CHRISTCHURCH: Harry Brook’s 171-run knock, coupled with Brydon Carse’s 10-wicket haul propelled England to a convincing eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first Test of the three-match series here at Hagley Oval on Sunday.p>
Set to chase a modest 104, the touring side comfortably knocked the winning runs for the loss of just two wickets, thanks to a quickfire half-century by debutant Jacob Bethell.
The left-handed batter smashed nine boundaries including a six on his way to an unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries.p>
He was supported by brisk cameos from Ben Duckett (27) and Joe Root (23 not out) as England amassed the total in just 12.4 overs.p>
Earlier, New Zealand, fresh from their historic clean sweep victory over India, were booked on a modest total of 254 runs in their second innings despite gutsy half-centuries from Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell.p>
The home side resumed their second innings from 155/6 through Mitchell and Nathan Smith, unbeaten on 31 and one respectively.p>
The duo could add 25 runs to their overnight seventh-wicket partnership as Carse trapped Smith lbw in just the eighth over of the final day. Smith scored 21 off 44 deliveries with the help of two fours.p>
New Zealand then lost two more wickets – Matt Henry (one) and Tim Southee (12) – in quick succession and consequently slipped to 209/9, leading by a mere 58 runs.p>
Mitchell, however, displayed remarkable grit as he knitted a one-sided 45-run partnership for the last wicket with William O’Rourke to push New Zealand’s lead past the 100-run barrier.p>
Brydon Carse broke the frustrating 10th-wicket stand as he got Mitchell caught at long-off to return brilliant match figures of 10/106.
Besides him, Chris Woakes picked up three wickets in the second innings, while Gus Atkinson chipped in with one.p>
Mitchell remained the top-scorer for New Zealand with a fighting 84 off 167 balls, studded with 12 fours and a six.p>
The eight-wicket victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match, with the second Test scheduled to be played in Wellington from December 6 to 10.
- Harry Brook