'It’s just coming home to roost that preparation was really non-existent'

David Lloyd and Mike Atherton highlight England's lack of match practice ahead of the first Test after the tourists were bowled out for 58 by New Zealand in Auckland

^{England were bowled out for 58 by New Zealand}

Mike Atherton and David Lloyd both questioned England’s preparation for the first Test in New Zealand and the meek footwork displayed by their batsman after the tourists were skittled for 58 in Auckland.

Trent Boult returned figures of 6-32 and Tim Southee claimed four wickets of his own as England were made to look foolish on day one at Eden Park.

The innings lasted just 93 minutes and 20.4 overs and included the visitors’ sixth lowest total of all time in Tests.

It came after a warm-up schedule which included just one day of match-type practice for the English batsmen against the pink ball.

Atherton told Sky Sports: “England’s footwork was rusty, to be kind, and non-existent, to be critical.

“For the last 20 minutes we were anticipating talking about a record score.

^{Mike Atherton questioned England's preparation and footwork}

“It’s not a minefield by any stretch of the imagination but they did bowl well.

“When you think of the winter England have had, the long Test stretch in Australia and the concentration on one-day cricket, to come back into it with a couple of two-day games may not be sufficient.

“It’s the type (of situation) that calls for some thought, some technique, the way you should play the swinging ball.”

Lloyd added: “It’s just coming home to roost that preparation was really non-existent.

“There’s not a great deal wrong with the pitch. Forget the pitch. This is through the air and England’s batsmen didn’t cope.”

Atherton also gave credit to New Zealand’s opening bowlers, whose line and length was impeccable throughout.

“There’s two sides to it and you have to give credit to Boult and Southee, who were brilliant,” the former England captain said.

“There was some swing and they are brilliant swing bowlers, a perfect combination for a captain who has a bit of a cross breeze.”

NOW READ: Eden mess: How England buckled in the first session at Auckland