Black Caps v England: Rain saves New Zealand from three-day defeat as hosts close in at Lord’s

Rain has spared the Black Caps from defeat inside three days to England, but New Zealand are on the ropes at the home of cricket.

Although only 58 balls were possible before Mother Nature claimed bragging rights at Lord’s, the Black Caps fell to 55-5 in their second innings, still 199 runs away from their target of 254.

On a pitch that’s seen batters on both sides struggle, and a top score of just 57 to England debutant Emilio Gay, New Zealand lost two wickets in four balls, as inconsistent bounce and unpredictable lateral movement off the pitch ultimately told.

And unless the surfaces miraculously flattens out under the Lord’s hover cover, England’s attack will aim to wrap up New Zealand’s chase as quickly as they can on day four.

Devon Conway (19 not out) and Tom Blundell (2 not out) will return to the crease on day four – weather permitting – as the hosts close in on victory, and a 1-0 series lead with two tests still to be played.

Ollie Robinson remained New Zealand’s tormentor on day three, taking another two wickets to finish the day with 2-18, to go with the 5-39 he claimed in the Black Caps’ first innings.

After rain wiped out the first session, the Black Caps resumed their chase at 36-3 still 218 runs away from the target, with overhead conditions in England’s favour.

Rachin Ravindra avoided a king pair after his first innings golden duck, and got off the mark with a flawless off-drive, but could only add eight before he was beaten by Robinson, and lost his off-stump at 53-4.

Robinson wasn’t done, either, and trapped Daryl Mitchell LBW for a duck in his next over to leave the Black Caps five down, with 201 still needed for victory.

Blundell and Conway managed to survive 12 deliveries together, before the rain that had been on and off through the entirety of the day returned, before the umpires decided enough was enough nearly three hours later.

England 140 & 226

New Zealand 113 & 55-5 (Conway 19 not out; Atkinson 2-16)

New Zealand need 199 runs for victory

Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.