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England have secured an impressive eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the first Test in Christchurch, led by Brydon Carse and debutant Jacob Bethell. Carse claimed three of the four second-innings wickets England required on the fourth morning to end with 6-42, his maiden Test five-wicket haul. Bethell, the 21-year-old, hit the winning runs in his 37-ball unbeaten 50 to give England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Carse, who now has 19 Test wickets at an average of 17.1, had match figures of 10-106, the first away 10-for by an England bowler since Monty Panesar in 2012, and first by a seamer since Ryan Sidebottom in this country 16 years ago. Daryl Mitchell clubbed 84, adding 45 for the last wicket with Will O’Rourke, to drag New Zealand up to 254 all out.
This was a much-needed win for England after three defeats in their previous four matches. It tips them into credit for 2024, now with eight wins and seven losses. The Kiwis dropped eight catches, however, it was a spirited and tenacious performance by an England side that had to be re-jigged following the injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.
Carse was player of the match for his 10-wicket haul. He has filled the hole left by injured Durham teammate Mark Wood. Carse is lively without being express. He troubles batters with bounce and awkward lengths. After New Zealand resumed on 155-6, Nathan Smith was pinned in front of leg stump and, in the same over, Matt Henry palpably leg-before to a full delivery.
New Zealand’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final have pretty much been ended by this result, leaving India, Australia, and South Africa in contention. Mitchell Santner comes into the squad for the remaining two Tests. The hosts might ponder how to get batter Will Young, player of the series in India, back into their XI. They also have a dilemma over Tim Southee, who is due to retire after the last Test in Hamilton
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