Post by Rory on May 19, 2008 21:46:06 GMT
Jacob Oram hit a resilient 101 as New Zealand frustrated England to secure a draw in the first Test at Lord's.
The all-rounder came in with his side just 78 ahead at 120-4 after Brendon McCullum was forced to retire hurt.
Oram blunted England's attack and fired 15 fours and two sixes in a 120-ball 101 before falling to Ryan Sidebottom.
McCullum bravely returned but it was Test debutant Daniel Flynn who saw the tourists to 269-6, a lead of 227, when bad light ended play at 1704 BST.
The Test was severely disrupted by bad weather during the first three days but, having taken three wickets before lunch on the final day, England will still be disappointed not to have forced a result.
They were not helped by missing one straightforward catch, while two difficult, but catchable, opportunities were also squandered by the slip fielders.
And many will point to the manner in which Kiwi openers Jamie How and Aaron Redmond emerged unscathed from a crucial final hour of play on day four.
The all-rounder came in with his side just 78 ahead at 120-4 after Brendon McCullum was forced to retire hurt.
Oram blunted England's attack and fired 15 fours and two sixes in a 120-ball 101 before falling to Ryan Sidebottom.
McCullum bravely returned but it was Test debutant Daniel Flynn who saw the tourists to 269-6, a lead of 227, when bad light ended play at 1704 BST.
The Test was severely disrupted by bad weather during the first three days but, having taken three wickets before lunch on the final day, England will still be disappointed not to have forced a result.
They were not helped by missing one straightforward catch, while two difficult, but catchable, opportunities were also squandered by the slip fielders.
And many will point to the manner in which Kiwi openers Jamie How and Aaron Redmond emerged unscathed from a crucial final hour of play on day four.