Agencies

Rory Burns hit 132 as England managed 275 runs in their first innings on the fourth day of the first Test against England at Lord’s yesterday.

Burns played an innings that will satisfy him no end as he batted right through the innings, had phases where things weren’t at all going well for both England or him, took some body blows and still came out of all of that with a century.

And finally he dragged the deficit down to 103, and that is surely that means safety for England at the very least. Tim Southee finished with six for 43 while Kyle Jamieson took three wickets.

English wickets tumbled early on day four leaving the home side on 164-6 at lunch, 214 runs behind New Zealand after fast bowlers Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson tore through their middle order.

England had resumed their first innings on 111-2 after rain washed out day three, and Jamieson gave New Zealand the perfect start when he dismissed Joe Root with the first delivery of the day.

He forced the England skipper into a defensive shot, and the ball flew off a thick outside edge into the hands of Ross Taylor in the slips.

6 for 43

photo: TWITTER