ENGLAND’s Shoaib Bashir stole the spotlight on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday (28), claiming four crucial wickets to keep the hosts to 319-8.
Playing at the picturesque Hagley Oval, England opted to bowl first on a lively pitch, contending with a strong breeze and the steady brilliance of Kane Williamson.
Williamson, as dependable as ever, scored a well-crafted 93, anchoring New Zealand’s innings with crucial partnerships. However, England seized opportunities when they came, with Bashir leading the charge.
The young off-spinner, only the second spinner to take four wickets at this venue, showed his class by varying his pace. His victims included Tom Blundell and Nathan Smith, as well as Matt Henry, whose brisk eighth-wicket stand with Glenn Phillips threatened to tilt the game.
Shoaib Bashir celebrates the dismissal of Nathan Smith. (Photo by SANKA VIDANAGAMA/AFP via Getty Images)Bashir’s efforts came as a welcome return to form after a challenging tour of Pakistan.
England’s performance was not without its flaws. They gave away 21 runs in extras and missed key chances, including a drop by skipper Ben Stokes that gave Phillips, unbeaten on 41, a reprieve.
Stokes also missed an opportunity to review an edge from Rachin Ravindra early in his innings.
Despite these lapses, Bashir’s bowling, coupled with short-ball tactics and some tight spells, ensured New Zealand couldn’t completely run away with the day. With the pitch expected to ease for batting, England’s batters will have a chance to push for a strong reply.
Earlier, captain Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl on a green-tinged wicket.
"There's a nice covering of grass (on the wicket) so hopefully we can get the new ball and get the most out of it that we can," Stokes said.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham said he would also have bowled, but was not disheartened.
"We know if we bat well in the first session things can become a bit easier," he said.
Both sides feature debutants in their line-up with 21-year-old Jacob Bethell thrust into the No.3 positon for England and New Zealand introducing seaming all-rounder Nathan Smith.
The hosts opted against a specialist spinner despite their success in their recent 3-0 sweep against India.
(with inputs from AFP)
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