Newzealand vs England 1st test 2008 – Day 4

The opening Test between England and New Zealand continued to be ruined by the weather as only 8.5 overs of play was possible on day three at Lord’s.

Early morning drizzle meant a delayed start to proceedings before another shower at midday forced the players from the field. In what little action there was England managed to score 21 runs without the loss of a wicket to take their first innings total to 89-0.

Alastair Cook used the time to move to his half century, his 17th 50-plus score in Test cricket coming up with a well-timed four through the covers. The Essex opener will resume on Sunday morning on 53 not out, with opening partner Andrew Strauss alongside him on 31.

Umpires Steve Bucknor and Simon Taufel scheduled several afternoon inspections just when it appeared the rain had relented. However, on each occasion they threatened to leave the safety of the pavilion and get remotely close to the middle the heavens opened again.

By 5.30pm the downpours were getting heavier and the officials decided enough was enough, abandoning play for the day.

With only two days to go a positive result for either teams looks a long shot, though England – who still trail by 188 – will be hoping to engineer themselves into a strong position providing the dark clouds disappear