Are New Zealand spinners not good enough for home conditions?
What's the story
New Zealand bowlers came up with a tough performance to restrict England to 353 during the opening Test in Mount Maunganui on Friday. Notably, all the wickets in the innings were claimed by pacers. However, in the process, an unwanted record was scripted by the Kiwi spinners, as they continued to struggle in the format, especially at home. Here's more.
11 innings drought
Kiwi spinners failed to claim a wicket in 11 innings
Following the English innings, the Kiwi spinners came up with an unwanted record as they are now wicket-less in 11 consecutive innings at home. Since March 26, 2018, 101 wickets have been claimed by NZ. Notably, all the wickets have been taken by the pacers, which include Trent Boult (31), Tim Southee (31), Neil Wagner (27), Colin de Grandhomme (10) and Matt Henry (2).
Figures
Kiwi spinners wicket-less for 607 days at home
In the process, it has also been 607 days since a Kiwi spinner (Todd Astle) claimed a wicket at home. Since then, 88 overs have been bowled by the Kiwi spinners at home and they have conceded 264 runs without success. The spinners include Ajaz Patel (43 overs), Todd Astle (20), Ish Sodhi (16), Mitchell Santner (6), Kane Williamson (2) and Jeet Raval (2).
Milestones and records
Jos Buttler becomes 58th Englishman to score 2,000 Test runs
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler has become the 58th Englishman to surpass 2,000 Test runs after he scored 43 in the opening innings. Also, Ross Taylor is now 135 runs away from 7,000 Test runs and he could become the second Kiwi batsman to do so. He was dismissed for 25 in the first innings.
First Test
How has the match panned out so far?
After winning the toss and electing to bat, England were dismissed for 353 by Day 2, courtesy Tim Southee's 4/88, while Ben Stokes smashed 91. In reply, the hosts currently are 144/4, with Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling unbeaten on 26 and six, respectively. Skipper Kane Williamson (51) has been their top-scorer so far, while Sam Curran has claimed 2/28.