Gus Atkinson's 5-for seals England's 115-run win vs New Zealand in 1st Lord's Test
Synopsis
Gus Atkinson has made Lord's his personal fortress — a second consecutive five-for at headquarters, figures of 5 for 30, and another Test wrapped up with authority. England's 115-run win over New Zealand was built on collective bowling excellence across all four days, with debutant Emilio Gay and a returning Ollie Robinson adding fresh dimensions to a side already firing on all cylinders.
Key Takeaways
England beat New Zealand by 115 runs in the 1st Test at Lord's on 7 June .
Gus Atkinson took 5 for 30 in the second innings — his second consecutive five-wicket haul at Lord's.
Glenn Phillips top-scored for New Zealand with 78 , the highest individual score of the match.
Debutant Emilio Gay made 57 in England's second innings of 226 ; Nathan Smith claimed 6 for 70 .
Ollie Robinson took a five-wicket haul on his return to the side as New Zealand were bowled out for 113 in the first innings.
The second Test begins at The Oval on 17 June , with England leading the three-match series 1-0 .
Fast bowler Gus Atkinson claimed another five-wicket haul at Lord's on 7 June, powering England to a commanding 115-run victory over New Zealand in the opening match of a three-Test series. The win hands England a 1-0 lead, with the second Test scheduled at The Oval from 17 June.
How the Final Day Unfolded
Set a target of 254, New Zealand resumed Day 4 on 55/5 and never mounted a credible chase. Josh Tongue struck early, removing Tom Blundell with a sharp delivery to leave the visitors at 58/6 and in deep trouble.
Glenn Phillips offered the most spirited resistance, top-scoring in the match with a fighting 78. He added a 53-run seventh-wicket stand with Devon Conway, who made 41 before being dismissed by England captain Ben Stokes. That breakthrough effectively ended New Zealand's hopes.
Atkinson Wraps Up the Innings
Atkinson then delivered the decisive spell that has become his Lord's trademark. He had Nathan Smith caught behind, induced Kyle Jamieson to chip a catch to short midwicket, and bowled Matt Henry to finish with figures of 5 for 30. Phillips was left stranded at the non-striker's end as New Zealand were dismissed for 138, falling 115 runs short of their target.
How the Match Was Built
New Zealand had seized the initiative in the first innings, exploiting helpful bowling conditions to dismiss England for 140. Kyle Jamieson was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming five wickets. England's bowlers hit back hard, skittling the visitors for just 113 — a deficit of 27 runs. Ollie Robinson, returning to the Test side, starred with a five-wicket haul of his own in a disciplined team effort.
England then consolidated their lead in the second innings, posting 226. Debutant Emilio Gay caught the eye with a composed 57, while Nathan Smith claimed 6 for 70 to keep New Zealand in the hunt on paper. In practice, a target of 254 on a wearing Lord's surface proved well beyond them.
Series Context and What Comes Next
The result extends England's formidable home record under the Bazball era, with the hosts rarely conceding first-Test momentum at headquarters. Notably, this is Atkinson's second consecutive five-wicket haul at Lord's, cementing his status as the ground's most reliable modern-day destroyer. The second Test at The Oval begins on 17 June, with New Zealand needing to regroup quickly to stay alive in the series.
Brief Scores: England 140 & 226 (Emilio Gay 57; Nathan Smith 6-70) beat New Zealand 113 & 138 (Glenn Phillips 78; Atkinson 5-30) by 115 runs.
Point of View
England's seam attack gains a depth it has lacked for two years. New Zealand's batting remains fragile outside Phillips, and their collapse to 58/6 chasing 254 on a flattening pitch is a structural concern, not just a bad day. The Oval Test will test whether they can adjust.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the England vs New Zealand 1st Test at Lord's?
England beat New Zealand by 115 runs in the 1st Test at Lord's on 7 June. New Zealand, chasing 254, were bowled out for 138 in their second innings.
How did Gus Atkinson perform in the Lord's Test?
Gus Atkinson took 5 for 30 in New Zealand's second innings, dismissing Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, and Matt Henry in a decisive spell. It was his second consecutive five-wicket haul at Lord's.
Who was the standout performer for New Zealand?
Glenn Phillips top-scored in the match with 78 in the second innings and shared a 53-run stand with Devon Conway (41). Nathan Smith also impressed with figures of 6 for 70 in England's second innings.
Who is Emilio Gay and how did he do on debut?
Emilio Gay is an England debutant who scored a composed 57 in the second innings, helping England post 226 and set New Zealand a target of 254. His knock was a key contribution to England's match-winning position.
When and where is the 2nd Test between England and New Zealand?
The second Test of the three-match series will be played at The Oval, London, starting 17 June. England lead the series 1-0 after the Lord's result.
