CHRISTCHURCH: Harry Brook’s 171-run knock coupled with Brydon Carse’s 10-wicket haul propelled England to a convincing eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first Test of the three-match series here at Hagley Oval on Sunday .
Set to chase a modest 104, the touring team comfortably knocked out the winning runs, losing just two wickets, thanks to a quickfire half-century from debutant Jacob Bethell.
The left-handed batsman smashed nine boundaries, including a six, on his way to an unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries.
He was supported by quick cameos from Ben Duckett (27) and Joe Root (23 not out) as England racked up the total in just 12.4 overs.
Earlier, New Zealand, fresh from their historic clean sweep over India, were booked for a modest total of 254 runs in their second innings despite brave half-centuries from Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell.
The home team resumed the second innings on 155/6 through Mitchell and Nathan Smith, unbeaten on 31 and one respectively.
The pair could add 25 runs to their overnight seventh-wicket partnership as Carse trapped Smith lbw in just the eighth over of the final day. Smith scored 21 off 44 deliveries with the help of two fours.
New Zealand then lost two more wickets – Matt Henry (one) and Tim Southee (12) – in quick succession and consequently slumped to 209/9, leading by just 58 runs.
Mitchell, however, demonstrated remarkable courage by knitting a one-sided 45-run partnership for the last wicket with William O’Rourke to push New Zealand’s lead past the 100-run barrier.
Brydon Carse broke a frustrating 10th-wicket stand by getting Mitchell caught at long off to return brilliant figures of 10/106.
For his brilliant bowling performance, Carse was named player of the match.
Apart from him, Chris Woakes took three wickets in the second innings, while Gus Atkinson scored one.
Mitchell remained New Zealand’s top scorer with 84 off 167 balls, studded with 12 fours and a six.
The eight-wicket victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the three matches, with the second Test scheduled to be played in Wellington from December 6-10.
