Ollie Robinson produced a dream return to Test cricket as England seized control of the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. In a dramatic contest dominated by the bowlers, Robinson’s fiery spell helped reduce New Zealand to 61/6 at stumps after England had earlier been bowled out for just 140. The historic encounter, marking the 150th Test match at Lord’s, delivered extraordinary drama from the outset.
A total of 16 wickets fell on the opening day before bad light brought play to an early close, leaving England with a valuable 79-run lead heading into Day 2. Playing his first Test in more than two years, Robinson reminded everyone of his class with figures of 4/10 from six overs. The Sussex seamer, who had not featured in a Test since February 2024, made an immediate impact after earning a recall following England’s disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia.
The highlight of Robinson’s performance came in a sensational opening spell that left New Zealand reeling. Bowling the second over of the innings, he struck three times in four deliveries to reduce the visitors to 3/2. Devon Conway was trapped lbw before Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra both departed for ducks, sending the Lord’s crowd into celebration.
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Robinson’s early burst was backed up by England’s pace attack. Gus Atkinson removed New Zealand captain Tom Latham and later dismissed Daryl Mitchell, while Josh Tongue bowled Tom Blundell as the visitors crashed to 29/6 inside just 13 overs. Only Glenn Phillips, unbeaten on 31, and Nathan Smith, who remained not out on six, offered resistance to prevent a complete collapse before fading light ended play.
Dot. Dot. Wicket. Dot. Wicket. Wicket.
Every ball from that ridiculous Ollie Robinson over 👇 pic.twitter.com/A5jhEgkV1p
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 4, 2026
Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s bowlers had dominated after winning the toss. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson starred with 5/62, registering the sixth five-wicket haul of his Test career. The towering seamer consistently troubled England’s batting lineup, which struggled in overcast and seam-friendly conditions.
Harry Brook was England’s lone bright spot with a fighting 56. The right-hander survived two dropped chances and brought up a fluent half-century from just 64 balls before eventually holing out.
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The rest of England’s batting unit failed to make significant contributions. Debutant Emilio Gay managed eight, while Joe Root and Jamie Smith scored only one run each. Ben Stokes, playing on his 35th birthday, was dismissed for 12 after a brilliant low catch from Williamson at first slip. With bowlers firmly on top and the pitch offering plenty of assistance, the opening Test remains finely poised despite England ending Day 1 in a commanding position.
