Cook pleased with England's bowling performance

James Anderson and Stuart Broad of England celebrate after winning 1st Test match against New Zealand at Lord’s Cricket Ground on May 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

James Anderson and Stuart Broad led the pace-attack in first Test at Lords as Anderson reached the landmark of 300 wickets and claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Broad rattled the Black Caps in the second innings for 68 and took a career best 7-44 against New Zealand.

Both the pacers exploited the Lord’s wicket to perfection, but Man-of-the-Match Broad, felt his new-ball partner deserved the award. “This award should have gone to Jimmy, he was fantastic in this Test. He picked up his 300th wicket and he’s a pleasure to bowl with,” Broad said.

“We managed to do that as a partnership, and took our catches as well. I’m delighted with the way we stuck at it as a unit today, and it’s obviously fantastic to contribute to an England win.

“Lord’s is a special place to do it; it’s great to be back on that honours board,” the 26-year-old added.

Skipper Alastair Cook was extremely happy with England’s bowling performance as he captained his side for the first time at home. “Of course, there’s a lot of ifs in there – when you walk into the ground in the morning – so to actually deliver an outstanding performance today was a very good effort.”

Elaborating on Broad’s display, Cook added: “Anyone who bowls at high-80s, from six-foot five or six, and bangs a good length – and it’s swinging – it’s going to be very hard.

“I know as an opening batter: if you’re challenging off stump enough – like he does – it’s very hard work.

“He’s got all the attributes of being a world-class bowler and when he gets it totally right like he did today he’s an absolute nightmare (to face).”