The 150th Test at Lord’s was a poor spectacle because of the pitch. New Zealand were also uncharacteristically sloppy, missing five chances in the field.
England will not care. After the dismal winter, the retained management structure needed any sort of victory to begin to justify the faith that has been shown in them.
Before this match, Stokes said only the result mattered and now England have the opportunity to win the series at The Oval.
Has much been learned in this match? Seamer Ollie Robinson was outstanding on his return to Test cricket, though his skills were never in doubt – particularly in conditions such as these. His challenge is now to prove his durability.
Debutant opener Emilio Gay looked to have the temperament for Test cricket and his second-innings 57 was the highest individual score of the match. The Durham man will be asked to kick on and make the place his own.
Beyond that, the chaotic nature of this match made it hard to draw conclusions. It was concluded in 167 overs, not enough to fill two uninterrupted days of Test cricket.
England have previously thrived in anarchy – their only win in Australia came in two days of pandemonium in Melbourne. Can they now find the technique, resolve and patience to prevail when a more conventional style of Test cricket is required?
