England in charge after Robinson twin strikes: 1st Test, Day 3 (Lords)

England moved to the brink of victory on a rain-affected third day of the first Test at Lord’s, with persistent showers limiting play to fewer than 10 overs. Resuming at 36-3 in pursuit of 254, New Zealand found little respite against England’s relentless seam attack.

Ollie Robinson continued his outstanding match, dismissing Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell in a superb spell that further tightened the hosts’ grip on the contest.

With the weather preventing any sustained fightback, New Zealand closed on 55-5, still needing 199 more runs for victory. Devon Conway remained unbeaten alongside Tom Blundell, but England will head into the fourth day requiring just five wickets to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

On a Lord’s pitch that has already produced 35 wickets, the hosts remain overwhelming favourites despite the lost time.

New Zealand 113 (Robinson 5-39) and 55 for 5 (Conway 19*, Blundell 2*) need 199 more runs to beat England 140 (Brook 56, Jamieson 5-62) and 226 (Gay 57, Smith 6-70).

June 2026.