LONDON, 23 May 2004 — Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum, promoted to No. 3, ensured New Zealand remained on equal terms with England on the third day of the first Test yesterday with a mature unbeaten 72.

Trailing by 55 on the first innings at Lord’s, New Zealand ended the day of 134 for one after losing captain Stephen Fleming for four with the total only seven.

If England had captured another couple of quick wickets at that stage the tourists would have been in real trouble.

McCullum, playing only his seventh Test innings and his first against England, batted with a confidence which belied his inexperience after stepping in for Nathan Astle, who was suffering from influenza.

Mark Richardson displayed unlimited concentration to remain 46 not out at the close.

McCullum signaled his intentions by square-driving a four Andy Flintoff, who had been entrusted with the new ball. The boundaries continued to flow and he sliced Simon Jones to the boundary and followed with a scampered single to bring up his half-century from 54 balls with eight fours. England, who began the day well placed at 246 for two, owed their eventual total of 441 to a seventh-wicket partnership of genuine quality between Flintoff and wicketkeeper Geraint Jones.

The pair added 105 from 115 balls with Flintoff hitting two sixes in his 63 from 85 balls and Jones one while scoring 46 from 52.

After a quiet start, Flintoff confirmed his emergence as a test class all-rounder over the past year, with a splendid attacking innings.

He upper-cut Daryl Tuffey for six from the fifth ball after lunch then flicked Jacob Oram with deceptive power to the mid-wicket boundary. A cover-drive to the boundary off Tuffey was followed by a cut off Oram for four.

Fleming introduced left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori from the Nursery End and Jones joined in the fun with a quick-footed six over long-on. The Kent keeper, who scored a century for his county against the tourists in their last match, then square-cut Tuffey for two fours.

Flintoff, in full command, hooked Oram for six to bring up the 400, prompting Fleming to call up medium-pace change bowler Scott Styris for his first over of the match.

The move was immediately successful as Jones cut the fourth ball straight to Oram at point. Flintoff was then well caught by Richardson running to his left at mid-off and Simon Jones (4) and Ashley Giles (11) followed quickly.