NZ vs ENG: Complete drama unfolds as Zak Crawley survives twice before finally falling prey to Tim Southee

In the first Test between New Zealand and England at the Bay Oval, opener Zak Crawley survived twice before Tim Southee finally got the better of him in the third over of the match. The 25-year-old was first dropped on the second ball of the day at third slip as Michael Bracewell failed to hold it despite a full-stretch dive.

Zak Crawley dropped 2nd ball 😬

England making their intentions clear early on in Maunganui 🏏

Live by the sword.... #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/DatvJVPmdT

— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 16, 2023

A few minutes later, speedster Neil Wagner rattled his stumps only for the umpire to call it a no-ball. The Kiwi squad looked disappointed but the skipper stepped up in his next over as he once again managed to beat Crawley and this time, Bracewell managed to redeem himself with a brilliant low catch in the slips, which ended Crawley’s lucky stay at the crease.

Crawley's luck continues 🍀

Neil Wagner with an absolute beauty of a ball... but he overstepped 😬

It is all happening in NZ 🇳🇿#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/6RBZLMse23

— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 16, 2023

Third time unlucky ❌

Crawley is finally dismissed for 4 after Captain Southee finds the edge again... #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/vyZlQZBi6b

— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 16, 2023

England in the driver's seat after Day 1 of First Test

After the early dismissal of Crawley, Ben Duckett took control of things and managed to give England a healthy start along with Ollie Pope. The 28-year-old played in his natural avatar, scoring 84 off just 68 deliveries. He hit 14 boundaries in the process while Pope stuck to his roots, scoring 42 off 65 deliveries.

Meanwhile, Joe Root and Ben Stokes failed to make the most of their innings but it was Harry Brook who rose to the occasion to bail England out of a difficult situation. The 23-year-old scored 89 off 81 deliveries while stumper-batter Ben Foakes supported him well, scoring 38 off 56 deliveries. However, soon after their dismissal, England failed to make it big as they lost wickets on quick succession, before declaring their innings on 325 runs.

Neil Wagner was the hero with the ball for New Zealand as the pacer picked up four wickets in the first innings. On the other hand, skipper Tim Southee and Scott Kuggeleijen picked up two wickets each.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis had a very poor start with the bat. They lost three wickets in the third session of the day, putting up 37 runs on board at the end of the day’s play. Veteran pacer James Anderson picked up two wickets while Ollie Robinson picked up one.

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