LONDON, 24 May 2004 — England will go into today’s final day needing a further 274 runs in a minimum of 90 overs to reach their victory target of 282 in the first Test against New Zealand here at Lord’s.
England, at stumps yesterday, were eight for without loss, with stand-in captain Marcus Trescothick one not out and first innings debut centurion Andrew Strauss six not out.
Earlier England bowled out New Zealand for 336 in their second innings with opener Mark Richardson making 101 to go along with his first innings 93.
Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum made a Test best 96 while England fast bowler Stephen Harmison finished with four for 76.
Trescothick, deputizing for the injured Michael Vaughan, unusually, did not take the new ball at all during New Zealand’s innings although it was available after 80 overs when the tourists were 231 for five.
After tea New Zealand resumed on 269 for five with Richardson 101 not out and Nathan Astle unbeaten on 29, a lead of 214.
But obdurate left-hander Richardson failed to add his score before he was caught behind driving against Harmison.
In his second innings Richardson faced 309 balls in 435 minutes with 10 fours.
That meant the 32-year-old Auckland opener had batted for over 13 and half a hours in the match, a magnificent feat of concentration.
Richardson’s dismissal sparked a fine spell from Harmison with the Durham quick taking three for 14 in 21 balls.
Next to go was Astle who after a 49 featuring six fours edged behind.
Daniel Vettori (five) also fell to the Harmison-Geraint Jones combination, the Kent wicketkeeper taking a fine two-handed catch after diving low to his left.
