Clinical England secure emphatic win in Christchurch

New Zealand v England, 1st Test

Having begun at 155/6 at Hagley Oval, just ahead by four runs on the fourth day of the first Test against England, New Zealand added 99 runs to their overnight total. Daryl Mitchell (84) starred with the bat and had support from Nathan Smith (21) and other tailenders on the way.

But Brydon Carse, who picked three of the four remaining wickets helping himself to career-best figures of 6/42, ensured that England had to chase only 104 to secure a win.

That ask was comfortably completed at a galloping scoring rate of 8.21, as Jacob Bethell slammed a scintillating unbeaten fifty on debut, coming off merely 37 balls.

Carse was the Player of the Match for his 10/106.

England’s eight wicket win helps them to a 1-0 lead in the three game series, and improves their World Test Championship Standing point percentage to 43.75. On the other hand, New Zealand drop their point percentage to 50% and their WTC Final qualification chances have taken a severe hit.

Having been asked to bat, New Zealand had scored 348 in the first innings on the back of a brilliant 93 from a returning Kane Williamson. In response, England struggled at 71/4, before Harry Brook’s 171 helped the tourists to an emphatic lead of 151 runs.

Carse’s career-best effort then helped set up Engalnd’s win. The second Test between the two sides commences on 6 December in Wellington.

For more on how the Test panned out:

Day 1: Williamson helps New Zealand make solid start to World Test Championship push

Day 2: Harry Brook's clinical century keeps England's hopes alive in Christchurch

Day 3: Woakes-Carse share spoils as England inch towards win in Christchurch