[Watch] Debutant Nathan Smith dismisses Joe Root for duck on Day 2 of NZ vs ENG 2024 1st Test

New Zealand's debutant Nathan Smith claimed Joe Root for a duck in what was only his second over in the international arena on Day 2 (Friday, November 29) of the opening Test against England at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The 26-year-old had the ace England batter chopping onto the stumps moments before lunch in the latter's 150th Test.

The dismissal occurred in the 15th over of the innings as Tom Latham decided to give Smith his second. With the right-arm paceman delivering a back-of-a-length delivery, Root looked to dab it to third man but didn't have enough room. The ball took the inside edge and hit the back edge before hitting the stumps. The youngster had nipped out debutant Jacob Bethell for 10 earlier in the over.

The Black Caps began the day on 319/8 but could add only 29 more runs to their tally as Brydon Carse took the remaining two wickets. With that, Glenn Phillips was left stranded at 58 off 87 deliveries. Nevertheless, Kane Williamson was the star for the hosts, scoring 93 before Gus Atkinson dismissed him on Day 1 in Christchurch.

England take control of the proceedings after Nathan Smith's twin strikes

Ollie Pope. (Image Credits: England cricket Twitter)

Before Nathan Smith struck twice, Matt Henry had dismissed Zak Crawley for a duck, with the debutant's wickets leaving the tourists reeling at 45/3. Will O'Rourke got the better of Ben Duckett for 46 as England slipped to 71/4. Nevertheless, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope counterattacked brilliantly to narrow the gap.

Tim Southee, playing his last Test series, came up with a breakthrough as Ollie Pope slashed to point, only for Glenn Phillips to take a one-handed screamer, sending the right-hander packing for 77. It also ended a partnership of 151 between Pope and Brook. However, Brook made it to the magical three-figure mark successfully.