Cricket: NZ consolidate at Lord's

New Zealand's Martin Guptill plays a shot off the bowling of England's Moeen Ali during play on the second day of the first Test match at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, May 22, 2015. (AP Pho

In the space of five balls the first test between England and New Zealand spun into a state of flux during the middle session of the second day.

The visitors' position had reached a point of comfort after an opening stand of 148 between Martin Guptill and Tom Latham.

By tea, they were endeavouring to consolidate at 173 for two with Kane Williamson 11 and Ross Taylor seven. They are 216 runs behind the hosts.

Moeen Ali delivered the catalyst for change. The off-spinner trapped Latham lbw for 59. Two balls later, in Stuart Broad's over, Guptill blasted a drive to Gary Ballance at cover to be caught for 70. Taylor's first ball resulted in a strong shout for lbw, which Hawkeye suggested was going over, and three subsequent leg byes. Then Williamson dabbed his first ball into the covers for a single which would have seen Taylor run out at the striker's end, if Broad's underarm had been accurate.

The scenario was a reflection, in miniature, of why this test has been a compelling contest of ebb and flow.

Latham and Guptill's 148-run stand was the second highest by a New Zealand opening pair at Lord's, falling short of the 185 set by John Wright and Trevor Franklin in 1990.

They showed the value of getting into line behind deliveries with limited lateral movement off the wicket.

Earlier, New Zealand fought back to dismiss England for 389 but statistics suggest the visitors would be heading into rare territory if they won. Across 130 tests and 131 years at the ground, only one team has lost after posting more than 389 on the first innings.

England made 425 in 1930, but succumbed to Australia who replied with 729 for six, including 254 to Don Bradman.

Led by Trent Boult with two wickets, New Zealand stymied the flow of runs from the opening day. Only 35 were added on the second morning before the innings wrapped.

Looking refreshed, Boult attacked the crease to get Ali (58) and Broad (3) caught behind. An exclamation after the Ali wicket demonstrated his passion. His efforts continued the momentum gained when he had Jos Buttler lbw with the last ball of the opening day.

Matt Henry returned to snaffle Jimmy Anderson caught and bowled for 11. That left Boult and Henry one wicket short of a place on the dressing room honours board. Boult finished with four for 79 from 29 overs; Henry took four for 93 from 24.5.

In the pre-match warm-up wicket-keeper B-J Watling failed a fitness test but is expected to bat. His right knee swelled up when a Henry delivery hit in the opening session of the first day. As a replacement, Latham's work with the gloves across 74.5 overs proved competent. He conceded 15 byes but took sound catches of Joe Root, Ali and Broad. His batting vigil provided a good advertisement for adjusting to the pace, bounce and slope of the wicket beforehand.

England pace bowler Mark Wood suffered the biggest disappointment when New Zealand were 40 without loss. He lured Guptill into playing at a short length ball which he snicked to Alastair Cook at first slip on 24. The jubilation turned to consternation when a no-ball was revealed after the umpires double-checked.

Wood's still searching for his maiden wicket.

Guptill batted with a black armband out of respect to his wife's grandfather who died recently.