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 166 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…
Ben Duckett – 6
Not at his fluent best – who was on this pitch? – but his 52 runs across both innings were important in this low-scoring match.
Emilio Gay – 8
Given the conditions, what were his 57 second-innings runs really worth? Promising, composed debut, where he showed resilience.
Fifty on debut for Emilio Gay! What a start to his Test career with England @IGcom pic.twitter.com/bu24KGnI3B
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 5, 2026Jacob Bethell – 5
Slow start was expected after Indian Premier League. Nothing he could do about second-innings dismissal.
Joe Root – 3
England’s greatest batter got nine runs. Says more about the pitch than Root, but still. Others found a way.
Harry Brook – 7
Contributed 56 to England’s first-innings 140. His usual aggressive approach augers well for the rest of the summer.
Jamie Smith – 6
Sound behind the stumps and shaped up nicely during crucial second-innings 39 that helped England regain control of this contest.
Ben Stokes – 5
Stokes managed just 12 runs across the match (Photo: Getty)Not a great start to the summer with the bat at his new position of No 7. Bowled seven overs with the ball, taking one wicket on the final day. Captained well.
Gus Atkinson – 7
Loves Lord’s, where he is on both honours boards. Bowled well, taking a second-innings five-fer to wrap up victory. With the bat, shared crucial 57-run second-innings stand with Smith.
Ollie Robinson – 9
Dream return after two years away and place on Lord’s honours board after first-innings five for 39. Career-best match haul of seven for 77.
Josh Tongue – 8
The fast bowler been in phenomenal form since the start of last winter’s Ashes. Took five wickets here and now has 54 in just 10 Tests.
Shoaib Bashir – 5
England didn’t need a spinner given the pitch. Didn’t bowl a single ball but did get Test-best score of 14 with the bat.
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