Overview
- England were bowled out for 140 and New Zealand closed on 61 for 6, leaving England a 79‑run lead at stumps after a day when 16 wickets fell.
- Ollie Robinson, making his first Test appearance since February 2024, took 4 for 10 and produced a three‑wicket maiden that reduced New Zealand to 20‑5.
- Kyle Jamieson spearheaded New Zealand’s attack with a five‑wicket haul of 5‑62 that earlier ripped through England’s top and middle order.
- Play was interrupted by long rain and bad‑light delays on Thursday, conditions that favoured fast bowlers and limited the day to roughly 59 overs.
- Robinson’s performance underlines the selection gamble after England’s Ashes defeat and gives the team a renewed fast‑bowling option to press this early advantage.