Joe Root’s much-anticipated 150th Test appearance took an unexpected turn during England‘s first innings against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Day 2 of the first Test. Root, one of England’s most prolific batters, failed to make a mark in the milestone match as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck by debutant Nathan Smith.

Joe Root ties Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh’s unwanted record

Entering the crease with England in trouble, Root looked to steady the innings but was undone by a delivery that nipped back sharply and took the batter’s edge that straight came back to hit the stumps, leaving the batter visibly disappointed. The dismissal deepened England’s struggles in what had already been a tough day. Root’s duck marked a significant moment in his illustrious career, one that added him to a peculiar and exclusive list of players dismissed for ducks in their 150th Test.

Only two others – Australian legends Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting – share this unwanted milestone. Both Waugh and Ponting fell for golden ducks in their respective 150th Test matches, against Pakistan in Sharjah (2002) and England in Adelaide (2010), respectively. Root, surviving just three deliveries, became the third batter to join this list, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cricket.

• Steve Waugh (Australia vs Pakistan, Sharjah, 2002): Dismissed on the very first ball.
• Ricky Ponting (Australia vs England, Adelaide, 2010): Fell for a golden duck during the Ashes.
• Joe Root (England vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 2024): Out on the fourth ball, bowled by debutant Nathan Smith.

A lean patch for England’s great Root

The duck was Root’s 13th in Test cricket and his eighth in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) era. This places him ahead of prominent batters like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, who each have seven ducks in the WTC period. The lean patch continues to trouble Root, who has managed only 90 runs in his last five innings, following a brilliant double-century against Pakistan in Multan. His early dismissal against New Zealand underscored England’s batting vulnerabilities, especially in challenging conditions against a spirited home side.

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England’s struggles against New Zealand’s bowlers

Root’s dismissal was part of a fiery spell from Smith, making his Test debut for New Zealand. The seamer, brimming with confidence, had earlier sent Jacob Bethell packing, reducing England to 45/3. With Zak Crawley dismissed cheaply and Ben Duckett following soon after, England found themselves in dire straits at 71/4. Smith’s pace and precision on debut ensured England’s top order crumbled under pressure, with Root’s wicket being a prized scalp that tilted the balance heavily in New Zealand’s favor.

However, England’s middle order provided a glimmer of hope. Ollie Pope and Harry Brook combined for a counterattacking 103-run partnership. Pope remained unbeaten on 59, while Brook contributed a gritty 54, steering England to 174/4 at tea on Day 2. Despite the fightback, the visitors still trail by 174 runs, with New Zealand firmly in control.

New Zealand’s first-innings masterclass

Earlier in the match, New Zealand showcased their batting depth to post a formidable 348 in their first innings. Kane Williamson anchored the innings with a sublime 93, demonstrating his class and composure. Glenn Phillips played a crucial supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 58, and shepherding the tail to valuable runs. England’s bowlers, Brydon Carse (4/64) and Shoaib Bashir (4/69), impressed with their consistency, but the lack of early breakthroughs allowed New Zealand to build a commanding total.

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