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The historic turf of Lord’s witnessed a breathtaking display of traditional Test match bowling as England and New Zealand clashed on Day 1 of the first Test in London on June 4, 2026. On a dramatic opening day marked by rain delays and fading light, twenty-two yards of intense competition saw 16 wickets tumble for just 201 runs. While the visiting Kiwi bowlers initially put on a clinic to bundle England out cheaply, the true headline of the day belonged to a sensational, logic-defying comeback over from England’s Ollie Robinson.
Ollie Robinson strikes thrice in a sensational maiden as New Zealand crumble on Day 1
Defending a meager first-innings total, England needed an immediate spark with the new ball, and Robinson delivered a masterclass that left spectators and commentators utterly stunned. In his very first over of the match, the second of New Zealand’s innings, Robinson turned the contest completely on its head with a triple-wicket maiden (0, 0, W, 0, W, W) that threw the Black Caps’ top order into total disarray.
The demolition began on his third delivery when he trapped opening batter Devon Conway (1) right in front of the stumps. Conway attempted to flick down the wrong line, but the natural Lord’s slope exaggerated the movement, crashing into his pads. Despite a desperate review, the tracking showed it clipping leg stump, forcing Conway to walk.
A ball later, Robinson sent shockwaves through the stadium by dismissing New Zealand’s talisman, Kane Williamsonfor a two-ball duck. Targeting an off-stump channel with a fullish delivery, Robinson forced Williamson into a tentative defense with soft hands. The face of the bat turned slightly, sending a simple bat-pad loop straight to Emilio Gay at short leg, who caught it effortlessly.
With the crowd roaring, the final ball of the over produced total ecstasy. Robinson bowled a sharp, incoming length ball to the newly arrived Rachin Ravindra. Caught completely flat-footed in his crease, Ravindra missed his defensive stroke and was hit flush on the back leg. Another review proved futile as ball-tracking showed it clipping the top of the stumps, completing a dream three-wicket comeback over for Robinson and leaving New Zealand reeling at 2 for 3.
Here’s the video:
Dot. Dot. Wicket. Dot. Wicket. Wicket.
Every ball from that ridiculous Ollie Robinson over 👇 pic.twitter.com/A5jhEgkV1p
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 4, 2026
Also READ: Fans erupt as Kyle Jamieson put New Zealand on top before Ollie Robinson sparks England’s comeback on Day 1 of the first Test
Bowlers dominate proceedings on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test
The incredible collapse of New Zealand’s top order was the continuation of a broader theme on a day completely ruled by the ball. Earlier in the morning, after being inserted to bat under overcast skies, England’s batting lineup fell apart against a relentless New Zealand pace attack led by Kyle Jamieson. Jamieson wrecked the English middle and lower order, finishing with stellar figures of 5/62 across 14 overs. Nathan Smith (3/38) and Will O’Rourke (2/25) provided excellent support.
Aside from an aggressive, run-a-ball 56 from Harry Brook and a patient 19 from Ben Duckettno other English batter could handle the moving ball. England were bowled out for a disappointing 140 runs in just 39.4 overs.
However, England’s bowlers responded with equal ferocity. Following Robinson’s initial three-wicket burst, Gus Atkinson chimed in by removing Kiwi captain Tom Latham (3) leg-before, before Robinson returned to bowl Daryl Mitchell for 12. Josh Tongue then cleaner-bowled Tom Blundell (4), leaving New Zealand shell-shocked at 29 for 6.
A fighting, unbeaten counter-attack from Glenn Phillips (31 off 34 balls) alongside debutant Smith (6) guided New Zealand to 61/6 in 19.2 overs before bad light prematurely ended play. Trailing by 79 runs with only four wickets in hand, New Zealand face an uphill battle as both teams head into Day 2 of this unpredictable Test match.
Also READ: Here’s why England players are wearing black armbands against New Zealand on Day 1 of first Test
