The iconic slope of Lord’s has seen some of the finest exhibitions of swing bowling in cricket history, and the second day First test between England and New Zealand Another unforgettable chapter was added to that legacy. The high-octane encounter, which began in London on June 4, 2026, soon turned into a low-scoring thriller. With both sides dominating the bat and the ball, the match hinged on moments of pure individual brilliance.
Amid the flurry of wickets, it was the English speedster passion tongue Which provided the definite highlight of the day. His brilliant display of skill tore apart the Black Caps’ lower order, turning a tense afternoon into a visual masterpiece for purists of the game.
Josh Tongue destroys Nathan Smith with lethal in-swinger in Lord’s Test
The decisive moment of the afternoon came in the 23rd over of New Zealand’s first innings. Tongue, weaponising the famous Lord’s slope, bowled a ball that would sit comfortably on summer highlight reels. Running with the rhythm, Tongue bowled a fuller delivery at the 22.6 mark which initially appeared to track well outside the off-stump.
Kiwi lower order batsmen counting on their leave nathan smith Shoulder to shoulder, hoping the ball will pass harmlessly to the keeper. Instead, the ball quickly bounced back off the seam and sloped inwards. It bypassed Smith’s downwards bat and hit the woodwork powerfully, sending his off-stump flying out of the ground.
Smith could only throw his head back in complete disbelief and was out after scoring 15 runs off 18 balls. For Tong, it was the third time in the innings that he had cleanly destroyed the off-stump, emphasizing his relentless, aggressive line. This absolute beauty pushed New Zealand to 82/8, effectively breaking the back of their resistance and giving England a huge psychological edge.
Here is the video:
Oooffff 😅
Josh Tung, this is ridiculous 👏 pic.twitter.com/Gkq2SHtDWs
– England Cricket (@englandcricket) 5 June 2026
England take control at the end of the second day of the first Test
Smith’s spectacular dismissal was a small example of a chaotic day where 17 wickets fell. Earlier in the day, England’s first innings ended despite a modest 140 runs. ben duckettSteady start of, like kyle jamison Created a stir with a brilliant 5 wickets (5/25). However, New Zealand’s response in the first innings was completely demolished by the English pace duo. ollie robinson Was clinical, taking 5 wickets for 39 runs, while Tong’s fiery spell secured 3 wickets for 40 runs, as the visitors were bowled out for just 113 runs in 29.5 overs. Jamieson was the only fighter for the Kiwis, remaining unbeaten on a quickfire 38.
With a modest lead of 27 runs, England’s second innings started with a strong knock of 57 runs from the debutant. emilio gay And counter attack from wicketkeeper 39 runs jamie smith. Nathan capitalized on his batting failure and made a strong comeback with the ball and demolished England’s middle and lower order, finishing with incredible figures of 6 for 70.
England were eventually all out for 226 in 56 overs, leaving New Zealand a challenging target of 254 on a minefield pitch. New Zealand’s second innings collapsed immediately under intense pressure, escaping a difficult spell before the end of the game. Gus Atkinson He hit a four on the third ball of the innings, dismissing the captain. Tom Latham For a duck. Tongue then returned to dismiss Kane Williamson LBW for 18, before Atkinson was again clean bowled. Will O’Rourke.
Also read: England vs New Zealand: Fans criticize hypocrisy after 16 wickets fall on opening day of Lord’s Test
