NZ vs Eng Test: Kane Williamson puts New Zealand ahead even as Shoaib Bashir picks four wickets for England

New Zealand batter Kane Williamson missed his 33rd Test century by just seven runs in the first Test against England at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday. His knock of 93 runs put the hosts ahead at stumps.

New Zealand 's score stood at 319/8 with Glenn Phillips (41 not out) and Tim Southee (10 not out) at the crease.

The 34-year-old batter, returning from an injury, played a stroke-filled stylish knock before being dismissed by England captain Gus Atkinson.



He played a risk-free innings and built half-century partnerships with skipper Tom Latham (47), Rachin Ravindra (34) and then Daryl Mitchell (19) as the hosts raced to the tea break at 193/3 and in control.

England make a comeback

The former captain could not handle some extra bounce from Gus Atkinson (2/61) shortly after tea as he fell in the 90s for the first time in more than six years.


England then staged a comeback late in the day courtesy of some excellent spin bowling from Shoaib Bashir (4/69). The off-spinner picked up each of the last three wickets of the day to provide England with some hope. Phillips and Sothee negotiated the remaining few overs against the second new ball.

New Zealand are still in contention of reaching next year's ICC World Test Championship Final but will likely need to sweep England 3-0 at home to sneak into the one-off Test that is scheduled for Lord's in June 2025. England have bowed out of the WTC.