Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

1st Test: New Zealand struggle as England close in on victory

England are now poised to claim the first Test victory, with New Zealand's hopes hanging by a thread.

At stumps, New Zealand were 155-6, trailing by four runs with only four wickets remaining. (Photo: Getty Images)
At stumps, New Zealand were 155-6, trailing by four runs with only four wickets remaining. (Photo: Getty Images)

CHRIS WOAKES and Brydon Carse's effective seam bowling, combined with a dominant batting display, put England in a commanding position on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.

At stumps, New Zealand were 155-6, trailing by four runs with only four wickets remaining. Daryl Mitchell was unbeaten on 31, accompanied by Nathan Smith on one. England had earlier posted 499 in their first innings, gaining a 151-run lead, thanks to Harry Brook's 171.


"We're in an amazing position to go on and win the game," said Brook, who capitalised on five dropped catches during his innings. "I had a lot of luck, didn't I? Thankfully I cashed in."

New Zealand rued their fielding errors, with Matt Henry expressing disappointment: "Fielding's something we pride ourselves on, and that's the part that hurts. We work hard on it, and it's usually where we turn a game on its head."

Brook's innings was supported by Ben Stokes' 80 and Ollie Pope's 77, helping England recover from 71-4.

England's seamers strike

England's seamers capitalised on the strong lead, with Tom Latham falling for one in the third over to give Woakes his first wicket. Devon Conway added eight before miscuing a shot off Carse, leaving New Zealand at 23-2.

Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra briefly steadied the innings with a 41-run partnership. However, Ravindra departed for 24, pulling a short ball from Carse to mid-wicket.

Woakes struck again, removing Williamson for 61 and Tom Blundell for a golden duck. Williamson was trapped lbw, while Blundell edged a delivery to the keeper. Glenn Phillips survived Woakes' hat-trick ball but later fell to Carse for 19 after a review upheld an lbw decision.

England’s batting domination

Earlier, England resumed on 319-5 and scored briskly at six runs per over before being bowled out after lunch. Brook, who was dropped five times, made the most of his chances. He reached his 150 in style, charging Tim Southee and driving to the cover boundary.

Brook's innings included 15 fours and three sixes before he edged Matt Henry to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. Henry ended with figures of 4-84, while Smith took 3-141.

England are now poised to claim the first Test victory, with New Zealand's hopes hanging by a thread.

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

John Abraham
John Abraham calls 'Vedaa' a deeply emotional journey
AFP via Getty Images

Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment

YOUTUBE CONNECT

Pakistani actor and singer Moazzam Ali Khan received online praise from legendary Bollywood writer Javed Akhtar, who expressed interest in working with him after hearing his rendition of Yeh Nain Deray Deray on YouTube.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rise of women in South Indian cinema: How heroines are taking centre stage

From leading roles to creative control behind the camera, women are redefining the rules of Southern cinema

Getty Images

Rise of women in South Indian cinema: How heroines are taking centre stage

For decades, South Indian cinema followed a familiar pattern of male-centric storytelling, where women were confined to supporting roles. They appeared as love interests, dutiful wives, eye candy, or characters whose arcs revolved entirely around the male protagonist.

Today, that has changed. Female leads now occupy central roles, their names headline posters, and their characters break free from predictable stereotypes. This transformation is no accident. It stems from a growing presence of women in the industry – actors demanding better scripts, filmmakers crafting stronger women-led narratives, and audiences embracing the shift.

Keep ReadingShow less
india-sri-lanka-deals

A new five-year defence cooperation agreement includes provisions for training Sri Lankan military personnel in India, along with information and technology sharing. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)

Modi signs defence and energy deals during Sri Lanka visit

INDIA and Sri Lanka signed defence and energy agreements on Saturday during prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo, aimed at strengthening ties between the two neighbours.

The agreements come amid New Delhi’s concerns over China’s growing influence in the region.

Keep ReadingShow less
Did Obama Really Weaken the Democratic Party? A New Book Reveals

Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House offers a detailed narrative

Getty

New book claims Obama ‘destroyed’ Democratic Party during and after presidency

A newly published political book has revealed fresh details about former President Barack Obama's complicated relationship with the Democratic Party, portraying him as a figure who weakened the party’s infrastructure during and after his time in office.

The book, Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House, authored by political journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, claims that Obama was never a strong loyalist to the Democratic Party. According to the authors, rather than relying on the traditional Democratic Party structure, Obama built his political base by fostering a network of Black professionals to support his campaigns, differentiating him from figures such as former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and current President Joe Biden.

Keep ReadingShow less
Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie pictured at a past red carpet event

Getty Images

Margot Robbie’s Yorkshire hotel getaway during 'Wuthering Heights' shoot grabs attention

The Yorkshire Dales were buzzing with film crews and famous faces recently as Hollywood descended on the moors for a fresh take on Wuthering Heights. Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and director Emerald Fennell were spotted shooting scenes for the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic in North Yorkshire’s scenic landscapes.

Between takes, the cast found comfort at Simonstone Hall in Hawes, a historic country house hotel that became their temporary home. Known for its scenic views and old-world cosy charm, the hotel hosted the likes of Robbie and Fennell, who were seen enjoying everything from hot tubs and firepits to traditional afternoon tea. Robbie reportedly left a handwritten thank-you note for staff, calling them “the best.”

Keep ReadingShow less