Lord's Test: Root, Stokes lead fight-back after disastrous start

New Delhi: Joe Root and Ben Stokes helped England to recover from the early jitters as the side was well placed at 354-7 at stumps on the first day of the Lord's Test against New Zealand.

Winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum opted to field first on a wicket that had a lot of grass covering.

The New Zealand bowlers did justify their captain's decision by picking up both the openers within the first 10 overs.

Adam Lyth, the Lanchashire batsman, could not make an impact in his first international Test inning and was out for just seven runs.

Captain Alastair Cook, who has been under the scanner after the team's dismal performance in the World Cup and the Caribbean tour, was also not able to face the bowlers and got out after scoring 16 runs.

Gary Ballance and Ian Bell didn't stay long and England were reduced to 30-4 in the 13th over.

Root and Stokes then took the charge and got their team out of trouble sharing a partnership of 161 runs.

However, the duo fell short of making centuries at the iconic ground as they both became victims of nervous 90s, scoring 98 and 92 respectively.

Jos Butler and Moeen Ali patiently steered the innings and got England past 300 in the 77th over.

Jos Butler was dismissed on the last ball of the day but put his side in a good position, scoring valuable 67 runs.

With Ali being there at 49 not out, England would hope to get as many runs as possible on the second day.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry, the debutant, was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up three wickets. Trent Bolt got two, while Tim Southee and Mark Craig bagged one wicket each.