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The iconic slope at Lord’s has witnessed some of the finest exhibitions of swing bowling in cricket history, and Day 2 of the first Test between England and New Zealand added another unforgettable chapter to that legacy. Initiated on June 4, 2026, in London, this high-octane encounter has quickly transformed into a low-scoring thriller. With the ball dominating the bat across both sides, the match hung on moments of pure individual brilliance.
Amidst a flurry of wickets, it was English speedster Josh Tongue who provided the definitive highlight of the day. His spectacular display of skill ripped through the Black Caps’ lower order, turning a tense afternoon into a visual masterpiece for purists of the game.
Josh Tongue castles Nathan Smith with a lethal in-swinger at Lord’s Test
The definitive moment of the afternoon arrived in the 23rd over of New Zealand’s first innings. Tongue, weaponizing the legendary Lord’s slope, delivered a ball that will comfortably sit in the summer’s highlight reels. Running in with rhythm, Tongue bowled a fuller delivery on the 22.6 mark that initially appeared to be tracking well outside the off-stump.
Trusting his leave, Kiwi lower-order batter Nathan Smith shoulder-armed, expecting the ball to sail harmlessly through to the keeper. Instead, the ball jagged back viciously off the seam, snaking inward down the slope. It bypassed Smith’s lowered bat and violently rattled the woodwork, sending his off-stump flying out of the ground.
Smith could only throw his head back in utter disbelief, stranded on 15 runs off 18 balls. For Tongue, it was the third time in the innings that he had cleanly smashed the off-stump, emphasizing his relentless, attacking line. This absolute beauty left New Zealand reeling at 82/8, effectively breaking the back of their resistance and handing England a massive psychological edge.
Here’s the video:
Ooooffff 😅
Josh Tongue, that is ridiculous 👏 pic.twitter.com/Gkq2SHtDWs
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 5, 2026
England seize control at the close of Day 2 in the first Test
The spectacular dismissal of Smith was a microcosm of a chaotic day where 17 wickets tumbled. Earlier in the day, England’s first innings concluded at a modest 140, despite Ben Duckett‘s steady opening, as Kyle Jamieson ran riot with a brilliant 5-wicket haul (5/25). However, New Zealand’s response in their first innings was completely dismantled by the English pace duo. Ollie Robinson was clinical, picking up 5 wickets for 39 runs, while Tongue’s fiery spell yielded 3 wickets for 40 runs, bundling the visitors out for just 113 runs in 29.5 overs. Jamieson was the lone fighter for the Kiwis, remaining unbeaten on a rapid 38.
Holding a slender 27-run lead, England’s second innings was anchored by a resilient 57 from debutant Emilio Gay and a counter-attacking 39 from wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Nathan redeemed his batting failure by roaring back with the ball, tearing through England’s middle and lower order to finish with incredible figures of 6 for 70.
England were eventually bowled out for 226 in 56 overs, setting New Zealand a daunting target of 254 runs on a minefield of a pitch. Tasked with surviving a tricky period before the close of play, New Zealand’s second innings collapsed immediately under intense pressure. Gus Atkinson struck on the third ball of the innings, removing captain Tom Latham for a duck. Tongue then returned to trap Kane Williamson leg-before for 18, before Atkinson struck again to clean up Will O’Rourke.
Also READ: ENG vs NZ: Fans call out hypocrisy after 16 wickets fall on opening day of Lord’s Test
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
