English media have reacted with disdain following their side's capitulation on day one of the pink ball Test match against the Black Caps at Eden Park, as the tourists folded for just 58 in their first innings.
As a fired up duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee tore through England's batting lineup like a knife through butter, the tourists folded within less than a session before Black Caps captain Kane Williamson's 91 not out anchored New Zealand's first innings reply to secure a 117-run lead at stumps on the first day.
Writing for the BBC, famed cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew didn't hold back in his assessment of England.
"I don't think anyone who watched the play would claim England were bowled out for 58 because of tricky conditions. That was not the case and New Zealand's reply put the performance into context," he wrote.
"This is a two-match Test series and the last thing you want to do is be out of the series on the first day, but that is where England are unless they can produce something spectacular. They are going to need a miracle."
Vic Marks of the Guardian was also criticial of his side's showing.
"England mustered 58 runs in their innings and it could have been more humiliating but for a last wicket-partnership of 31."
"Neither the pink ball nor a well-grassed pitch could account for the ineptitude of England's batsmen and this was demonstrated by the effortless way in which Kane Williamson compiled an unbeaten 91."
Chris Stocks of the London Evening Standard had strong condemnation for England's limp effort, as the visitors stare down a defeat of historic proportions after just one day.
"After their 4-0 mauling by Australia in the Ashes, this two-match series was meant to be a fresh start for Joe Root's team, an opportunity, as the captain had said before the match, to 'Change our momentum going into the summer'".
"Instead, England flirted with humiliation of historic proportions as they were bowled out for just 58 inside the first session of this opening day-night Test at Eden Park."
The second day's play from Eden Park begins at 2pm today.
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