Southee stars as Kiwis face tough run chase

TIM Southee took six wickets as New Zealand wrapped up England’s second innings inside 10 overs on the fourth day of the first Test at Lord’s.

The seamer finished with figures of 6-50 in 19 overs as England was bowled out for 213.

However, that left New Zealand needing to make 239, which would be the highest total of the match were the Kiwis to achieve it, for victory.

Much would depend on how its top order fared against England new-ball duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad in still overcast conditions favouring seam bowlers.

Southee had bowled New Zealand back into the match with three wickets early yesterday after Jonathan Trott (56) and Joe Root (71) had threatened to take the match away from the tourists.

And the 24-year-old carried on from where he left off, maintaining his accuracy in a burst of six wickets.

The paceman did not have long to wait for a fourth wicket last night, removing nightwatchman Steven Finn for his overnight six with the aid of a second slip catch by substitute fielder Martin Guptill.

Ian Bell, nought not out overnight, was the last of England’s specialist batsmen, having come in down the order after suffering from a bout of flu.

Before this match he’d suggested he could help provide the attacking impetus with the bat England would otherwise miss as a result of Kevin Pietersen being ruled out.

But instead he became Southee’s fifth wicket, caught in the slips for six after pushing tamely well outside off stump, as the paceman secured his place on the Lord’s honours board.