England v New Zealand: First Test Ends as a Draw
May 19, 2008
The first test between England and New Zealand has ended as a draw at Lords.
New Zealand started the day 2 runs behind England, at 40-0 in their second innings. With England desperate to force a result from the regularly interrupted match.
England started well, removing Redmond and Marshall in quick succession. Redmond was caught at first slip by Strauss off Anderson, and Marshall caught LBW off Sidebottom for a duck. This left NZ at 52-2, and gave a glimmer of hope to England.
With England rallying, NZ became defensive in the knowledge that they could not afford to collapse and hand the chance of victory to England. Strauss dropped a regulation catch at first slip off the bowling of Broad - with the score at 75-2.
As New Zealand were starting to look comfortable, Monty Panesar was bought into the attack at the Nursery end. With the 3rd ball of his over Panesar caught Taylor LBW for 20 - Score: 99-3.
With NZ 113-3 at lunch there was still a chance of an England victory, but they would have to take 2 or 3 quick wickets after the lunch break. In the 3rd over after lunch, England struck again. Opener How edged to 3rd slip, and Cook dived to his right and caught well. With How looking like he was there for the long haul on 68, the wicket was an important one. 115-4
The impressive McCullum retired hurt on just 11 to give England more hope - especially following his century in the first innings. Could England really force a result from this one?
England’s hopes were all but destroyed as the tea-break was reached with NZ on 199-4. Oram had settled in well for NZ and was frustrating England - and he reached his well deserved century before being bowled out by Sidebottom on 101. The wicket was all but meaningless, as Oram had ensured his side would get the draw.
Before close of play, England claimed the wicket of McCullum - who had returned from his earlier injury. Anderson’s bowling had become a little erratic, but McCullum nicked one behind that was caught easily by Ambrose.
So, the first test frustratingly ends as a draw. For that we can blame the weather - not for the last time this summer I’m sure. It’s difficult to know which way the test would have gone if there were no interruptions, as both England and New Zealand had there moments.
It was disappointing to see England’s middle order provide nothing in the way of runs yesterday though. If it wasn’t for Vaughan’s century, this could have been a very different test. We expect to see an improvement in the 2nd test - Old Trafford, Friday 23rd May - where we also hope the weather allows us to see a result!
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