Atkinson takes five as England beat New Zealand to win opening Test at Lord’s

Gus Atkinson produced a standout performance on day four as England bowled out New Zealand in the morning session to seal a 115-run victory at Lord’s and move 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.

Atkinson finished with five wickets, leading England’s attack as the tourists were dismissed before lunch. His spell proved decisive in wrapping up the opening Test, with England completing the win in front of the Lord’s crowd after setting up a strong position earlier in the match.

Atkinson leads England’s bowling effort

The England seamer was the key figure in the final innings, taking five wickets to ensure New Zealand could not build any meaningful resistance. England’s bowlers struck early on the fourth day and maintained control throughout the morning session, closing out the match efficiently.

The result gave England a valuable opening victory in the three-match series and underlined the impact of Atkinson, who finished the match as the leading wicket-taker for his side.

England go 1-0 up in the series

Winning the first Test at Lord’s puts England in a strong position heading into the rest of the series. A 115-run margin reflects the control they held as the match progressed, with the final breakthrough coming quickly on day four.

New Zealand were unable to recover once England’s bowlers found their rhythm, and the hosts now carry a 1-0 lead into the next Test. Atkinson’s five-wicket haul will be a major talking point after a match-defining display on one of cricket’s biggest stages.