Opener Mark Richardson scored a painstaking 93 today to take New Zealand to a commanding 284 for five on the opening day of the first test against England at Lord's.
The compact left-hander was ably supported in a fifth wicket partnership of 106 at the end of the day by Jacob Oram who struck an unbeaten 64 in his first test against England.
Nathan Astle scored 64 from 77 deliveries with 11 boundaries, sharing a second-wicket partnership of 103 with Richardson, while captain Stephen Fleming contributed 34.
New Zealand lost middle order wickets cheaply to the four-pronged England pace attack, with Simon Jones the most impressive of the bowlers, but England could not force home their advantage.
