ENG vs NZ: New Zealand won’t dwell on loss to England, says Kane Williamson

ENG vs NZ: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson says the visiting side must bounce back soon after their five-wicket loss to England in the first Test, after the tourists blew a winning position at Lord’s and fell behind 1-0 in the three-match series.

With six wickets remaining in their second innings, New Zealand were in command, leading by 242 runs, but lost three wickets in three balls, allowing England to rally back and finish with a comfortable victory.

Joe Root (115 not out) and Ben Foakes (32 not out) pulled together a brilliant unbeaten sixth-wicket stand of 120 runs on the fourth day, easing the hosts to victory in dark and dreary conditions.

“We thought there might be some assistance from the overhead (conditions) but it wasn’t to be,” Williamson said. “It’s about moving on quickly and taking the learnings. There’s always plenty to take forward.”

The New Zealand captain hailed Root’s performance as a game-changing moment, praising the England batsman for reaching 10,000 Test runs.

“It was a fantastic game of cricket which took an incredible innings from an amazing player to get them across the line. It’s truly an unbelievable achievement, recognising the quality of the player and also his longevity.”

New Zealand has lost a series to India and been held to home series draws with Bangladesh and South Africa. Since overcoming India in the World Test Championship final in England nearly exactly a year ago.

The second Test begins on Friday at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Giving the touring team little time to nurse their wounds. With questions about all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme’s fitness. After only bowling 3.5 overs in England’s second innings owing to a heel ailment.

“Everybody wants to be contributing more,” Williamson said. “We’ll reflect on this and look forward to the next one.”

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