Ben Stokes is defeated by Scott Kuggeleijn in New Zealand vs. England, giving the rookie his first Test wicket.

There were many issues surrounding the Kiwi pacer Scott Kuggeleijn prior to the first Test between New Zealand and England at Bay Oval. Given that the pacer was detained in 2015 after being accused of rape, the selection committee received harsh criticism for their decision. Nevertheless, in spite of all the criticism, the team’s management supported him and gave him his first Test cap for the match.

When it comes to the game, the rookie proved to be expensive at first but ended up taking two wickets. Ben Stokes, captain of England, was out for 19 as the 31-year-old took his maiden wicket in red-ball cricket. The all-rounder missed the bouncer, which made it very simple for Tom Latham to collect the catch in the middle of the wicket. Following the dismissal, the Kiwi players were overjoyed, and they subsequently joined him in celebrating his first wicket.
Stuart Broad was also ejected by him later in the contest. The batsman, though, has to improve his line and length as he allowed more than six runs each over in the first innings before England made their declaration at 325/9.

Stokes falls….

The England captain picks out Tom Latham to give Scott Kuggeleijn his first Test match wicket ☝️#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/XzAnzTlvJm

— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 16, 2023

First innings are the charge of Duckett and Brook.
Ben Duckett assumed control following Zak Crawley’s early departure and provided England a flawless start to the game. In just 68 deliveries, the 28-year-old played to his strengths and scored 84 runs. Ollie Pope gave him excellent middle-field assistance as the youthful player contributed 42 runs to the total. After they were dismissed, though, England began to falter as they lost two quick wickets in the form of Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

Harry Brook, though, stepped up to the plate and produced some incredible shots to assist England in passing the 300-run threshold. Before Neil Wagner beat him, the 23-year-old hit 89 runs off 81 deliveries.

England’s batting lineup quickly collapsed after his dismissal before declaring their innings at 325 runs. Tim Southee and Kuggeleijn both took two wickets, while Wagner was New Zealand’s star bowler, taking four wickets. In the meantime, Duckett was dismissed by another rookie, Blair Tickner.