McCullum rescues New Zealand

Published: Thursday, 15 May 2008, 9:58PM

New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum perished a few runs short of a century after reviving his team's fortunes.

McCullum reached 97 from as many balls, helping the visitors reach a competitive 208 for six when bad light stopped play on the opening day of the first Test against England at Lord's.

England skipper Michael Vaughan opted to field after winning the toss, a decision vindicated when James Anderson dismissed Aaron Redmond without scoring in his opening over.

Anderson also scalped Jamie How for seven and bowled Daniel Flynn leg-stump for nine, bringing his haul to three for 42.

Stuart Broad dismissed Ross Taylor and James Marshall for 19 and 24 respectively.

McCullum batted with increasing authority and was only one boundary from his third test century and his first against England when he was unexpectedly bowled by Monty Panesar.

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