Dom Sibley denied the Black Caps bowlers. Photo / Getty
The Black Caps gave themselves every chance of winning the opening cricket test against England at Lord's, but the hosts' preference to eke out a draw held sway.
Captain Kane Williamson declared at 169 for six, leaving the bait of a 273-run chase off a minimum 75 overs at a required rate of 3.64.
The target was generous in the Twenty20 age, albeit on a wearing pitch and using bowlers with the scope to vary their attack with more short deliveries and fewer field restrictions.
Still, helping New Zealand win a second test at Lord's in 18 attempts was a significant incentive to prevent a dirge of a denouement on a Sunday afternoon in London NW8.
One highlight was the refusal to call off the match with the mandatory 15 overs remaining in the last hour.
Williamson's side walked their pre-match talk of wanting to treat each test on its merits and hunt for the slim prospect of victory rather than opting to rest up. That decision honoured the effort of fans to return to venues as the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic takes a positive turn. They eventually conceded with five still owed.
Reeling in a side dedicated to dunny-door defence guaranteed a tough assignment. Dom Sibley ground out an unbeaten 60 off 207 balls to pave the way. His flair-free batting ensured the series begins afresh at 0-0 this Thursday.
Regardless, the New Zealanders learned more about their capability heading into the world championship final against India starting June 18.
Tim Southee's efforts to move the ball both ways were showcased regularly, rather than just his trademark outswinger to right-handers. Match figures of seven wickets for 80 runs paid tribute to his influence.
Neil Wagner pitched up to demonstrate he's more than just a bumper merchant with crosshairs locked on a batsman's chest and shoulders.
His highlight was getting first innings century-maker Rory Burns snaffled by Southee at second slip for 25, prodding in the fourth stump corridor with minimal footwork.
Mitchell Santner had moments of guile, particularly out of the rough, during his 13 overs. The left-arm orthodox spinner generated appreciable turn at times but was betrayed by the odd full toss and a struggle to release the ball with complete confidence.
The prospect of Ajaz Patel getting an opportunity at the more spin-friendly Edgbaston for the second test this week could offer a welcome comparison in the process of selecting an XI to play India.
Intriguingly, this was the first time in seven third-innings declarations during Williamson's 36 tests in charge that New Zealand has failed to achieve victory.
This was the boldest of his decisions. 279 had been the previous lowest lead with which Williamson had gambled against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi in 2018. New Zealand won that test by 123 runs and the series 2-1 – a first in 49 years away.
The 180 for five call in the first test against the same opponents at Mt Maunganui over summer provided a similar example to today. New Zealand set a target of 373 with more than four sessions left and won by 101 runs with 27 balls in their arsenal.
Such a regular record of success in the practice hints at how Williamson's side compares to its immediate predecessors.
Brendon McCullum's 31 tests in charge generated nine third-innings declarations for five wins and four draws; Ross Taylor's 14-match tenure saw two wins and two draws; Daniel Vettori was the same from 32 tests at the helm; and Stephen Fleming had two wins and five draws during such circumstances in 80 tests with the reins.