On a damp third day at Lord’s, Ollie Robinson tore through New Zealand’s batting lineup with a sharp burst of bowling. England now stands close to total control in the first Test. Chasing an extra 199 runs, the tourists found themselves staggering at 55 for 5. Just five wickets remain between them and a loss.

Downpours kept most of the day’s action at bay, allowing less than ten overs total. Still, during the short stretch when play did happen, England seized the chance, Robinson snatching two wickets, to strengthen their hold on the match and move closer to going up by one-nil in the series.

Ollie Robinson’s double blow leaves New Zealand in deep trouble

Out came the clouds, setting up a day made for swing, and Robinson seized it fast when cricket began. New Zealand wanted to stand firm, yet the pace bowler from England saw chances others missed.

A sharp break back did it – that ball took out Rachin Ravindra on 8. Right behind came another blow, Robinson catching Daryl Mitchell plumb in front of the third ball, no score. Two quick wickets ripped through the core of New Zealand’s lineup.

Control shifted fully; England held every advantage now.

Pressure came fast from the home team in those few moments, stopping their opponents from finding rhythm until rain stepped in one more time.

Weather disruptions frustrate players and fans

Out on the pitch, England’s bowlers kept control, yet chatter focused elsewhere. Not the game – the rhythm of the day itself felt broken. Rain fell steadily through the morning hours, holding everything back. Then came the sun near noon. A shift like that usually means action follows fast.

At 12:20, an early meal was brought, leaving those in the stands unsure why the play had halted.

A dusty pitch sat empty while athletes lingered off the field, idle. Each minute lost felt heavier under gray skies, tension building without a ball being bowled.

Just after one in the afternoon, Robinson struck, giving England a sudden edge. Then rain returned by half past two, washing out play once more.

Later that afternoon, checks kept happening, but nothing changed enough to let the game go on. By 5:30 PM BST, after waiting too long, the umpires stopped everything for good.

Devon Conway offers faint hope for New Zealand

Out of the wreckage, Devon Conway stood firm for New Zealand.

Not many could settle, yet he stayed calm at the crease. A patient knock unfolded slowly – 19 off 55 balls, left hand steady on the bat. Light flickers matter when everything else fades. He was still there, unbroken.

Day 4 sees Tom Blundell walking in alongside Conway, finishing the previous session not out on 2. Still, New Zealand find themselves up against it. Half their lineup has already lost wickets, trailing by a heavy margin. Anything short of a dramatic shift looks unlikely to change the outcome.

On day four, England steps forward with steady belief. From the start, Ben Stokes’ team has used every edge the pitch offers – now just five outs stand in their way. Should skies stay clear, the visitors may find little room to fight back. At Lord’s, momentum leans hard toward the home side, wrapping things up before long.