Tim Southee took six wickets but a painstaking hundred from England's Rory Burns halted New Zealand's march towards victory in the first Test at Lord's on Saturday. New Zealand, following Friday's total washout, damaged their hopes of going 1-0 up in this two-match series by twice reprieving Burns before the Surrey left-handed opener completed his third Test century. "We couldn't have asked for a better start, getting a quality batter in Root out first ball," Southee told reporters. He also received a heartfelt round of applause in a match that marked the return of spectators to international cricket in England following the easing of last year's coronavirus restrictions. The pair shared an entertaining stand of 52 before Southee had Burns, in sight of batting through the innings, caught behind.

Source: News 24 June 05, 2021 18:33 UTC