The iconic slope at Lord’s witnessed some of the best exhibitions of swing bowling in the history of cricket and Day 2. First Test between England and New Zealand added another unforgettable chapter to that legacy. The high-octane encounter that started on June 4, 2026 in London quickly turned into a low-scoring thriller. With the ball dominating the bat on both sides, the match remained pure moments of individual brilliance.
Amidst the clatter of doors it was a British speedster Josh Dil providing the highlight of the day. His spectacular display of skill broke through the Black Caps’ lower order, turning a tense afternoon into a visual masterpiece for the game’s ravages.
Josh Tongue bowled Nathan Smith with a deadly in-swinger in the Lord’s Test
The decisive moment of the afternoon came in the 23rd over of New Zealand’s first innings. Arming the legendary Lord’s slopestyle, Tongue has delivered a ball that will sit comfortably in the highlight reels of the summer season. Running with rhythm, Tongue was fuller at the mark of 22.6 which looked to be tracking well outside the off stump at first.
Relying on his graduation, the Kiwi is prone to low-grade Nathan Smith shoulder-armed, waiting for the ball to pass harmlessly to the keeper. Instead, the ball ricocheted violently back down the seam, drifting inward down the slope. He sidestepped the bat from Smith and hit the woodwork violently, sending his stumps flying off the ground.
Smith could only throw his head back in utter disbelief as he was stranded on 15 runs from 18 balls. It was the third time in the innings for Tongue that he cleanly smashed the off-stump, highlighting a relentless, attacking line. This absolute beauty rocked New Zealand to 82/8, effectively breaking their resistance and giving England a huge psychological advantage.
We present the video:
Offf 😅
Josh Tongue, this is ridiculous 👏 pic.twitter.com/Gkq2SHtDWs
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 5, 2026
England took control at the end of Day 2 in the first Test
Smith’s spectacular dismissal was a microcosm of a chaotic day in which 17 wickets fell. Earlier in the day, England’s first innings ended on a modest 140, although Ben Duckettas the continuous opening of ‘ Kyle Jamieson run riot with a brilliant 5-wicket haul (5/25). However, New Zealand’s response in their first innings was completely shattered 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 and bundled the visitors out for a total of 113 runs in 29.5 overs. Jamieson was the Kiwis’ lone batsman, unbeaten in a quick 38.
England’s second innings, which held a slim lead of 27 runs, was bolstered by the debutant’s 57. Emilio Gay and the 39th counter-attack from the goalkeeper Jamie Smith. Nathan rumbled back with the ball and tore through England’s middle and lower order, finishing with incredible figures of 6 for 70 to reverse the batting failure.
England were eventually bowled out for 226 in 56 overs, setting New Zealand a target of 254 runs in a minefield of a pitch. Tasked with a difficult period before the end of the game, New Zealand’s second innings collapsed immediately under intense pressure. Gus Atkinson on the third ball of the innings he struck, removing the skipper Tom Latham for the duck. Dile then returned to trap Kane Williamson leg on 18 before Atkinson struck again to clear. Will O’Rourke.
Also READ: ENG vs NZ: Fans call out hypocrisy after 16 wickets on opening day of Lord’s Test
