Oram century sees New Zealand to first Test draw

Jacob Oram's 101 secured a draw for New Zealand on the fifth and final day of the first cricket Test against England at Lord's here today.

Jacob Oram’s 101 secured a draw for New Zealand on the fifth and final day of the first cricket 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 for six – 227 ahead.

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 for four.

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But by the time he was out, New Zealand had made the game ahead of the start of the second Test of this three-match series at Old Trafford on Friday.

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 delivery with the new 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 forcing shot through the offside against the same bowler.

But one ball after completing a 120-ball hundred with two sixes and 15 fours that got him onto the Lord’s honours board, he was bowled having dominated a stand of 132 with Daniel Flynn in which the Test debutant made just 22. There was still time for McCullum, who made a run-a-ball 97 in the first innings, to resume before he was caught behind for 24.

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Flynn finished on 29 not out with New Zealand captain, man-of-the-match for his first innings five for 69, unbeaten on nought.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 1st Innings: 277. England 1st Innings: 319. New Zealand 2nd Innings 269 for 6 (overnight: 40-0) (Jamie How 68, Jacob Oram 101, Sidebottom 2-65, Anderson 2-64)