Williamson gives Kiwis the edge

London, may 23

Kane Williamson's century gave New Zealand a significant lead over England in the first Test at Lord's.

New Zealand were 507 for eight at tea on the third day, 118 runs ahead following England's first innings 389. Williamson made 132, having shared stands of 189 with Ross Taylor (62) and 66 with McCullum (42). He also put on an even 50, with BJ Watling, 47 not out at tea.

England debutant paceman Mark Wood took two wickets for four runs in 18 balls either side of a rain break and off-spinner Moeen Ali two for none in three. But by then the damage had been done, with England in danger of breaking India's unwanted record of 76 extras in a Test innings after conceding 67 additional runs.

New Zealand resumed Saturday on 303 for two, with Williamson 92 not out and Taylor unbeaten on 47.

England with the new ball available just three overs after the start of the play, opened proceedings with Ali.

Williamson promptly helped himself to five runs before a three down to third man off James Anderson saw the New Zealand No. 3 —unlike England's Joe Root and Ben Stokes who'd both fallen in the 90s earlier in this match — to a hundred.

Batting with impressive serenity for a 24-year-old, Williamson's century came in just over three hours off 148 balls including 12 fours. It was the talented Williamson's 10th hundred in 40 Tests — an impressive strike-rate — and the 14th by a New Zealand batsman in a Test at Lord's. But batting in overcast conditions became significantly more challenging once England took the new ball with New Zealand 315 for two off 80 overs. The extra bounce on offer proved Taylor's undoing when he fended at a rising ball from Stuart Broad and was brilliantly caught, one-handed down the legside. — AFP