Ollie Robinson continued his dream England comeback at Lord’s, sealing career-best figures as England assumed control on day two of the first Rothesay Test against New Zealand.
After kickstarting his return to international cricket with a triple-wicket maiden on Thursday, Robinson booked his place on the home of cricket’s prestigious honours board by wrapping up a haul of five for 39.
His efforts, combined with three for Josh Tongue and two from Gus Atkinson, turned England’s underpowered 140 into a first-innings lead of 27 as the tourists were all out for 113 in less than 30 overs.
Ben Duckett was badly dropped by Rachin Ravindra on 12 as he and debutant Emilio Gay put on the first half-century partnership of the game, but fell for 33 just before the lunch break.
At lunch the hosts had moved to 72 for one, 99 in front with Gay settling into his task on 24 not out.
New Zealand started 61 for six and quickly lost two more as Tongue blew away the off stump twice in his first two overs, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith unable to keep him out.
England’s progress was briefly derailed by a punchy 38 not out from tailender Kyle Jamieson, who came out swinging and clubbed three sixes in quick succession as the seamers abandoned their successful strategy in favour of short balls.
The tactical shift was unexpected and unsuccessful, only ending when Atkinson took over and had Will O’Rourke caught at slip. That allowed Robinson to target last man Matt Henry, nailing his fourth Test five-for by rocking back middle stump.
The new ball was predictably awkward to face, Duckett playing and missing twice in the first over and Gay edging his first two balls in front of the slips.
New Zealand should have got their reward when Duckett flicked Jamieson straight to midwicket, only for Ravindra to fumble his second regulation catch of the match. Duckett pocketed six boundaries as he set about making the most of his chance but sprayed O’Rourke to gully before the break.
