Eng vs NZ, 2nd Test: Lawrence, Burns Shine As England Score 258/7 On Day 1 At Stumps

Photo Courtesy: PTI

Opener Rory Burns' half-century was followed by Dan Lawrence's patient unbeaten half-century as England overcame a difficult situation and scored 258/7 on Day 1 of the Eng vs NZ second and final Test at Edgbaston on Thursday.  Despite Burns' 81, England were in trouble after losing six wickets for 175 runs. Photo Courtesy: PTI

Dan Lawrence made unbeaten 67 (100 balls, 11x4s) and steadied England's sinking ship with Ollie Stone (20) by stitching a crucial 47 run partnership for the seventh wicket and an unbeaten 36-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Mark Wood (16 not out). Photo Courtesy: PTI

Rory Burns, who has the top score of the innings with 81 (187 balls, 10x4s), added 72 runs for the first wicket with Dom Sibley (35) to help England get off to a good start. However, New Zealand made a great comeback in the second session by taking four wickets for 85 runs. England scored 67 runs in the first session without losing a wicket. Photo Courtesy: PTI

Earlier, England elected to bat after winning the toss. In the morning session, New Zealand captain Tom Latham tried five bowlers but none of them could take a wicket.  New Zealand are playing the Eng vs NZ 2nd Test without wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling, who failed to recover from a back strain.  Blundell replaced him in the playing XI. Photo Courtesy: PTI

England have made one change and have included Olly Stone in the team in place of suspended fast bowler Ollie Robinson.  James Anderson became the most Test-playing cricketer for England by playing the Eng vs NZ 2nd Test.  This is his 162nd Test. Photo Courtesy: PTI