Kane Williamson’s gritty 93, marked by patience and flair, set the tone for New Zealand’s innings in the opening Test at Christchurch. However, his rare inability to convert a promising start mirrored his team's struggle, as England capitalised on the conditions to claim eight key wickets. Glenn Phillips, unbeaten on 41, held firm with a late stand alongside Matt Henry, ensuring New Zealand’s hopes remained intact on a surface expected to improve for batting.
England’s decision to bowl first on a green-tinged surface seemed pivotal, but early movement eluded their seamers. Instead, debutant Shoaib Bashir emerged as the standout bowler, claiming 4 for 69. He was ably supported by Brydon Carse, whose relentless aggression removed Tom Latham, and Gus Atkinson, who dismissed the dangerous Devon Conway early before later ending Williamson’s knock with a delivery that gained unexpected lift.
Despite Williamson’s composed resistance, punctuated by calculated boundaries and resilience against Carse's testing spells, New Zealand’s batting faltered. Daryl Mitchell fell to Carse’s short-pitched tactics after a steady partnership with Williamson, while subsequent wickets tumbled under pressure.
Phillips countered briefly with a six, but England’s discipline, highlighted by proactive captaincy from Ben Stokes, ensured the day ended with the hosts on the back foot. With the deck likely to favour batting in the coming days, England will aim to leverage this momentum when their turn at the crease arrives. New Zealand, meanwhile, must regroup to build on their overnight total.