First Npower test end with a draw

Oram strikes a fascinating century

Brendon McCullum, the lower-middle-order batsman promoted to hit a run-a-ball 97 in the first innings, made a single mistake at Lord’s as New Zealand saved the first Test – and it threatened to cost his side dear until the giant all-rounder Jacob Oram came to its rescue with a century made at Grand Prix speeds.

Oram's risky approach handed England several sharp chances to get him, though none were taken. When he was on 28, a flashing edge off Sidebottom skimmed over Paul Collingwood's hands at second slip. After tea, a leg-side flick off Panesar almost stuck with Ian Bell when he tried to hold it at short leg, but the ball rolled free. The same two were involved in a dash to catch his skied pull off James Anderson, though initial hesitation by both men meant that neither got there.

Without Oram's contribution, as well as a more traditionally steadfast one from debutant Daniel Flynn, the visitors might have left London for Manchester one down.

The pair added 132 for the fifth wicket, though Flynn's share was just 22. Yet his innings of 29 took up 163 minutes until the teams shook hands at 5pm, a vital effort in keeping England's bowlers from scenting victory.

The Score:

New Zealand — 1st innings: 277.

England — 1st innings: 319-9.

New Zealand — 2nd innings: J. How c Cook b Broad 68, A. Redmond c Strauss b Anderson 17, Marshall lbw b Sidebottom 0, Taylor lbw b Panesar 20, B. McCullum c Ambrose b Anderson 24, Flynn (not out) 29, Oram b Sidebottom 101, Vettori (not out) 0; Extras (1nb 4b 5lb): 10. Total (for six wkts in 86.2 overs): 269.

Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-52, 3-99, 4-115, 5-252, 6-269.

England bowling: Sidebottom 21.2-4-65-2, Anderson 19-5-64-2, Broad 17-4-5-41, Panesar 24-8-56-1, Pietersen 5-0-21-0.