Brydon Carse's scintillating 10-wicket haul and debutant Jacob Bethell's brisk half-century helped England take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against New Zealand with a commanding eight-wicket victory in the first Test at Hagley Oval. The fourth day began with New Zealand in dire straits at 155-6, holding a slim four-run lead. Brydon Carse …
1st Test: Carse 10-wicket haul, Bethell fifty helps England beat New Zealand
Brydon Carse’s scintillating 10-wicket haul and debutant Jacob Bethell’s brisk half-century helped England take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against New Zealand with a commanding eight-wicket victory in the first Test at Hagley Oval.
The fourth day began with New Zealand in dire straits at 155-6, holding a slim four-run lead. Brydon Carse struck early, dismissing Nathan Smith and Matt Henry in the same over to notch his maiden Test five-wicket haul. Carse completed his 10-wicket match haul when he removed a defiant Daryl Mitchell for 84 with a sharp catch from Chris Woakes. His figures of 6-42 in the second innings, combined with his 4-64 in the first, made him the standout performer with the ball.
Despite some resistance from New Zealand skipper Tim Southee, who hammered two sixes in a quick-fire 12, the hosts were bowled out for 254 before lunch. Carse’s heroics underlined his growing reputation in only his third Test appearance.
New Zealand vs England, 1st Test Day 4: HIGHLIGHTS
Chasing a modest target of 104, England lost Zak Crawley early for just one run, followed by Ben Duckett, who contributed 27. However, 19-year-old Jacob Bethell made an unforgettable debut, smashing a 37-ball fifty. His fluent strokeplay was complemented by Joe Root, who marked his 150th Test with a steady 23 off 15 balls.
Bethell struck the winning single to deep square leg before tea, ensuring England secured the win with ease. Harry Brook, who played a pivotal role with a stellar 171 in the first innings, did not need to bat again.
One worrying moment for England came when captain Ben Stokes pulled up while bowling, forcing him to hand the ball to Gus Atkinson. England will hope the issue is minor as they head into the second Test in Wellington on Friday.
The second Test promises to be another exciting encounter as New Zealand looks to bounce back. For England, Carse’s emergence as a genuine match-winner and Bethell’s impressive debut add depth to a team brimming with confidence. England’s emphatic win sets the tone for the remainder of the series, with the final Test to be played in Hamilton.
