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A potentially intriguing climax to the tour match between a New Zealand Invitational 11 and England was ultimately dissolved by rain in Dunedin today, though not before both test combatants gleaned some positives.
England, New Zealand's selectors and the six players they have included among the 13-man squad
for the first test in Hamilton on Wednesday would have all been encouraged by an experience at University Oval undermined by Otago's unseasonal weather.
The match was abandoned at the scheduled tea interval with England 325 for seven, a comparatively comfortable lead of 185 with 2-1/2 hours to play.
The decision to retire Andrew Strauss shortly after he posted a resolute 104 from 186 balls threatened to backfire when Paul Collingwood departed for a four-ball duck, to leave England 102 to the good with Ian Bell the only recognised batsman remaining.
Bell remained unruffled despite losing Tim Ambrose (33) and Matthew Hoggard (0) to reach his century with his 15th boundary.
Bell's defiant unbeaten 104 had probably removed a viable fourth innings run chase from the equation before the rain set in.
Despite being unable to inflict a morale-sapping defeat, the Invitation 11 skipper Jamie How - one of three new faces in the test squad named at the lunch break - believed the match was a useful exercise.
Rolling England for 131 on Thursday was compounded by first time test opening partners Matthew Bell and How adding 98 later that afternoon.
"A few of their batsmen missed and didn't spend too much time in the middle - that's the main thing," How said.
Alastair Cook, skipper Michael Vaughan and Paul Collingwood, who scored two and a duck, indicated they are not in the best of nick though Strauss ensured a test recall after ending a lean trot, including his Northern Districts stint, with a composed ton in blustery conditions.
While Strauss is due to resume his 43 test career on his adopted home ground Seddon Park, How could officially celebrate his recall, along with Ross Taylor.
South African-born Wellington allrounder Grant Elliot was also given the nod by selector Glenn Turner during the lunch break.
How, who scored 65 on Thursday, was a certainty to replace Craig Cumming after an impressive ODI series against the English though the Central Districts captain had been taking nothing for granted.
"I haven't put a lot of thought into getting picked, I've just been trying to do my best, score runs in the one-dayers and make the most of any opportunity that comes my way."
Taylor was less impressive, making just eight, but Peter Fulton's form slump and knee injury, ensured the free-scoring right hander would return after being overlooked for the two test romp over Bangladesh.
Cast as the future of the New Zealand's middle order last season, Taylor was dropped after averaging 11 in four innings on his debut tour of South Africa in November and has subsequently sought to temper his aggressive approach.
"I learned a lot during the one-day series (against England), and hopefully I can continue to," said Taylor, who produced two important 40s as New Zealand won 3-1.
The squad announcement was also a relief for Mathew Sinclair, perennially under pressure to maintain his middle order spot.
The two-time test double centurion started the week slowly with two and nine not out for an Otago selection but he top scored in the Invitation side's 271 with 47 off 96 balls.
Castigated after what he described as a "dreadful" 47 in his last test innings at the Basin Reserve, Sinclair was in a positive frame of mind after occupying the crease for 114 minutes.
"There was speculation I was batting like a drunk (in Wellington) but I've moved on and I'm looking forward to what's coming up.
"I guess the yo-yo ride continues. I've been presented with an opportunity to hopefully do well against the English.
"This was a good little trial. It's given me a little bit of confidence, a really good idea of what the bowlers are doing. I can move forward in terms of my batting plans."
Meanwhile, Matthew Bell limped from the field after being struck on the ankle while fielding though it is not considered serious.
English seamer Ryan Sidebottom continued to recover from a hamstring strain and should be fit for selection.
- NZPA
