Ronchi stars in New Zealand revival against listless England

Luke Ronchi marked his Test debut with a quickfire 88 as New Zealand fought back on the first day at Headingley on Saturday after James Anderson became the first England bowler to take 400 Test wickets.

New Zealand, after being sent into bat by England captain Alastair Cook following a washed-out morning session, slumped to two for two.

But a sixth-wicket stand of 120 between opener Tom Latham, dropped four times on his way to 84, and the dashing Ronchi helped New Zealand recover to 297 for eight at stumps.

New Zealand, in a fixture they had to win to square the two-match series at 1-1 after England’s 124-run victory in the first Test at Lord’s on Monday, were quickly in trouble.

Anderson struck twice in three balls to reduce them to two for two after England captain Alastair Cook won the toss following a washed-out first session.

The 32-year-old paceman removed both opener Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson for ducks. Anderson started this match, his 104th Test, with 399 Test wickets.

And the Lancashire swing bowler needed just eight balls today to become just the 12th bowler overall to take 400 Test wickets, reaching the landmark with a classic delivery that took Guptill’s outside edge and was well caught, above his head, by second slip Ian Bell, who dropped a couple of chances at Lord’s. No sooner had Anderson struck then rain forced a 10-minute stoppage.

But when play resumed, Anderson quickly had his 401st Test wicket. 

Williamson, who scored a century at Lord’s, fell second ball today when edging Anderson to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler.