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New Zealand stutters after a brisk start

Ted Corbett

— Photo: AP

ARE YOU OK? England speedster James Anderson takes a look at Daniel Flynn after his bouncer injured the New Zealander.

MANCHESTER: Under skies seemingly moulded in lead, Ryan Sidebottom once again opened cracks in the New Zealand batting to set England alight when the second Test began at Old Trafford.

Ross Taylor, a one-day wolf in Test clothing, replied by racing to 53 in 52 balls, Jacob Oram, sent in when Daniel Flynn was hurt, proved he can block as well as hit and at tea, during a spell of rain and bad light, New Zealand was 180 for four off 50 overs, remarkable progress in the first two sessions of a Test.

There is no question this is the most spirited Kiwi side in decades For the first 23 overs you could have been excused for thinking New Zealand and not England was the superior side as its batsmen put on 80, mostly from the middle of the bat and always with shots that betokened confidence.

Contrasting pair

Jamie How is a correct and careful batsman — quick to drive and always going forward — and he led the way with cultured strokes.

Though his partner Aaron Redmond was less assured and trailed How in the run-scoring stakes, the partnership looked better for the contrast in styles.

After winning the toss, New Zealand looked as if it had learnt the lessons of Lord’s and was determined to build a solid base.

It was helped by Michael Vaughan, who brought on Monty Panesar after only ten overs but Panesar was wayward.

Sidebottom was just the opposite. When he could not get past the batsmen’s defence, he held them in such thrall that only 12 runs came in his first eight overs.

He also tested the resolve of the newly returned umpire Darrell Hair with an lbw appeal but Hair held firm although there was a case for raising the finger.

Quick strikes

Sidebottom was recalled and he struck twice in seven balls to turn the game upside down. First he made a ball cut back to hit the top of Redmonds’ off stump, then he persuaded umpire Simon Taufel that James Marshall was lbw for nought after only six balls and his shaggy hair was shaking like a dog who has slipped his lead for a swim.

At lunch New Zealand was 92 for two and four overs later James Anderson, blowing hot and cold as usual, produced a superb ball for Tim Ambrose to catch How at 64.

Ross Taylor, with two fours off Anderson, and Brendon McCullum, with a four and a six, threatened mayhem but Panesar made one ball bite and McCullum edged it to Paul Collingwood at short slip.

Now 80-0 read 123-4, Panesar was dancing and worse was to follow for New Zealand.

Nasty blow

Daniel Flynn was a resistance hero at Lord’s but England clearly believes the Kiwis are not happy with the bouncer.

An Anderson bouncer hit his grill which was forced back into his face so that he cut his forehead and lost a tooth.

He had to go off which led to one of the Old Trafford traditions which will not be missed if, as forecast, the ground stages no Test for four years.

Those fans who drink at lunch time find it good fun to support Lancashire players so Anderson received a round of applause every time he moved afterwards and particularly when he hit Jacob Oram on the helmet hard enough for four byes to be added to the score.

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