England broadcasters lose camera gear at Hagley Oval during 1st NZ vs ENG 2024 Test 

England broadcasters TalkSPORT have reportedly lost their camera gear at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch midway through the first Test between England and New Zealand. The items in question are suspected to have been stolen overnight, and the incident came to light ahead of the third day's (November 30) play.

New Zealand is renowned for being one of the most hospitable nations in the world, and incidents such as these are almost unheard of.

"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).

Without cameras, talkSPORT has been forced to provide limited coverage of the ongoing contest. According to a report by The New Zealand Herald, authorities in New Zealand Cricket have been asked for a comment on whether an investigation will be launched.

This also raises doubts over the security at the venue and paints Christchurch and New Zealand in a bad light.

England have amassed a sizeable lead against New Zealand in the first Test

England overcame a rough period in their first innings to end Day 2 on a commanding note. Harry Brook's hundred allowed the visitors to take a lead against New Zealand's first-innings score of 348 runs.

Resuming from their overnight score, England were aided by more inputs from Brook and Ben Stokes, while the lower-order pair of Gus Atkinson (48) and Brydon Carse (33*) also chipped in to push the total to 499 runs.

As of writing, New Zealand are placed at 82-3 after 25 overs, with Rachin Ravindra perishing to Brydon Carse at the start of the final session.

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