Weather frustrates England

Only 40 minutes of play was possible on a frustrating third day of the first Test between England and New Zealand.

The opening to the day's play at Lord's was delayed for 25 minutes as drizzle forced the umpires to keep the two sets of players in the pavilion.

When play did eventually get underway, England made steady progress, moving on from their overnight total of 68-0 to add 21 runs before the weather deteriorated and forced the players to take an early lunch.

Persistent drizzle ensured there would be no more play but at least Alastair Cook was able to complete his 17th half-century in Test cricket and was unbeaten on 53 at the close, while Andrew Strauss moved on to 31.

On Friday, four Ryan Sidebottom wickets led to the Black Caps being dismissed for 277.