Rutherford pushes for opening spot at Lord’s

BLACK CAPS batsman Hamish Rutherford has fired a warning shot to Martin Guptill after scoring a patient 75 in a tour match in the countdown to the first test against England at Lord’s.

Rutherford came in at three in the New Zealand XI match against Worcestershire, at Worcester, having given up his regular opening spot to Guptill – who is looking to fight his way back into the test team after a stellar one-day season – and Tom Latham.

Latham, who is all but assured an opening spot against England, went for a cheap seven. His test average of 40.23 and the fact that he has played nine straight tests since debut should make him feel secure.

Guptill looked more assured and partnered with Rutherford to put on 68 runs before mistiming a shot to mid-on off the bowling of Jack Shantry.

That left the controls firmly in the hands of Rutherford who, while never fluent in his scoring with just five fours, was able to adjust to bowler-friendly conditions at New Road to build a patient innings before being dismissed by England international Moeen Ali.

The New Zealanders declared at 261-9 and had the home team 65-1 at the end of the first day.

Rutherford, 26, who had laser vision eye correction over summer, which is expected to help his game, said he was pleased at the way he handled the conditions.

‘‘It was a bit different, batting at three, having to wait to bat, but it was good to spend a lengthy time at the crease. It was a good challenge.

‘‘They bowled very well. The conditions over here are quite different to what they are back home and at times you can’t play the expansive game that maybe you can back home. You have to adapt to what you have got in front of you. Last game I was a little bit disappointed in my performance so I really wanted to go out there this one and play to the conditions that were in front of me.’’

Rutherford’s form is pleasing for the Black Caps particularly given their stars, including Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, are yet to join the team from the Indian Premier League and are likely to roll into England just two days before the May 21 test start.

All-rounder Corey Anderson is with the team, but is yet to get clearance from his IPL side to take part in the warm-up match.

Meanwhile, England fast bowler Stuart Broad has denied accusations of a boozy night out after he missed a launch for the New Zealand series.