New generation gather pace amid England inconsistency

Are England good? Consistently inconsistent across the whole of 2024, it is anyone's guess where England's true mean lies. But in a year where they have waved goodbye to Stuart Broad, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson, a new generation has officially emerged.

- CAMERON PONSONBY

The 4-1 series defeat in India at the start of this year was the catalyst. Dropped were Bairstow and Ben Foakes, while Anderson was given a farewell Test against the West Indies to say goodbye. A dominant home summer followed against weak opponents, which in turn was followed up by two heavy defeats in Pakistan.

This tour of New Zealand was meant to be the true litmus test. A strong opponent, playing on their own turf in a country in which England haven't won a series since 2008. The Kiwis were considered marginal favourites in some quarters and heavy in others. No one, however, expected England to cruise to a 2-0 lead with two crushing victories. A country that hadn't been conquered in 16 years, swept aside in less than two weeks.

But New Zealand have been bad. And at some points, they have been awful. An out-of-character first Test performance, where they dropped eight catches and threw away strong positions in both the first and second innings of the match, was followed up by a disappointing showing in the second.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, they had England 21-3 and on the ropes, before a Harry Brook century lifted England to 280. But New Zealand were still set up to finish day one in a strong position. Wrong. They lost five wickets of their own before close and less than six hours after they had threatened to skittle England for under 100, they were staring defeat in the face.