New Zealand captain Tim Southee expressed frustration at his team's lack of clinical finishing after England fought back with late wickets on the opening day of the first Test at Lord's.
England's late surge
England were in trouble at 45-4 before a counter-attacking partnership between Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow lifted them to 116-4 at tea. However, New Zealand's bowlers failed to capitalise on their early dominance, allowing England to reach 246-6 at stumps, with Stokes unbeaten on 87 and Bairstow on 63.
Southee said: "We had them in a spot of bother at 45-4, but we weren't able to sustain the pressure. We let them off the hook, and that's something we need to improve on."
Missed opportunities
New Zealand's attack, led by Tim Southee and Trent Boult, struggled to maintain consistency after the initial breakthroughs. Southee finished with 2-52, while Boult took 1-58. The visitors also put down two catches, which could have proved costly.
"We created chances, but we didn't take them," Southee added. "In Test cricket, you have to be clinical, and we weren't today. We need to be better tomorrow."
Stokes and Bairstow counter-attack
Stokes and Bairstow shared a stand of 132 runs for the fifth wicket, with the former hitting 12 boundaries and a six. Bairstow, who was dropped on 23, made the most of his reprieve to score his 23rd Test fifty. Their partnership shifted the momentum firmly in England's favour.
"They played well, but we helped them with some loose bowling and fielding," Southee said. "We need to regroup and come back hard in the morning."
Day two prospects
New Zealand will look to wrap up England's innings quickly on day two, with Ollie Robinson (17 not out) and Stuart Broad (1 not out) at the crease. The visitors will then need to bat well on a pitch that is expected to offer assistance to the bowlers throughout the match.
