London: England openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook took their team to 26/0 to trail New Zealand by 251 runs at tea Friday on the second day of the first test at Lord’s.

New Zealand was dismissed after lunch for 277 on a day that had four stoppages for bad light.

Strauss will resume after the break on 9 and Cook on 16. New Zealand added 69 runs to its overnight tally of 208/6 with Ryan Sidebottom claiming all four wickets to fall on the second day.

After enduring a wicketless first day, Sidebottom took 4/3 in 10.1 overs with seven maidens. He ended the innings with figures of 4/55.

Following Brendon McCullum’s run a ball 97 on Thursday, captain Daniel Vettori was the main contributor on Friday, making 48 in a 162 minute stay at the crease.

Vettori had struck three consecutive fours off James Anderson behind point when he inexplicably failed to play a stroke at a delivery from Sidebottom that cannoned into his middle stump.

England’s fast bowlers rediscovered in the morning session the same rhythm and discipline that had reduced New Zealand to 104/5 shortly before tea on Thursday.

Brief scores: New Zealand (1st Innings) Total 277 all out (McCullum 97, Vettori 48; Sidebottom: 4/55; Anderson 3/66); England (1st Innings) Total 26 for no loss. (Strauss no 9; Cook no 16)

Source : DNA