Brendon McCullum fell cruelly short of a Lord's hundred once again after instigating a New Zealand fightback in the first npower Test.
“It was bitter-sweet,” admitted former Glamorgan player McCullum, whose run-a-ball effort was considerably slower than his recent unbeaten 158 in the Indian Premier League.
“Obviously it’s disappointing not to have made a hundred and still be at the wicket but I am very proud to have stepped up to the challenge of moving up the order.
“It takes a bit of bravery at times to play like that because you open yourself up to criticism if it doesn’t come off.
“But I enjoy playing like that. It gives me satisfaction and hopefully when it comes off it gives others satisfaction as well.”
Having reached tea unbeaten on 36, McCullum went on the rampage after the interval to add a further 61 off just 42 deliveries as England let things slip.
Wicketkeeper McCullum, promoted to number five for this series, hit a swift 97 before being bowled by Monty Panesar off his pads.
That meant the Black Caps were 208 for six on day 1 when bad light stopped play but things had been much worse as England claimed the first five wickets inside 32 overs after Michael Vaughan won the toss.
The Scores:
New Zealand — 1st Innings: J. How c Ambrose b Anderson 7, A. Redmond c Cook b Anderson 0, J. Marshall c Strauss b Broad 24, R. Taylor c Collingwood b Broad 19, B. McCullum b Panesar 97, D. Flynn b Anderson 9, J. Oram (batting) 23, D. Vettori (batting) 5; Extras (b-12, lb-8, w-1, nb-3): 24; Total (for six wkts. in 52.1 overs) 208.
Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-18, 3-41, 4-76, 5-104, 6-203.
England bowling: Sidebottom 18.1-5-50-0, Anderson 12-3-42-3, Broad 15-3-70-2, Collingwood 3-1-11-0, Panesar 4-1-15-1.
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