England engineered their own downfall in Perth in a blur of rash drives. This time they were undone by the skill of Nathan Smith who, like Jamieson in the first innings, stepped up to cover the limitations of Henry.
Mainly nipping the ball up the Lord’s slope, Smith took the edge of Gay, then pinned Root lbw for eight. In between, Brook got into a tangle against an O’Rourke full ball and was out for nought.
The decline of Stokes’ batting is a concern. After moving himself down a place to number seven, he essentially missed a straight one to be bowled by Smith, and looked bewildered that his stumps had been disturbed.
Jamie Smith and Atkinson each have work to do after indifferent performances in Australia, and their stand of 57 was vital. Smith, promoted to number six, played beautifully through the off side. With Atkinson in stout support, the Surrey pair halted New Zealand’s charge.
Atkinson eventually skied Jamieson, leaving Nathan Smith to take the last three for 6-70 – the third-best figures by a New Zealander in a Test at Lord’s.
Latham’s rash drive at Atkinson to the third ball of the innings was an awful stroke. Brook pouched the sharp catch at second slip.
England might feel aggrieved Conway survived a tight lbw review against Robinson, though there was no doubt when Tongue went full to Williamson before O’Rourke registered his second duck of the day.
