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England build sound platform in first innings

16/05/2008

England laid a solid foundation in their first innings of the Lord's Test against New Zealand, making it to 68-0 before bad light once again brought an end to proceedings.

Earlier, the Black Caps were bowled out for 277, with Ryan Sidebottom cleaning up the tail taking his figures to a respectable 4-55 following a wicketless first day.

England had reached 26-0 before poor visibility forced umpires Simon Taufel and Steve Bucknor to bring the players off the field.

After the weather-induced interval, Andrew Strauss - back as opening batsman after initially being re-introduced to the England order at number three - played an anchor role as partner Alistair Cook reached 43 from just 61 balls.

Strauss was 24 not out at the close, giving the Kiwis no chances on his home ground - a pull off seamer Chris Martin through square leg for four being the highlight of a determined knock.

Cook looked the more fluent of the pair, directing Tim Southee through point and flicking away to the leg-side for consecutive boundaries.

England will resume 209 runs behind in the morning, with New Zealand's bowling attack needing to ask more questions of the batsmen in order to make inroads.