Trent Boult led the way with six wickets as England were humiliated in the first innings of their day-night Test in Auckland, bowled out for 58.
It could have been even worse, if not for a last-wicket stand of 31 between Craig Overton and James Anderson. England’s score was 27-9 when Anderson came to the crease. His contribution to the partnership was one, while Overton ended unbeaten on 33 when the final wicket went down after 20.4 overs.
Boult took 6-32, well supported by Tim Southee with 4-25.
Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad all failed to score, and the next best batsman was Mark Stoneman (11), as England collapsed to their sixth-lowest total of all time. They scored 45 against Australia in 1887, and 46 against the West Indies in Port of Spain in 1994.
Boult excelled with pace and accuracy as the ball swung prodigiously in the first two sessions.
Boult is usually in the mid-130km/h range, but his nagging precision gives batsmen lesser time to react. He is also a smart bowler, often using the width of the crease and angles, to set up batsmen.
At the other end, Southee provided ample support, using subtle changes in line, length, pace and movement. No other bowler was needed.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
