New Zealand up the ante at Lord’s as England face a challenging target

England’s batsmen look set for a challenging afternoon to save the first Test after their New Zealand counterparts upped the ante on the final morning to increase their lead to 272 at Lord’s.
New Zealand started the last day, where 98 overs are scheduled to be bowled, 165 ahead and, with eight wickets in hand, plenty in reserve to push for a victory that would have seemed unlikely following Friday’s washout.
Ross Taylor clubbed two sixes in an entertaining 33 from 35 balls while there were also cameos from Tom Latham (36) and Henry Nicholls (23) as the Black Caps went to an early lunch because of rain on 169 for six.
New Zealand are likely to declare at some point this afternoon to leave England the probability of batting to save the Test.
Ollie Robinson made an early breakthrough when nightwatchman Neil Wagner pulled a bouncer straight up in the air, with James Bracey taking a steepler, as the England seamer collected his third wicket of the innings.
Stuart Broad has had a luckless run in this Test and saw Zak Crawley spill a tough chance diving to his right at midwicket to reprieve Latham, on 32 at the time. However, he added just four more runs to his total before Broad pinned the opening batsman in front, ending a run of five successive innings without a wicket.
Taylor deposited Robinson into the stands over midwicket before a streakier outside edge flew over the third man boundary for another six. It was an adventurous innings from Taylor, who played several misses and should have been out when Anderson located his pads, but England were out of reviews.
But it would not prove too costly as, in the next over, Wood leapt wide of the crease and found a bit of movement, tempting Taylor into a drive, with a thick outside edge well taken by Bracey, diving to his right.
There was some rain in the air when Nicholls gloved an attempted reverse sweep off Root, with Rory Burns diving forward to take an excellent catch at slip, before another shower led to the players being hauled off 15 minutes before the scheduled interval.
Latest
-
News
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
News
Harry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
News
Nathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
News
Jofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
News
Northern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
News
Liam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.
-
News
On this day in 2008: Kevin Pietersen named England Test and one-day captain
The South Africa-born batter made a bright start but lasted just five months in the roles.
-
News
James Vince stars as Southern Brave hammer Welsh Fire in Hundred opener
The right-hander blasted 71 off 41 balls.
-
News
Will Jacks hopes to use The Hundred to boost his international prospects
The 23-year-old has had a stand-out season across the formats this year.
-
News
Eoin Morgan backs England to challenge for T20 World Cup despite struggles
England on Sunday slipped to their joint-heaviest defeat in the 20-over format.