Staff Reporter.
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England resisted the temptation of a final-day chase against New Zealand, doggedly batting through to secure a draw in the first Test at Lord’s.
New Zealand’s lunchtime declaration on 169-6 left the tantalising prospect of England chasing 273 in 75 overs.
However, the target was never seriously pursued, with England instead opting for a safety-first approach led by Dom Sibley’s vigilant unbeaten 60 from 207 balls.
England had reached 170-3 when a draw was agreed with five overs remaining.
The second and final Test of the series at Edgbaston begins on Thursday.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s declaration at the end of a morning when his side bumped along at five runs an over was designed to entice England into a chase that could bring about their downfall.
Perhaps a carefree attempt at a remarkable win would have been a fitting conclusion to England’s first home Test in front of spectators since 2019 on a sun-drenched afternoon at Lord’s.
However, it is understandable that England opted for caution given the inexperience of their team, the absence of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, the quality of the opposition and the deterioration of the pitch.
This has been a Test where New Zealand have held the upper hand, with their chance of winning severely hampered by the loss of the third day to rain.
Some will argue that England should have made a better fist of the chase, but they instead chose to be on level terms going into the series decider.