New Zealand seized complete control of the opening day of the first Test against England at Lord’s after a devastating bowling performance reduced the hosts to 118-8 before bad light forced an early tea on Thursday.

Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson produced an outstanding spell of pace bowling, claiming 4-50 in 11.1 overs as England’s batting lineup struggled in challenging conditions. The visitors capitalised on a lively surface after captain Tom Latham won the toss and chose to bowl first in the opening match of the three-Test series.

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England’s only meaningful resistance came from Harry Brook, who battled his way to 56 runs. However, the right-hander survived two dropped catches during his innings as New Zealand otherwise delivered a sharp and disciplined display in the field.

The home side suffered an early setback when debutant Emilio Gay, selected in place of the dropped Zak Crawley, was dismissed for eight. Gay began his Test career positively by striking his first ball for four but edged Jamieson to Daryl Mitchell in the slips with England on 16.

Rain interrupted play and brought an early lunch, with England reaching 24-1 from 10 overs. The collapse gathered pace once play resumed.

Nathan Smith trapped opener Ben Duckett lbw for 19 before Jacob Bethell suffered the same fate against Will O’Rourke. England quickly slipped to 33-3 as New Zealand’s seamers exploited the conditions expertly.

O’Rourke then removed former captain Joe Root for just one run, forcing an edge behind the wicket. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith also managed only one before Jamieson delivered a sharp ball that cut back and crashed into his off stump.

Brook attempted to counterattack after receiving an early reprieve when Devon Conway dropped a chance at backward point. The England batter responded with a series of attractive boundaries and briefly steadied the innings alongside captain Ben Stokes, who was playing on his 35th birthday.

The partnership was short-lived. Stokes struck Jamieson for a boundary but soon edged the same bowler to Kane Williamson at second slip. Williamson completed a superb one-handed diving catch to send the England captain back for 12, leaving the hosts reeling at 94-6.

Brook continued to fight and reached his half-century from just 64 deliveries, hitting nine fours. He was handed another lifeline on 45 when Rachin Ravindra dropped a straightforward chance at deep midwicket.

The missed opportunity proved costly as Brook pushed on to fifty, but Jamieson eventually ended his resistance. After dismissing Gus Atkinson lbw for four, the New Zealand paceman saw Brook hole out to long leg shortly after reaching his half-century.

With England’s specialist batting unit largely back in the pavilion and only the tail remaining, New Zealand ended the day firmly on top and in a commanding position heading into the second day.

The match is also a landmark occasion for Lord’s, marking the 150th Test to be played at the historic venue, widely regarded as the home of cricket.

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