New Zealand v England 2019

First test tomorrow (or tonight our time).

No place for Ian Woakes in England's team, with Sam Curran being preferred:
Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad.

looks a solid line up let's hope an solid start is made

England won toss and bat
Dominic Sibley makes his debut.
Ollie Pope bats at 6.
Sam Curran preferred to Chris Woakes.

Close of play.
England 1st inns: 241/4

A patient approach from England who built slowly and circumspectly for most of the day.
The run rate speeded up towards the end of the day even once NZ took the new ball.
Overall a satisfactory start and hopefully a decent foundation to build on going into day 2.

England are in a good position at the end of the 2nd day, having totalled 353 and New Zealand replying with 144/4.

The 3rd day has been New Zealand's so far, with the 6th wicket pair adding 119. It's been an uphill struggle for England today.

Just 2 wickets fell in the day, 1 to the part-time offspin of Joe Root. New Zealand close on 394/6.

The 4th day was a bleak one for England, with New Zealand eventually declaring on 615/9 and England slumping to 55/3 in reply (although nightwatchman Leach was one of the wickets to fall).

England did not make enough in the first innings and two out of three batsmen have got themselves out second time round.
Need to bat with real application on day 5 to save the game.

England dig in. Only 43 runs added in the morning session of the final day, but only 1 wicket lost.