England broadcasters TalkSPORT reportedly lost their camera equipment at Hagley Oval in Christchurch during the first Test between England and New Zealand. The gear is believed to have been stolen overnight, with the incident discovered before the third day’s play on November 30.
New Zealand is widely recognized as one of the world’s most welcoming nations, making incidents like this exceedingly rare.
“We’ve had a break-in. We’ve lost our cameras and we won’t be able to broadcast via the talkSPORT cricket Youtube channel today. There will be audio but no pictures.”
“We’ve had nothing but hospitality the customary New Zealand way all week, but sadly this is bad news to wake up to,” talkSPORT cricket editor Jon Norman said (via their official X account).
Not the news we wanted to bring you ahead of Day 3 at Hagley Oval
🎙️ @FulhamJon & @Harmy611 report
Hear #NZvENG live & exclusive on @talkSPORT2 & the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube Channel
📻 Listen 👉 https://t.co/giS0Yf685T
📺 Watch 👉 https://t.co/89cxbZDC8j pic.twitter.com/mjuiMwWHBT— talkSPORT Cricket (@Cricket_TS) November 29, 2024
Without their cameras, TalkSPORT has been compelled to provide limited coverage of the ongoing match. According to The New Zealand Herald, New Zealand Cricket authorities have been approached for a comment on whether an investigation will be initiated.
The incident also raises concerns about security at the venue and casts a negative impression on Christchurch and New Zealand.
England has built a significant lead over New Zealand in the first Test
England recovered from a difficult start in their first innings to end Day 2 in a commanding position. Harry Brook’s brilliant century proved pivotal, enabling the visitors to not only stabilize their innings but also surpass New Zealand’s first-innings total of 348 runs with authority.
Starting from their overnight total, England benefited from contributions by Harry Brook and Ben Stokes, while lower-order batsmen Gus Atkinson (48) and Brydon Carse (33*) added valuable runs, taking the score to 499. Currently, New Zealand stands at 82-3 after 25 overs, with Rachin Ravindra falling to Brydon Carse early in the final session.
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