England batsmen had a horrendous outing against New Zealand in the first Test at Eden Park, Auckland. They were reduced to 27 for 9 but were somehow saved by Craig Overton’s grit towards the end. If he hadn’t worn the cape, they would have registered their lowest score in an innings in the 141-year-long history of cricket.
After Overton’s magnificent inning of 25-ball 33 (yes, under these circumstances it was), England managed to score 58 runs in the first innings. The fast bowling duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee wreaked havoc on English batsmen. Only two Englishmen could reach double digits whereas five batsmen got out for ducks. This is also the first time five English batsmen went out for ducks in an innings.
Here’s how Twitterati responded to England’s early batting collapse. However, it was Michael Vaughan’s tweet that took the cake –
Just woke up !!!!!! Can someone please explain ……. #58 #NZvENG #WTF
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 22, 2018
How difficult is it to move your whole website to a new url? #NZvENG
— 51allout (@51allout) March 22, 2018
Just when you thought waking up during the Ashes was bad! #BBCTMS #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/wlpaOjEvWa
— Wesley Barton (@wesbarton1979) March 22, 2018
Root ,stokes, bairstow and moeen today#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/f42p5Zf678
— cricket freak (@cricloverakku) March 22, 2018
That pink ball should be in the running for New Zealander of the Year. #NZvENG
— Hilary Barry (@Hilary_Barry) March 22, 2018
#NZvENG and we thought duck season was bad in victoria. This lot are geese. pic.twitter.com/lMPLoMWui6
— Smiffy (@iborgward) March 22, 2018
State of Englands batting.
Quality. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/cDVqoiyeNt— AJ (@itsArnaNotAnna) March 22, 2018
Lolol#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/0YtlnLeXtp
— cricket freak (@cricloverakku) March 22, 2018
When I told myself I’d stay up for the first hour, I didn’t realise I’d see the entire first innings… #NZvENG
— Connor McMullen (@ConnorMcMullen1) March 22, 2018
Not being picked is the greatest thing that has happened to James Vince today avoided the massacre #NZvENG
— Rogan (@rmtempler) March 22, 2018
Hmm, I wonder what’s happening in the cricket….#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/K8TQNmLRvP
— Anthony Horton (@vacant3rdman) March 22, 2018
English batsmen while facing Trent boult #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/SJsNyEjqrU
— BrainFaden Smith (@brainfadesmith) March 22, 2018
@ECB_cricket looking for a clue?! Shocking display #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/1woIzYMh6w
— Jim Isham (@jimisham86) March 22, 2018
Sorry #MAFS but you were wrong. Tonight is the best 90mins of television. #AFLTigersBlues #SAvAUS #NRLStormCowboys #NZvENG #RealDrama #MoreRotationsThanMAFS pic.twitter.com/SBcZnWiqxM
— Larry Leprechaun (@LarryLeprechau) March 22, 2018
After their performance #NZvENG I do feel that the English Cricket Team have earned the right for their flight home to be in Economy.
— Jackie Pearcey (@jackiepearcey) March 22, 2018
England’s batsmen relax in the pool after a tough first innings in Auckland#NZvENG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/2x4HtVVoIF
— BonusBetFinder (@BonusBetFinder) March 22, 2018
Boult struck like lightning as he hurled through England’s batting lineup, fetching wickets of Alastair Cook, Joe Root, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes. Southee kept on building pressure from the other end and took four wickets. Skipper Kane Williamson caught hold of some action with his superman catch at the gully position.
ICYMI – @skysportnz capturing a sensational catch from Kane Williamson at gully to dismiss Broad off Southee. Live scoring | https://t.co/MiIfpeaU9o #NZvENG #FindYourNight pic.twitter.com/oCGiRJbJYD
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 22, 2018
ALSO READ: Batsmen With Most Sixes In IPL So Far, Know Where MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli Stand On The List
On the other hand, New Zealand put up a huge total on the scoreboard before stumps on Day 1, considering the first innings score. They are at 175 for 3 with Williamson batting on 91 and leading the team from the front. Henry Nicholls is unbeaten at 24, and Tom Latham and Ross Taylor registered scores in the twenties as well.
At Day 1 Stumps, the Kiwis are leading by 117 runs. Earlier Overton scored 56.89 per cent of England’s total despite being a No 9 batsman and saving his team from further humiliation.
