England ‘saves face’ with draw in first Test against Kiwis, helped by Finn’s half-century

March 10, 2013 | Sports | Written by

Wellington, Mar 10: A struggling English side managed to salvage a draw in the first Test against New Zealand at University Oval in Dunedin on Sunday with a stellar half century by England batsman Steven Finn.

England was 421 for six in their second innings, a lead of 128 when play ended with 15 overs remaining with nightwatchman Finn striking a maiden first-class fifty, which went a long way to saving England in the first Test against the Black Caps.

Finn’s almost five-hour long resistance stretched until the second innings when he succumbed to an ambitious slog-sweep at the left-arm spinner Bruce Mar in.

Nick Compton’s rescue mission of England came to an end in the morning after getting trapped leg-before-wicket by Neil Wagner for 117 as England advanced to 329 for two at the end of the session.

Compton was followed by Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen in the afternoon.

New Zealand bowlers struggled against the unbeaten 64-run stand for the third wicket produced by Finn and Trott, along with a lifeless pitch at Dunedin.

The last day of the first Test was resumed by England on Sunday at 234 for one following Alastair Cook’s dismissal just before stumps for 116 on Saturday.

Black Caps bowler Tim Southee struggled to take the wicket of Finn in the opening over in Sunday and Neil Wagner cashed in on a rare Compton lapse, but it was otherwise plain sailing for England. (ANI)