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Root Breaks Fourth-Innings Record
England’s star batter Joe Root achieved a significant milestone during the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. Root became the highest run-scorer in the fourth innings of Test cricket, surpassing India’s legendary Sachin Tendulkar. In his 150th Test appearance, Root added 22* runs off 15 balls to help his team secure an emphatic victory. Root’s tally in the fourth innings now stands at 1630 runs, overtaking Tendulkar’s 1625 runs. He now leads the list, followed by Alastair Cook and Graeme Smith, both with 1611 runs, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul with 1580 runs.
England’s Commanding Win
England clinched an eight-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Brydon Carse delivered a stellar bowling performance, taking six wickets in New Zealand’s second innings and finishing with a match haul of 10 wickets. New Zealand set a modest target of 104 runs, which England chased down in just 12.4 overs, thanks to a half-century by debutant Jacob Bethell.
Brydon Carse's Career-Best Show
Carse was the standout performer, with figures of 4/68 in the first innings and 6/42 in the second. Playing only his third Test, he recorded his career-best match figures, ensuring England’s dominance. New Zealand’s key contributions came from Kane Williamson’s half-century and Daryl Mitchell’s 84 runs, but their efforts fell short against England’s all-round performance.
