Bethell's late burst leaves New Zealand trailing at The Oval

Bethell's late burst leaves New Zealand trailing at The Oval

Jacob Bethell swung the first day of the Test against England with two late wickets, and New Zealand are on the back foot (2). The scoreboard is not pretty. Sonny Baker chipped in too as England edged ahead on a day that had earlier belonged to your bowlers.

Jofra Archer produced a box-office spell to Glenn Phillips that lit up the ground, reminding everyone what raw pace looks like (1). But the day turned, and England took it.

Day one margins at The Oval. You know how quickly this can flip.

Ireland lose four key players before facing the All Blacks

Ireland will be without Jack Crowley, Andrew Porter, Mack Hansen and one other front-liner when they meet New Zealand in the Nations Championship next month (3). That is four starting-calibre players ruled out of a fixture Ireland already knew would be brutal. The All Blacks watch this news and sharpen their focus.

World Cup opener ahead

New Zealand are back at a World Cup for the first time in 16 years. The All Whites face Iran in Group G, chasing a first-ever tournament win after drawing all three matches in 2010. Ryan Thomas, 31, captains from midfield on his World Cup debut. Marko Stamenic carries his own motivation, wanting to make his late father proud. Egypt await later in the group in what will be the first World Cup meeting between an OFC nation and a CAF opponent.