Carse and Bethell guide England to a remarkable victory against New Zealand.

Carse and Bethell guide England to a remarkable victory against New Zealand.

First Test, Christchurch (day four of five)

New Zealand 348 (Williamson 93) & 254 (Carse 6-42)

England 499 (Brook 171) & 104-2 (Bethell 50*)

England secured an eight-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Scorecard

Brydon Carse and debutant Jacob Bethell propelled England to a commendable eight-wicket triumph over New Zealand in the first Test held in Christchurch. Carse was instrumental, capturing three of the four wickets needed by England in the second innings on the fourth morning, concluding with figures of 6-42, marking his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. In addition to the four wickets he claimed in the first innings, the 29-year-old finished with match figures of 10-106, becoming the first England bowler to achieve an away 10-for since Monty Panesar in 2012, and the first seamer to do so in New Zealand since Ryan Sidebottom 16 years ago. Daryl Mitchell contributed significantly with a score of 84, forming a crucial partnership of 45 runs for the last wicket with Will O'Rourke, which helped New Zealand reach a total of 254 all out. This set England a modest target of 104 runs, which they successfully chased down in just 13 overs. Bethell, at 21 years of age, sealed the victory with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls. There was a moment of concern for England when Ben Stokes experienced discomfort during his fifth over; however, the captain assured that he would be fit for the upcoming second Test in Wellington on Friday (22:00 GMT Thursday). This victory was essential for England, coming after three losses in their last four matches, bringing their record for 2024 to eight wins and seven losses. The Kiwis contributed to England's success by dropping eight catches, yet this should not overshadow the determined and resilient performance of the England team, which had to adapt following the injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox. Ollie Pope stepped in as wicketkeeper and contributed runs at number six, while Bethell demonstrated his potential, Shoaib Bashir took wickets in the first innings after a challenging tour of Pakistan, and Carse emerged as a standout player this winter.Chris Woakes experienced a rare moment of success away from home, claiming vital wickets on the third evening, allowing England to secure a victory without the contribution of Joe Root, who was dismissed for a duck in the first innings. Instead, Harry Brook excelled with a score of 171, elevating his overseas batting average to 89, second only to the legendary Sir Don Bradman. Ben Stokes appeared to be regaining his form as a batsman, bowler, and leader following a challenging period, which raised concerns regarding his fitness due to a recent injury. He clarified that he ended his bowling spell abruptly as a precaution due to some stiffness in his back. This marks the fifth consecutive away tour in which England has won the first Test; however, they have only managed to win one of those series, which occurred in Pakistan in 2022. They now return to the Basin Reserve, the site of a dramatic one-run defeat in 2023. Following his suspension for historical betting offenses earlier this year, Chris Carse was apprehensive about his international prospects. Yet, he has emerged as England's standout bowler this winter. Carse has effectively filled the void left by the injured Mark Wood from Durham. Not only did he achieve the first away five-wicket haul by an England seamer since Wood's performance in Hobart in early 2022, but it also marked Carse's first five-for in first-class cricket since April 2021, reinforcing England's claim regarding the diverse skills necessary for the highest level of the game. In a year marked by the regeneration of England's pace attack, Carse has accomplished the remarkable feat of taking an away 10-wicket haul in just three Tests, a milestone that neither the legendary James Anderson nor Stuart Broad has achieved. Carse possesses a lively bowling style without being excessively fast, effectively troubling batsmen with bounce and challenging lengths. After New Zealand resumed their innings at 155-6, Nathan Smith was adjudged leg before wicket, and in the same over, Matt Henry was also dismissed leg before wicket to a full delivery. When Stokes was compelled to leave the attack, Tim Southee struck Gus Atkinson for two sixes before being caught by Root at deep mid-wicket.Mitchell had 47 from 128 deliveries when O'Rourke arrived, but flicked a switch to take 37 off his next 38. England dropped the field, Mitchell farmed the strike, O'Rourke held up his end. Carse was summoned once more and one Mitchell slap too many ended in the hands of Woakes at long-off. After Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were dismissed, the low-pressure chase was the perfect scenario for left-hander Bethell to demonstrate his talent. Smith was wiped for four fours in the same over. Putting on a show, Bethell hooked Smith over square leg for six and, three balls later, sealed the match.