Jacob Oram's 101 secured a draw for New Zealand on the fifth and final day of the first Test against England at Lord's here Monday. 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.
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. "That was the moment when we created an opportunity and the chance was there to go on and win the game," England captain Michael Vaughan told Sky Sports as he reflected on McCullum's injury.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, man-of-the-match for his first innings haul of five for 69, on a pitch which gave little assistance to his left-arm spin, added: "We've got a team that believes.
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. England, who were well placed at 148 for one after a first century opening stand between Strauss and Cook, had to settle for a modest first-innings lead of 42 after being bowled out for 319. Vaughan top-scored with 106, his 18th Test century also equalling the Lord's Test record of six held by former England captain Graham Gooch.
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