Fans in England got to enjoy international cricket from the stands for the first time since 2019 as Joe Root's team took on New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's on Wednesday. It was England's first Test in front of a crowd since the 2019 Ashes and the venue capacity was capped at 25 per cent, around 7,500 spectators per day. The mood was upbeat as supporters made it to the ground before the start of play. Many members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) were among those in attendance, standing out from the crowd due to the striking colours of their club jackets, ties and even face masks. On the ground, Ollie Robinson was handed his England debut alongside wicketkeeper James Bracey. It was a special day for veteran seamer James Anderson who made his 161st Test appearance, equalling Sir Alastair Cook's record. New Zealand handed a Test debut to Devon Conway, who opened the innings alongside Tom Latham. Also, England and New Zealand took part in a 'moment of unity' ahead of the first Test to 'highlight and try to drive out all forms of discrimination within the game'.
