It’s Bazball on steroids
England made the second earliest declaration in Test cricket history after cutting their first innings short after 59 overs.
In what has been described as a “new peak for Bazball”, Ben Stokes called the last batters off after reaching 325-9 in their opening innings in Mount Maunganui against New Zealand.
Only Pakistan in 1974, at 9-130 against England after 44.5 overs, has ever declared earlier in a Test match.
They went on to lose the game with their opponents needing just 27 runs in the second innings.
England's declaration in the 59th over is the second earliest in the first innings of a Test in the history of the game.#NZvENG
— Yas Rana (@Yas_Wisden) February 16, 2023
And in typical Stokes style, the fun didn’t end there Down Under.
His gamble to get Jimmy Anderson on to bowl under lights in the day-night Test paid off after the fast bowler made an immediate impact.
Henry Nicholls was caught by Zac Crawley from an Anderson ball and Jane Williamson was superbly trapped in front of the stumps.
The main man is GONE ☝️
James Anderson traps Kane Williamson in front of the stumps to reduce New Zealand to 23/2…
What a session this has been for England 😍#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/VCuo9rbEr1
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 16, 2023
Ollie Robinson also took Tom Latham for one at the start of New Zealand’s innings after the opener slogged one into the air.
A quick juggle from Tom Latham to dismiss Jack Leach 🤹♀️
Ben Stokes with a trademark confident declaration late on Day 1…
Can Anderson and Broad take advantage of the awkward light to make some early inroads into the Black Caps? 🤔#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/D4mm7DaApi
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 16, 2023
The Kiwi’s will go into the second day hoping to claw back ground after a remarkable day of cricket.
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