sport news LAWRENCE BOOTH: Matt Potts looked a complete natural on his Test debut for ... trends now
As James Anderson and Stuart Broad began leaking runs after lunch on the first day of the Test summer, a question arose that few would have predicted a couple of weeks ago: why not throw the ball to Matt Potts?
It was hardly outrageous that England's two greatest wicket-takers were in harness. Anderson was striving for another five-wicket haul on his Test comeback.
Meanwhile, Broad had played his part in New Zealand's early capitulation with the wicket of Devon Conway – scorer of a double-century here on debut a year ago.
Matthew Potts (pictured) enjoyed an England Test debut to remember at Lord's on Thursday
The Durham quick bowler, 23, impressively took four wickets for 13 runs across his nine overs
But Potts was twiddling his thumbs in the outfield with figures of 8-4-8-3, having disposed of Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell. Before this game, the sum total of his experience at Lord's had been four sets of five (the Hundred doesn't do overs) for Northern Superchargers.
Now, on Test debut, he was treating the fabled slope like an old friend. Stunned, New Zealand went into the break at 36 for six, looking anything other than world Test champions. Still, the first hour after lunch did not all go England's way.
Anderson's eight overs cost 60, and Colin de Grandhomme oversaw a recovery. Finally, Ben Stokes turned to Potts, his Durham team-mate – and with his first ball he pinned Ajaz Patel leg-before.
At that point, he had figures of four for eight, and was heading for one of the honours boards' more memorable inscriptions. Had Stokes not ordered him off because he was suffering cramp in his left leg, he might now be up there in lights.
No matter. It took a lot to overshadow the return from selectoral purdah of Broad and Anderson – and Potts managed it.
It took a lot to overshadow the return from selectoral purdah of veteran bowlers Stuart Broad (left) and James Anderson (centre) - but Potts managed it with a fiery and disciplined display
His ascent to Test cricket was helped by injuries to Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson, but close observers of Durham this season will tell you that England's hand has been forced to their advantage.
Potts's haul of 35 county championship wickets - five clear of anyone in the country - includes six-fors against
