)           

Burns cuts Boult for three. Two moments of class from Boult in this over. Beats Sibley with an outswinger, and now again with the one that nips in.

11:03PM

Drinks: England 30/0 (Burns 21* Sibley 9*)

I remember England being 29/9 on the opening morning last time they played here, so I will not turn my nose up at this. A bit of swing for the opening bowlers but nothing too challenging. Burns had a bit of luck when he got the thinnest of edges behind and the Kiwis decided not to review.

11:01PM

OVER 14: ENG 29/0 (Burns 21* Sibley 9*)           

Colin de Grandhomme with another beefy but unthreatening over and that is time for drinks.

10:58PM

OVER 13: ENG 26/0 (Burns 20* Sibley 9*)         

Trent Boult is into his seventh, and it's played quite well. Three runs off it.

10:54PM

OVER 12: ENG 26/0 (Burns 18* Sibley 8*)         

Here's de Grandhomme with his military medium, although the size of the lad makes it more the thunder of distant artillery than small arms fire. It's solid but unspectacular stuff, although he does find the leading edge of Burns' bat.

Burns takes advantage of a leg side dobbler and Colin the Big Man owes Boult a run here, that's an excellent bit of fielding on the rope to keep them to three.

10:48PM

OVER 11: ENG 23/0 (Burns 15* Sibley 8*)       

Easy, Dominic! A wide one going wider from Boult and Sibley is tempted into fishing for it, he's got the spider rest out for this one and he damn nearly manages to toe end it through to the keeper, but luckily for him, he cannot quite reach.

10:46PM

OVER 10: ENG 23/0 (Burns 15* Sibley 8*)       

First bad ball of the day from Southee and Burns helps himself with a crunching cut through point.

10:40PM

OVER 9: ENG 19/0 (Burns 11* Sibley 8*)     

Boult squares Burns up, and there is a thick edge.

10:36PM

OVER 8: ENG 18/0 (Burns 10* Sibley 8*)     

Sibley hit his first ball for four, and has had 19 dots since. And a couple more as well. Good bit of analysis on the telly about Sibley's method, not one you would find in the manual perhaps, but his head is still, his eyes are level, and he brings that left elbow straight down the pitch at the bowler.

Sibley's set up - Credit: Sky Sports Cricket
Sibley's set up Credit: Sky Sports Cricket

Now he gets one on the pads! And he has clipped that away for four.

10:32PM

OVER 7: ENG 14/0 (Burns 10* Sibley 4*)   

High quality stuff from Trent B here. Burns taking no chances - wonder if he knows he hit that one at the end of the fifth over?

Three maidens in a row, often a jangler.

10:29PM

OVER 6: ENG 14/0 (Burns 10* Sibley 4*)   

Southee full ball, Sibley cracks that to the fielder.

10:25PM

OVER 5: ENG 14/0 (Burns 10* Sibley 4*) 

That's a good pill though! It's Boult to Burns, he's caught on the crease fencing at a good ball just outside off. A muted appeal from the Kiwis - who do not review...

Edge? - Credit: Sky Cricket
There's a tiny, tiny mark - maybe Credit: Sky Cricket

But maybe they should have done! There is the faintest of faint edges. The brains trust in the cordon decided quickly not to review - someone said "he's not hit" or words to that effect. The keeper BJ Watling I think. It was the last ball of the over.

10:21PM

OVER 4: ENG 14/0 (Burns 10* Sibley 4*) 

Sibley plays a maiden from Southee. Once this ball stops swinging, you have to be thinking "bat all day". Pitch looks a sweetheart.

10:17PM

OVER 3: ENG 14/0 (Burns 10* Sibley 4*)

Boult to Burns. There's some swing but this is not too hard to leave alone. Overpitched now and a crisp drive down the ground for four! And now a clip off the legs, four for that as well. You get plenty for your shots here by the looks of it. The ball skips over the billiard table outfield.

10:12PM

OVER 2: ENG 6/0 (Burns 2* Sibley 4*)

Talking of settling, Burns needs to do a bit of that himself! He has knocked it square and set off, Sibley has to dive to make his ground! Ooooh I say a direct hit there and he's in all sorts.

England's Dom Sibley dives to make his ground - Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker
England's Dom Sibley dives to make his ground Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker

Sibley now facing up the to the righty Tim Southee. A tall man with a very open stance, Sibley does not present the full face. But plays this over just fine.

10:07PM

OVER 1: ENG 5/0 (Burns 1* Sibley 4*)

Bouncer first ball! Easy to duck under that for Burns. Little bit of away shape for the left armer to the left-handed batter Burns. He's able to play inside the line of a couple, but Trent tightens the line for ball four and finds the outside edge. Burns off the mark next ball with a dicey inside edge. Dominic Sibley to face his first ball in Tests....

... and he clips it away for a settling boundary through midwicket. That'll do nicely!

10:03PM

Fine weather

little fluffy clouds, and "no wind at all," according to Scyld Berry. The classy left-armer Trent Boult.

10:01PM

Ramps on the BBC

"It really reminds me of the really relaxed atmosphere of playing at an outground in England." That's exactly what it looks like! Ah, what a country. Good old New Zealand.

10:00PM

Some reading

9:58PM

National anthems

Something rather charming about this ground - Credit: Sky Sports
Something rather charming about this ground Credit: Sky Sports

9:56PM

A parachuting person has arrived

with the match ball.

9:48PM

Jofra Archer is mobbing around on a Segway

Jofra Archer Segway - Credit: Sky
Credit: Sky

according to the TV coverage, Joe Root was giving him evils!

9:47PM

A debut for the ground as well

this is the first Test at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand's ninth Test ground. Congratulations to everyone in the region and connected with the Mount Maunganui ground and set-up.

9:41PM

Teams in full

England: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (capt), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wkt), Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad.

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.

Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Bruce Oxenford

TV umpire: Paul Wilson

Dom Sibley of England receives his test cap from Michael Atherton  - Credit: Getty
Dom Sibley of England receives his test cap from Michael Atherton Credit: Getty

9:37PM

Both sides had

a couple of choices. England have gone with Sam Curran over Woakes as their third seamer/number eight. The hosts select Mitch Santner, who bats handily and bowls his SLA, over the leggie Todd Astle.

9:34PM

Kane Williamson

"We named the team yesterday, everybody is fit and well. We need to try and get a bit of swing first up. Yeah, we would have batted."

9:32PM

England have won the toss and bat

"It is has changed quite a lot since we got here, it has browned up the last couple of days. Looks a really good pitch.

"We need to bat well for the first hour and then get into the game and bat long."

England name the team as expected.

Joe Root at morning practice at Mount Maunganui - Credit: MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via Getty Images
Joe Root begins a new chapter as England captain after the director of cricket, Ashley Giles, signalled a pivot to prioritising Test cricket Credit: MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via Getty Images

9:32PM

FEC Mike Atherton

gave the boy Sibley his cap.

9:27PM

Toss coming up any moment now

Looks lovely weather there, set fair for all five days is the current forecast.

9:26PM

Dominic Sibley will make

his dayboo, batting at the top of the order.

9:06PM

And some team / cap news

5:27PM

Good evening!

Happy Test cricket series starting! New Zealand and England have served up some of the sporting highlights of the year: first that unforgettable World Cup Final and then a tremendous T20 series that also went down to a deciding super over. That was a wee cracker, and with these two well-matched sides, there's every reason to hope that we can add another to the list of enjoyable contests.

In the Test format, recent series for England in New Zealand have been important staging posts. In 2008, Peter Moores took the big decision to call time on the England career of Matthew Hoggard and serve notice on the Test future of Steve Harmison. In the first Test at Hamilton, England's 2005 stalwarts took two wickets between them for 272 runs - Hoggy bowled just 12 overs in the second innings and Steve four. That was the last time Hoggard played for England; Harmy carried on for a couple more years but played just twice in 2008 and four times in 2009 before retiring. Sidelining those two cleared the path for the new era of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. (But New Zealand won the series 2-0).

The three-match 2013 series featured three draws, one of them an all-time great as Monty Panesar and Matt Prior clung on gamely with nine wickets down. That 2013 series saw Joe Root play his second Test, and Jonny Bairstow was also still just getting going. It was the second series of the Alastair Cook captaincy era proper (excluding the two matches he skippered v Bangladesh in 2010).

And today there is also the sense of a side in transition: a new coach in Chris Silverwood and a sense that England are trying to reshape their identity as a Test outfit. This is a talented, likeable side brimming with all-rounders who can absolutely tear it up on their day. But it is also a side prone to terrible batting aberrations. And we certainly saw some of them in the 2018 series here, when England were 27/9 within 16 overs in the first session of the first Test.

So whatever happens this evening, let's hope England get off to a better start than that! We will have the team news and the toss around 9.30pm UK, I will talk you through the first session, and then for all you night owls, it'll be over to Jake Goodwill  from midnight for the rest of the play.

In the meantime, a lovely piece of work from the lovely piece of work that is Rob Bagchi.  An A-Z of England tours of New Zealand - from dope to Iranigate ... orcs to Zinzan