Oram century sees New Zealand draw first Test
London, May 19:
Jacob Oram’s 101 secured a draw for New Zealand on the fifth and final day of the first Test against England at Lord’s here today.
Oram’s fifth Test hundred, and first against England, was the centrepiece of New Zealand’s second innings 269-6 — a lead of 227. When Oram came to the crease, after wicket-keeper and leading batsman Brendon McCullum had retired hurt on 11, New Zealand were only 78 runs ahead at 120-4.
Oram, 55 not out at tea, sped through the 90s with three boundaries after England had taken the new ball with the tall left-hander on 89. He cut the first ball from Ryan Sidebottom for four to go to 93, drove the left-arm quick down the ground to reach 97 and reached his hundred with a shot through the offside against the same bowler. But one ball after completing a hundred, he was bowled having dominated a stand of 132 with Daniel Flynn.
McCullum also had time to resume his batting before he was caught behind for 24. Flynn finished on 29 not out with man of the match and New Zealand captain unbeaten on nought. New Zealand resumed after lunch on 113-3.
England, who were well placed at 148-1 after a first century opening stand between Strauss and Cook, had to settle for a modest first-innings lead of 42 after being bowled out for 319 in reply to New Zealand’s 277.
Vaughan top-scored with 106, his 18th Test century also equalling the Lord’s Test record of six held by former England captain Graham Gooch.