Debutant Devon Conway batted magnificently on day one of the First Test between England and New Zealand as the Kiwis finished the day at 246-3 at the Lord’s. While Conway was unbeaten at 136, Henry Nicholls remained not out at 46 at stumps. Together, both batsmen added 132 for the fourth wicket until the day’s play came to an end. With his unbeaten knock of 136, Conway beat former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly’s innings of 131 in 1996 for the highest score on Test debut at the Lord’s.
Incidentally, both share the same birthday of 8 July.
Ollie Robinson, who was making his debut for England, was the most successful English bowler as he finished the day for 50-2. Veteran James Anderson picked up the other wicket, while Stuart Broad failed to dismiss any Kiwi batsmen.
Devon Conway passes Sourav Ganguly’s 131 in 1996 for the highest score on Test debut at Lord’s! ????
Conway and Ganguly also share a birthday of July 8 ???? pic.twitter.com/lPP7hlP0Ff
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 2, 2021
Speaking to Sky Sports, Conway said, “Very good feeling. I’ll have some time to let that settle in but naturally as a player the job’s not done. But I’m very happy. I had a conversation with Kane about what it’s like to be on that honours board and the guys are all very happy for me.”
This was the first time since the pandemic started that England were playing a Test match at home in front of spectators. Around 6,500 spectators were allowed to enter the Lord’s to watch the match between England and New Zealand.
Another player earning the Test cap for England was the wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey.
Scores in Brief:
New Zealand 246-3: Conway 136*, Nicholls 46*, Robinson 2-50
England: Yet to bat