Tourists reach 241-4 from 90 overs on day oneStokes dropped but goes on to make unbeaten 67 Much of the talk before this first Test in
New Zealand was of England’s new-found desire to bat time; to be like the more sensible walkers at the bottom of Mount Maunganui by setting out on the slow and steady path towards a delightful summit.
And so day one of their supposed reboot will have pleased the new head coach, Chris Silverwood, as he watched Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope stride off at the close. They were unbeaten on 67 and 18 respectively, having added a late flourish to some early spadework by the top order to see the total a healthy 241 for four from 90 overs.