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The first Test match between New Zealand and England at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch took an unexpected turn when a shocking incident disrupted the match. Overnight on Friday, November 29, thieves broke into a secure area at the stadium and stole several items, including two cameras belonging to the UK broadcaster TalkSport.
Big theft during New Zealand vs England first Test
The big theft hindered TalkSport to provide visual coverage of the third day's play on their YouTube channels. Despite 24/7 surveillance, a security breach occurred at the venue, as confirmed by Venues Otautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare. Local authorities are currently investigating the matter, analysing CCTV footage to determine the circumstances of the theft.
Caroline Harvie-Teare, the CEO of Venues Otautahi, stated that the police are currently examining comprehensive CCTV footage to investigate the incident. Additionally, Venues Otautahi is conducting its own thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the theft. To ensure the safety of the teams, media personnel, and facilities for the remainder of the match, the management has committed to implementing enhanced security measures.
“Some of the things we are aware of are some Venues Ōtautahi technology equipment, like laptops; we've had a TV taken from one of the corporate areas; we've had alcohol taken; we've had some food taken, and we are just working through that full list with police on that. It was all locked up, so obviously we are concerned about what's happened; this is not something that has happened before—certainly not in my tenure,” Caroline Harvie-Teare said.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) expressed both surprise and disappointment at the recent break-in and theft of TalkSport's cameras. The board acknowledged the disruption caused to the broadcaster and expressed their sympathy. However, NZC remains committed to supporting the affected team and ensuring they have access to all necessary equipment for the match.
In collaboration with relevant authorities, NZC is taking steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“We take our hosting responsibilities very seriously and are sorry such a talented team of storytellers has been inconvenienced. We've reached out to express our disappointment over the theft and to offer them every assistance in accessing equipment in the interim,” NZC said in an official statement.
England dominate New Zealand in first Test
After put to bat first, New Zealand posted a big total of 348 runs in their first innings, with Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips contributing crucial half-centuries. Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir were the standout bowlers for England, each claiming four wickets.
In response, England amassed a formidable total of 499 runs, propelled by Harry Brook's impressive knock of 171 runs. Captain Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope also played significant roles, scoring fifties each. Matt Henry and Nathan Smith were the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking four and three wickets respectively. England currently holds a dominant position in the match, having reduced New Zealand to 153/6 in their second innings. With a slender lead of just four runs at the end of Day 3, New Zealand face an uphill battle to salvage the Test.
