Cricket: Black Caps v England - Christchurch the winner at Lord's

Matt Henry and Ben Stokes both performed for their respective side's at Lord's on day one. Photo / AP

There was pride on both sides of a Christchurch cricketing divide last night after the performances of two 23-year-olds on the opening day of the first test between England and New Zealand at Lord's.

England finished on 354 for seven after slumping to 30 for four.

On the New Zealand side was Cantabrian Matt Henry, the country's 266th test cricketer and 16th to debut at the historic venue.

He was presented with his cap last night and his parents came across in time to attend the match.

On the England side was Durham's Ben Stokes, who was born in The Garden City, but grew up in northern England where his father Ged coached professional rugby league for a decade.

This morning Stokes senior tweeted: "@benstokes38 @clarey_11 off to bed very well batted my boy#proudmum&dad".

Both were arguably the stand out performers for their sides.

Henry took three for 93 from 24 overs, including an opening spell of two for 19 from five. With three England wickets to get, he's a candidate to become the 18th New Zealander to add their name to Lord's visitors honours board.

Stokes reached 92 before shouldering arms to a Mark Craig delivery that slid down the slope and bowled him within sight of adding his name to England's equivalent in his 10th test.

"I can't say what I want without adding a swear word, so I'll leave it at that," Stokes laughed, having made a pair here last year against India.

"I always back the way I play, regardless of the situation. Another day I could have looked like a wally and nicked out for 20.

"Farby [temporary coach Paul Farbrace] said 'everyone backs you in the changing room. Don't change anything because of the three lions' [the symbol on England's crest].

"It was a bit quiet [in the dressing room initially]. That had changed by 6.30pm, at least compared to mid-afternoon."

Matt Henry celebrates the wicket of England's captain Alastair Cook. Photo / AP

Henry was in awe of how his world had changed in a few days, having previously been to England to play for clubs and New Zealand 'A'.

"It was incredible walking down the stairs [of the Members' Pavilion] with the clapping. Walking out is a moment I'll never forget, but it was good to get some overs under my belt," he grinned.

"The way we started was great. We asked some good questions, but then England fought back well. One ball an over tended to give them a chance [to hit a bad ball] and they took it. If you bowl back of a length you get hurt."

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