Ollie Robinson continued his dream England comeback at Lord’s, sealing career-best figures as England assumed control on day two of the primary Rothesay Test against Latest Zealand.
After kickstarting his return to international cricket with a triple-wicket maiden on Thursday, Robinson booked his place on the house of cricket’s prestigious honours board by wrapping up a haul of 5 for 39.
His efforts, combined with three for Josh Tongue and two from Gus Atkinson, turned England’s underpowered 140 right into a first-innings lead of 27 because the tourists were all out for 113 in lower than 30 overs.
Ben Duckett was badly dropped by Rachin Ravindra on 12 as he and debutant Emilio Gay placed on the primary half-century partnership of the sport, but fell for 33 just before the lunch break.
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PICTURES: Ben Whitley/PA
Five-for
At lunch the hosts had moved to 72 for one, 99 in front with Gay settling into his task on 24 not out.
Latest Zealand began 61 for six and quickly lost two more as Tongue blew away the off stump twice in his first two overs, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith unable to maintain him out.
England’s progress briefly stalled as tailender Kyle Jamieson struck a punchy, unbeaten 38, coming out swinging and clubbing three sixes in quick succession because the seamers abandoned their successful strategy in favour of short balls.
The tactical shift proved unexpected and unsuccessful, ending only when Atkinson took over and had Will O’Rourke caught at slip.
That allowed Robinson to focus on last man Matt Henry, nailing his fourth Test five-for by rocking back middle stump.
Awkward latest ball
The brand new ball was predictably awkward to face, Duckett playing and missing twice in the primary over and Gay edging his first two balls in front of the slips.
Latest Zealand must have got their reward when Duckett flicked Jamieson straight to midwicket, just for Ravindra to fumble his second regulation catch of the match.
Duckett pocketed six boundaries as he set about benefiting from his likelihood but sprayed O’Rourke to gully before the break.
READ MORE: Ollie Robinson stars on England return against Latest Zealand in wicket-laden Lord’s opener
