Eng need 273 to win after Kiwis declare at 169/6

New Zealand accelerated their scoring rate before declaring their second innings at 169-6 at lunch on Sunday, setting England a target of 273 on the final day of the first test at Lord’s.

With a draw the most likely outcome given the third day was washed out, New Zealand hoped to turn the result in their favour as they added to the overnight score of 62-2 with the loss of four wickets before rain forced an early lunch.

Debutant Ollie Robinson was once again lethal in his opening spell, picking England’s first of the morning session as New Zealand nightwatchman Neil Wagner edged a bouncer through to wicketkeeper James Bracey.

The tourists continued to look for boundaries to give their bowlers a chance to fight for a win but lost wickets at regular intervals. Tom Latham was trapped leg-before on 36 by Stuart Broad before a flying Bracey caught Ross Taylor (33) off Mark Wood’s bowling.

Henry Nicholls (23) was caught trying to reverse-sweep Joe Root’s off-spin but not before New Zealand had added 97 crucial runs in the morning session.

BJ Watling (15) and Colin de Grandhomme (9) were at the crease when rain forced the umpires to call for an early lunch. Skipper Kane Williamson then decided to declare the second innings during the lunch break.

Despite Rory Burns’ determined 132, England were bowled out for 275 on day four as New Zealand were able to secure a first-innings advantage of 103, with pace bowler Tim Southee taking a superb six wickets for 43 runs.

“But the England side don’t just roll over,” Southee said after Day 4 on Saturday.

“Who knows what may happen but it’s great to be in a position where we can push on with all three results still possible,” he added.

“Any time you contribute to the side and do your job it’s very satisfying and I guess it’s a little bit sweeter at such as special grounds as Lord’s,” he said.

“I think New Zealand are probably slightly ahead in the game. The third innings is always a tricky one to try to pace, to try to push a positive result, and they’re obviously running out of a little bit of time,” said England centurion Rory Burns.