ENG vs NZ Live, 1st Test Day 4: England tightened their grip on the opening Test against New Zealand despite persistent rain disrupting play on the third day at Lord’s on Saturday.

Only 9.4 overs were possible across a frustrating day of stop-start cricket, but England still managed to edge closer to victory thanks to the efforts of fast bowler Ollie Robinson. The seamer claimed both wickets to fall during the brief action as New Zealand slipped to 55/5 in their second innings while chasing 254.

The visitors now face a monumental task, with England requiring just five more wickets to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Weather played a major role throughout the day. Play was delayed by two hours at the start before three separate rain interruptions halted proceedings. The final shower arrived shortly after 2 pm and ultimately ended hopes of any further cricket.

The Lord’s pitch remained a nightmare for batters, continuing to offer pronounced seam movement and steep bounce. With 35 wickets having already fallen in less than two full days of normal play, scoring remained extremely difficult. Even two of the modern game’s premier batters, Joe Root and Kane Williamson, have struggled, contributing only 27 runs between them in the match.

New Zealand’s chase had already been pushed onto the back foot by stumps on Friday, when they closed on 36/3. At that stage, statistical models had given England an 80 percent chance of victory. By Saturday afternoon, England’s position appeared even stronger.

Resuming on 12 overnight, Devon Conway was joined by Rachin Ravindra. After suffering a duck in the first innings, Ravindra avoided another immediate dismissal and eventually got off the mark after facing 10 deliveries.

However, his stay was short-lived. Robinson produced an excellent delivery that moved away late to dismiss Ravindra for 8, capping a difficult match for the left-hander, who had also put down two catches earlier in the game.

Daryl Mitchell followed but lasted only three balls. Robinson trapped him lbw without scoring, further denting New Zealand’s hopes.

Conway, who famously scored a double century on his Test debut at Lord’s in 2021, battled hard for his 19 runs from 55 balls. He remained unbeaten alongside Tom Blundell, who was on 2 when rain brought an early end to the day’s play.

Robinson finished the day with figures of 2 for 18, taking his tally to seven wickets in a memorable comeback Test.