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Blundell, Ravindra revive New Zealand after early wobble on Day 1
New Zealand recovered from an early wobble to seize control on the opening day of the one-off Test against Ireland in Belfast, riding on a superb centuries from Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra.
After opting to bowl first at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Ireland struck twice inside the opening hour to leave New Zealand under pressure at 21 for 2. Tom Latham and Devon Conway both fell cheaply as the hosts made full use of the lively conditions. Kane Williamson (36) then steadied the innings with a measured stay before adding a crucial partnership with Ravindra worth 64 runs.
The third-wicket stand helped New Zealand regain balance after the shaky start, and it was Ravindra who anchored the innings through the middle session. After losing Williamson and then Daryl Mitchell in quick succession, New Zealand slipped to 86 for 4 once gain. Ravindra, however, added 217 runs for the fifth wicket with Blundell to once again revive New Zealand’s innings.
Ravindra mixed patience with controlled aggression, reaching a fine century before falling for 121 to Harry Tector. Blundell, meanwhile, produced one of the day’s defining knocks. The wicketkeeper-batter absorbed pressure early before accelerating against the older ball, striking 18 fours and two sixes en route to an unbeaten 141.
By stumps, New Zealand had advanced to 361/5 in 94 overs, with Dean Foxcroft unbeaten on 35 and supporting Blundell in an unbeaten stand worth 58. After early success, Ireland’s bowlers toiled hard across the day, with Mark Adair the pick of the lot with figures of 3 for 66. The hosts, however, struggled to maintain control once the surface flattened out.
