England settle for draw vs NZ

LONDON: England offered stiff resistance in the final session to secure a tedious draw against New Zealand on day five of the first test at Lord’s on Sunday.

Chasing 273 for a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, England finished their second innings with 170-3 in 70 overs before both sides shook hands on a draw late in the evening.

Having lost day three’s play due to rain, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson declared their second innings at 169-6 at lunch.

England openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley arrived at the crease focusing only on blunting the new-ball bowling attack in a bid to save the test match.

The pair showed incredible patience in adding 49 runs by the 24th over before Burns (25) was caught in the slip cordon off Neil Wagner’s bowling.

Zak Crawley (2) did not last long at the crease as he dragged Tim Southee’s outswinging delivery straight to gully.

Captain Joe Root (40) was the only wicket to fall in the final session when he was trapped leg-before by Wagner.

Sibley continued to frustrate the bowlers at the other end and finished with 60 off 207 deliveries, while Ollie Pope was unbeaten on 20.

Earlier, New Zealand hoped to turn the result in their favour as they added to their overnight score of 62-2 with the loss of another four wickets before rain forced an early lunch.