England move closer to victory over New Zealand on wet day at Lord's
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- England is nearing victory over New Zealand in a Test match at Lord's, despite persistent rain.
- Ollie Robinson took key wickets, impressing in his return to Test cricket.
- New Zealand resumed their innings at 37-3, with Ravindra and Mitchell being dismissed by Robinson.
England is on the cusp of victory against New Zealand at Lord's, though persistent rain significantly hampered play on Saturday. Despite the weather interruptions, the small amount of cricket possible was seen as a bonus by many.
This 75mph, keeper up, dobbing it on a length - we know that doesn't work in Test cricket, wherever you are.
Play eventually began at 13:00 BST after an early lunch, but players were repeatedly forced off the field due to the weather. Two delays occurred before the rain ultimately ended the day's play at 14:10. However, the conditions that did allow play favored the bowlers, particularly Ollie Robinson.
The damp conditions under the floodlights exacerbated the difficulty of batting on a surface that has been uneven for most of this match.
Returning to Test cricket after more than two years, Robinson showcased his skill in the damp conditions. The moisture under the floodlights made batting exceptionally difficult on a pitch that had already proven uneven throughout the match. After New Zealand resumed their innings at 37-3, Robinson dismissed both key batters, Ravindra and Mitchell.
Left-hander Ravindra was undone by a beauty. Robinson, from round the wicket, angled the ball in, then nipped it away off the surface and up the Lord's slope. It defeated Ravindra's defensive stroke and kissed the off stump. Almost unplayable.
Ravindra, considered New Zealand's heir apparent to Kane Williamson, had a difficult Test. His dismissals for nought and eight, coupled with two dropped catches, proved costly in this low-scoring match. Robinson's delivery to Ravindra was described as "almost unplayable," angling in before nipping away off the surface to hit the off stump. Mitchell's dismissal came shortly after, with an appeal for leg before wicket upheld, despite the umpire's call going against New Zealand on review.
Knowing conditions were in their favour and time on the field was short, England crowded the bat with as many as seven close catchers.
Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.