1st npower Test: England v Zimbabwe at Lord's, 22-26 May 2003

Ball-by-Ball Commentary

       Good day, and welcome to Wisden CricInfo's live coverage of the
        England-Zimbabwe Test series, beginning today with the first Test
        at Lord's.
       England cannot but be considered favourites today, despite the fact
        that Nasser Hussain does not have the attack he would like. Andrew
        Caddick, Darren Gough and Andrew Flintoff are all injured, and
        Matthew Hoggard was passed fit only recently.
       Their batting, luckily, is not as plagued by ill-health. Alec
        Stewart's presence as low as number seven will pose quite a
        challenge to Zimbabwe's relatively weak attack.
       The absence of Andy Flower is undoubtedly the biggest disadvantage
        that Zimbabwe will face. Flower's solid middle-order presence in
        Tests gave his side a fighting look, and a brittle-looking top-
        order must now assert itself if Zimbabwe is to get anywhere
       The warm-up matches have helped to some extent. Opener Mark
        Vermeulen hit a sterling 198 in drawn tie against Sussex, a match
        that also saw Grant Flower and Sean Ervine make runs.
       In a tied thriller against Worcestershire, Stuart Carlisle hit 157,
        and was aided and abetted by youngster Tatenda Taibu.
       Conditions at Lord's are overcast, and no doubt a few match
        interruptions due to drizzle and rain are forthcoming within the
        next few days.
       The drizzle and conditions made themselves felt at the outset, with
        the start being delayed, and the forecast does not get much better
        for today.

Match State: Delay - Day 1 - Rain delays start

       The covers continue to come out at Lord's, the prospect of play -
        immediate play at any rate - looking quite gloomy at the moment.
       The covers are now coming off, and the captains coming out to toss.
       Heath Streak won the toss and opted to bowl first, keen to use the
        overcast conditions.
       Teams:
       England: 1 Marcus Trescothick, 2 Matthew Vaughan, 3 Mark Butcher, 4
        Nasser Hussain (capt), 5 Robert Key, 6 Anthony McGrath, 7 Alec
        Stewart (wk), 8 Ashley Giles, 9 Steve Harmison, 10 James Anderson,
        11 Matthew Hoggard
       Zimbabwe: 1 Mark Vermeulen, 2 Dion Ebrahim, 3 Stuart Carlisle, 4
        Grant Flower, 5 Tatenda Taibu (wkt), 6 Sean Ervine, 7 Heath Streak
        (capt), 8 Andy Blignaut, 9 Travis Friend, 10 Raymond Price, 11
        Douglas Hondo
       Debuts: James Anderson, Anthony McGrath and Sean Ervine
   0.1 Streak to Trescothick, two runs, tucked away off the chest just
        behind square on the legside, and England off the mark with the
        very first ball with a couple of runs
   0.2 Streak to Trescothick, no run, outside the off stump, and
        Trescothick lets this one go past to Taibu
   0.3 Streak to Trescothick, no run, closer to the batsman, and
        Trescothick is drawn forward, the ball beating the outside edge of
        the bat
   0.4 Streak to Trescothick, no run, good line from Streak, the ball
        seaming in just a touch into the left hander after it passes him
   0.5 Streak to Trescothick, FOUR, full and outside the off, and
        Trescothick has a wild flay at that loose ball, not completely in
        control of the stroke but slashed away to point all the same
   0.6 Streak to Trescothick, one run, patiently turned behind square and
        a quick single to retain the strike

End of over 1 (7 runs) England 7/0
HH Streak 1-0-7-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 7* (6b 1x4) MP Vaughan 0* (0b)

       Blignaut to start off proceedings from the other end
   1.1 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, dropswapends
   1.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, dropped just off the pitch into
        the offside, and Vaughan calls Trescothick for a single but then
        sends him back
   1.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, and Trescothick
        gets up on his toes and then shoulders arms, letting it go past
   1.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
   1.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, bye: one run, down the legside, and
        Trescothick tries to get some bat on it to run it away to fine
        leg, misses, and Taibu leaps to his right and just manages to get
        glove on th eball to keep it down to a single bye
   1.6 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, short and way outside the off stump,
        and Vaughan lets it past

End of over 2 (1 run, maiden) England 8/0
AM Blignaut 1-1-0-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 7* (11b 1x4) MP Vaughan 0* (1b)

   2.1 Streak to Trescothick, no run, half volley on off stump, and
        Trescothick comes forward and pats the ball away into the legside
   2.2 Streak to Trescothick, one run, dabbed into the covers off the back
        foot, and a well-taken single
   2.3 Streak to Vaughan, no run, very nice ball, the ball is full and
        just outside the off, and Vaughn comes forward and probes for it,
        beaten outside the off stump
   2.4 Streak to Vaughan, no run, a similar delivery to the previous one,
        but Vaughan plays it rather better, thinking about playing it
        before leaving it alone at the last moment
   2.5 Streak to Vaughan, no run
   2.6 Streak to Vaughan, no run, another dot ball, this one further
        outside the off and seaming away, making it weasy for Vaughan to
        leave alone

End of over 3 (1 run) England 9/0
HH Streak 2-0-8-0 - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 8* (13b 1x4) MP Vaughan 0* (5b)

   3.1 Blignaut to Trescothick, two runs, full and on the off, and
        Trescothick instintively latches onto it with the straight drive,
        sending the ball racing down towards the pavilion before it is
        dragged back by Streak
   3.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, the first short ball of the
        morning, well directed at Trescothick's head, and the batsman
        ducks away from the line of th eball
       Protesters on the field now, stopping play for the time.
   3.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, well bowled, drawing Trescothick
        forward and beating the outside edge of the bat
   3.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, full delivery, and Trescothick
        cannot put that away, smashing the ball straight to the cover
        point fieldsman
   3.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
   3.6 Blignaut to Trescothick, two runs, on the hips, drifting down leg,
        and Trescothick clips that away to square leg and runs two as
        Hondo chases after it

End of over 4 (4 runs) England 13/0
AM Blignaut 2-1-4-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 0* (5b) ME Trescothick 12* (19b 1x4)

   4.1 Streak to Vaughan, no run, just outside the off, and Vaughan
        strides forward and shoulders arms
   4.2 Streak to Vaughan, no run, closer to Vaughan this time, and this
        one beats the bat
   4.3 Streak to Vaughan, no run, fuller and still outside the off, Streak
        getting his line right to Vaughan here
   4.4 Streak to Vaughan, one run, full and a slower ball as well, and
        Vaughan prods forward and dabs it into the covers, getting his
        single to get off the mark
   4.5 Streak to Trescothick, one run, worked off the hips into the
        midwicket region
   4.6 Streak to Vaughan, no run, worked just past the short leg fielder,
        and a loud "No" from Trescothick deters Vaughan from the single

End of over 5 (2 runs) England 15/0
HH Streak 3-0-10-0 - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 13* (20b 1x4) MP Vaughan 1* (10b)

   5.1 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, short and angled across the
        batsman, left alone
   5.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, FOUR, short and wide, begging to be hit,
        and Trescothick obliges, spanking that away in front of point to
        the fence for four
   5.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, pushed wider of Tresothick, would
        have been a wide in ODIs but not called in Tests
   5.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
   5.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, back closer to Trescothick,
        pitching onmiddle and seaming away
   5.6 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, glided to point

End of over 6 (4 runs) England 19/0
AM Blignaut 3-1-8-0 - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 1* (10b) ME Trescothick 17* (26b 2x4)

   6.1 Streak to Vaughan, no run
   6.2 Streak to Vaughan, three runs, fuller ball, almost yorker length,
        and Vaughan gets in a bit of a tangle playing that away to third
        man, Ervine chases after it and pulls it back as the batsmen run
        three
   6.3 Streak to Trescothick, no run, defedned on the front foot
   6.4 Streak to Trescothick, no run, full delivery, pushed to the short
        extra cover fieldsman
   6.5 Streak to Trescothick, no run
   6.6 Streak to Trescothick, no run, short of a length, lided to backward
        point

End of over 7 (3 runs) England 22/0
HH Streak 4-0-13-0 - Nursery End
MP Vaughan 4* (12b) ME Trescothick 17* (30b 2x4)

   7.1 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, well bowled, the ball just on off
        stump and then seaming away late, Vaughan plays and misses
   7.2 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, and again, Vaughan drawn forward and
        the ball then beating the outside edge. Vaughan walks into mid-
        pitch to inspect the surface closely
   7.3 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, short of a length, and Vaughan lashes
        into the pull, the ball whistling inches away from the blade
   7.4 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, super delivery, this one again
        pitching middle and off and then moving away off the seam
        prodigiously to defeat the bat
   7.5 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run
   7.6 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, this one keeps a touch low, outside
        the off and scooting along to Taibu as Vaughan chooses to leave it
        alone

End of over 8 (maiden) England 22/0
AM Blignaut 4-2-8-0 - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 17* (30b 2x4) MP Vaughan 4* (18b)

   8.1 Streak to Trescothick, two runs, with two slips and two gullies,
        Streak drifst on leg and the ball is clipped away to fine leg,
        where Hondo does well to keep it down to two
   8.2 Streak to Trescothick, (noball) no run
   8.2 Streak to Trescothick, three runs, full and on the off, and
        Trescothick just pushes at this one, gets some great timing on it,
        and three runs straight back down the wicket
   8.3 Streak to Vaughan, no run
   8.4 Streak to Vaughan, no run, late swing, as well as some vicious
        bounce from a relatively good length, and Taibu has to move
        quickly to his right to gather as Vaughanb leaves it alone
   8.5 Streak to Vaughan, no run, gently worked off the wicket into the
        legside
   8.6 Streak to Vaughan, no run

End of over 9 (6 runs) England 28/0
HH Streak 5-0-19-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 22* (33b 2x4) MP Vaughan 4* (22b)

       And that is lunch - just nine overs possible in a rain-shortened
        first session of play.
       The second session resumes in 35 minutes, so join us then.

Match State: Lunch - Day 1

       Welcome back for the second session.
   9.1 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, short of a length, and Trescothick
        is pushed onto the back foot, the batsman glides the ball to point
   9.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, angled across the batsman, and
        Trescothick pushes the bat behind the pad and allows the ball l to
        go past
   9.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, (noball) no run, and the first runs after
        lunch coming off a no ball
   9.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, two runs, loose stroke, Trescothick
        wafting at that one outside the off, the ball takes the inside
        edge and is dragged around to midwicket for a brace
   9.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, and Trescothick
        refuses to play at that one
   9.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, speared wider of
        the batsman this time, and no problems leaving that one alone
        either
   9.6 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, around the wicket for the last
        ball, short and way outside the off, and Trescothick has an
        unnecessary stab at a cut and misses

End of over 10 (3 runs) England 31/0
AM Blignaut 5-2-11-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 4* (22b) ME Trescothick 24* (40b 2x4)

  10.1 Streak to Vaughan, no run, outside the off, full and Vaughan leaves
        it alone as the ball seams away to Taibu
  10.2 Streak to Vaughan, no run, on the middle and leg, and Vaughan turns
        this away into the onside
  10.3 Streak to Vaughan, no run, fuller and swinging away from Vaughan,
        who is lured into the drive and beaten by the movement
  10.4 Streak to Vaughan, no run
  10.5 Streak to Vaughan, no run, outside the off, short of a length, and
        Vaughan lets that one through
  10.6 Streak to Vaughan, no run, extravagant swing from Streak, the ball
        moving to Taibu's right after passing the batsman

End of over 11 (maiden) England 31/0
HH Streak 6-1-19-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 24* (40b 2x4) MP Vaughan 4* (28b)

  11.1 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, around the wicket, and still wide
        and short, and Trescothick slashes at it and just thumps the ball
        into the ground
  11.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, closer to the batsman initially,
        this ball too ends up wide of Trescothick courtesy some prodigious
        seam movement
  11.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, short of a length, and the batsman
        swivels on the back foot and flashes into the pull, missing the
        ball completely
  11.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
  11.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, back over the wicket, angled
        across Trescothick, left alone
  11.6 Blignaut to Trescothick, one run, turned behind square for a single

End of over 12 (1 run) England 32/0
AM Blignaut 6-2-12-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 25* (46b 2x4) MP Vaughan 4* (28b)

  12.1 Streak to Trescothick, no run
  12.2 Streak to Trescothick, legbye: FOUR, on the legs, and the ball
        clips pad and evades Taibu to run away for four leg byes to fine
        leg
  12.3 Streak to Trescothick, no run, better line this time, back across
        the left hander
  12.4 Streak to Trescothick, no run, dabbed down between the two gullies,
        who misfield but stop the single
  12.5 Streak to Trescothick, no run
       The second protestor onto the field, who will no doubt be removed
        as promptly as the first one.
  12.6 Streak to Trescothick, no run, a good ball, this one rising off a
        good length and forcing Trescothick to drop his hands at the last
        moment to avoid playing at it

End of over 13 (4 runs, maiden) England 36/0
HH Streak 7-2-19-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
MP Vaughan 4* (28b) ME Trescothick 25* (52b 2x4)

  13.1 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, short ball, rising on Vaughan outside
        the off as he is defeated in the uppish cut stroke
  13.2 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, close to the off stump, moving away
        off the seam at the last instant, and Vaughan is beaten
  13.3 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, more movement away from Vaughan, and
        again the outside edge is passed, Blignaut getting good movement
        here
  13.4 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, slower ball, outside the off and
        fuller, and Vaughan can leave that alone
  13.5 Blignaut to Vaughan, no run, back of a length, no movement this
        time, and Vaughan shuffles back and lets it pass
  13.6 Blignaut to Vaughan, legbye: one run, drifting down the legside,
        and Vaughan gets some pad into the legside for a leg bye

End of over 14 (1 run, maiden) England 37/0
AM Blignaut 7-3-12-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 4* (34b) ME Trescothick 25* (52b 2x4)

  14.1 Streak to Vaughan, no run, outside the off, and late swing again
        from Streak, Taibu having a lot of difficult collecting to do
        today
  14.2 Streak to Vaughan, no run, better line this time, closer to the
        body, and Vaughan lets it past
  14.3 Streak to Vaughan, no run, fuller, and some late swing out for
        Streak, and Vaughan gets bat on this one, playing it into the
        covers
  14.4 Streak to Vaughan, no run
  14.5 Streak to Vaughan, no run, full and outside the off, quite nicely
        driven to the cover fielder
  14.6 Streak to Vaughan, no run

End of over 15 (maiden) England 37/0
HH Streak 8-3-19-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 25* (52b 2x4) MP Vaughan 4* (40b)

  15.1 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
  15.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, FOUR, full and drifting down leg, and
        Trescothick capitalises, clipping that ball away beautifully
        through square leg to the fence for four
  15.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, that one quite close to the off
        stump, Trescothick leaves it alone and finds it moving back in far
        too close for comfort
  15.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, speared across the left hander,
        left alone
  15.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
  15.6 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, full and outside the off, left
        alone

End of over 16 (4 runs) England 41/0
AM Blignaut 8-3-16-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MP Vaughan 4* (40b) ME Trescothick 29* (58b 3x4)

  16.1 Streak to Vaughan, FOUR, the first really comfortable-looking
        stroke from Vaughan, full and outside the off, and the batsman
        strides forward and drives with a full flow of the bat to long off
        for four
  16.2 Streak to Vaughan, OUT: and next ball, a bizarre dismissal!
        drifting down the legside, Streak gets one to nip back off the
        seam, take thigh pad, and rattle the stumps. Unlucky for Vaughan

       England 45/1, Partnership of 45
       MP Vaughan  b Streak  8 (42b 1x4 0x6)
       ME Trescothick 29* (58b 3x4) HH Streak 8.2-3-23-1 (1nb)

       Mark Butcher to the crease now
  16.3 Streak to Butcher, no run, rising ball, and Butcher plays it down
        at rib-height
  16.4 Streak to Butcher, bye: one run, angled across Butcher, and Taibu
        fumbles the take as the ball moves after passing the strokes, a
        bye is run
  16.5 Streak to Trescothick, no run, full delivery, swinging to leg, and
        Trescothick drives inside-out to cover
  16.6 Streak to Trescothick, no run

End of over 17 (5 runs) England 46/1
HH Streak 9-3-23-1 (1nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 0* (2b) ME Trescothick 29* (60b 3x4)

  17.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, angled across Butcher, who shuffles
        back and leaves the ball alone
  17.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, turned off the legs to the onside,
        where Carlisle fields at a very short leg gully
  17.3 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, too wide, angled across Butcher to
        boot, left alone
  17.4 Blignaut to Butcher, FOUR, great way to get off the mark as
        Blignaut drifts to leg, and Butcher just clips that away easily
        through square leg for four
  17.5 Blignaut to Butcher, one run, fuller and outside the off, and
        Butcher defensively prods the ball wide of mid off and gets one
  17.6 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, around the wicket quite wide of
        off stump, and Taibu fumbles again as the ball swings after
        passing the wickets

End of over 18 (5 runs) England 51/1
AM Blignaut 9-3-21-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 5* (7b 1x4) ME Trescothick 29* (61b 3x4)

  18.1 Streak to Butcher, one run, turned wide of mid on for just the
        single
  18.2 Streak to Trescothick, no run, that one nips off the wicket
        speedily, and Trescothick has to adjust late to avoid edging it
  18.3 Streak to Trescothick, no run
  18.4 Streak to Trescothick, no run, on middle and off, pushed into the
        offside
  18.5 Streak to Trescothick, FOUR, full and outside the off, and
        Trescothick steers this one through the slip cordon rather
        streakily, but along the ground all the way to third man
  18.6 Streak to Trescothick, (noball) no run
  18.6 Streak to Trescothick, no run, angled across Trescothick, left
        alone

End of over 19 (6 runs) England 57/1
HH Streak 10-3-29-1 (2nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 6* (8b 1x4) ME Trescothick 33* (67b 4x4)

       Douglas Hondo to replace Blignaut from the Pavilion End
  19.1 Hondo to Butcher, (noball) no run, starting off with a  no ball
  19.1 Hondo to Butcher, (noball) no run, another no-ball, Hondo
        overstepping here despite spending quite a bit of time getting his
        run up measured before the start of play
  19.1 Hondo to Butcher, FOUR, glorious! full and on middle and off, and
        Butcher takes full toll, driving that with elan to the long on
        fence with the full face of the bat
  19.2 Hondo to Butcher, no run, short ball that is really a bit of a
        waste, seaming away to leg and Taibu has to collect far outside
        leg stump
  19.3 Hondo to Butcher, no run, attempted slower delivery, ends up being
        a full toss that Butcher drives to mid off
  19.4 Hondo to Butcher, no run, that one hurries onto Butcher, who turns
        the ball to leg
  19.5 Hondo to Butcher, no run, loud, loud appeal for leg before, Hondo
        pitches up and has the ball swinging just too much to leg, and
        Butcher trying to play across the line is rapped on the pads
  19.6 Hondo to Butcher, no run, down the legside, left alone by Butcher

End of over 20 (6 runs) England 63/1
DT Hondo 1-0-6-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 33* (67b 4x4) MA Butcher 10* (16b 2x4)

Match State: Drinks

  20.1 Streak to Trescothick, no run, angled across Trescothick, and the
        batsman tucks bat behind pad and lets it pass
  20.2 Streak to Trescothick, no run, well bowled, this one closer to the
        body and forcing Trescothick to play at it before beating the
        outside edge
  20.3 Streak to Trescothick, no run
  20.4 Streak to Trescothick, FOUR, short and on the leg stump, and
        Trescothick flick-pulls that away behind square, wide of Hongo at
        fine leg, for four
  20.5 Streak to Trescothick, no run
  20.6 Streak to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, an attempt at a
        drive goes nowhere

End of over 21 (4 runs) England 67/1
HH Streak 11-3-33-1 (2nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 10* (16b 2x4) ME Trescothick 37* (73b 5x4)

  21.1 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  21.2 Hondo to Butcher, no run, glided to point, and the fielder watches
        trescothick slips and tries for the direct hit, but the batsman
        just makes his ground
  21.3 Hondo to Butcher, FOUR, full and outside the off, and Butcher
        simply thrashes that through extra cover for four, classically
        getting on one knee and striking it powerfully
  21.4 Hondo to Butcher, one run, turned to the legside, and a bit of a
        stutter halfway through the run, Carlisle at leg gully fields well
        and could have had Trescothick run out if he had hit
  21.5 Hondo to Trescothick, no run
  21.6 Hondo to Trescothick, no run, again overpitched and outside the
        off, and Hondo is lucky to get away with this as Trescothick just
        sends this to a deep point fielder

End of over 22 (5 runs) England 72/1
DT Hondo 2-0-11-0 (2nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 15* (20b 3x4) ME Trescothick 37* (75b 5x4)

  22.1 Streak to Butcher, (noball) no run, Streak overstepping this time
  22.1 Streak to Butcher, no run, outside the off, and Butcher shoulders
        arms to that one
  22.2 Streak to Butcher, one run, on the legs, flicked away to square leg
  22.3 Streak to Trescothick, no run, fuller and outside the off, and
        Trescothick thinks about playing it for a moment before letting it
        go
  22.4 Streak to Trescothick, two runs, with only two men on the legside,
        Trescothick can easily turn that one on the pads away into
        midwicket for a couple
  22.5 Streak to Trescothick, no run
  22.6 Streak to Trescothick, one run, turned away behind square to fine
        leg but only for one

End of over 23 (5 runs) England 77/1
HH Streak 12-3-38-1 (3nb) - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 40* (79b 5x4) MA Butcher 16* (23b 3x4)

  23.1 Hondo to Trescothick, FOUR, fuller and outside the off, and
        Trescothick takes advantage of the overpitched delivery, driving
        with impeccable timing through the line to long off for four
  23.2 Hondo to Trescothick, (noball) no run, Hondo overstepping yet again
  23.2 Hondo to Trescothick, no run, another overpitched delivery, but
        Trescothick cannot play a similar shot, driving this only to mid
        off
  23.3 Hondo to Trescothick, one run, cut away wide of cover point for a
        single
  23.4 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  23.5 Hondo to Butcher, no run, gets that one to just leave Trescothick
        off the seam, the batsman probing and beaten
  23.6 Hondo to Butcher, no run, overpitched for the third time this over,
        pushed just wide of mid off

End of over 24 (6 runs) England 83/1
DT Hondo 3-0-17-0 (3nb) - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 45* (83b 6x4) MA Butcher 16* (26b 3x4)

       Streak off the attack now, bringing in Sean Ervine
  24.1 Ervine to Trescothick, no run, and his first ball in Test cricket
        is down the legside, Trescothick tries to follow it and cannot get
        bat on it
  24.2 Ervine to Trescothick, no run, well bowled, yorker-length, and
        Trescothick digs it out and plays it away to square leg
  24.3 Ervine to Trescothick, one run, drifting on leg stump, worked away
        to square leg for a single
  24.4 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  24.5 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  24.6 Ervine to Butcher, no run, pushed to mid off

End of over 25 (1 run) England 84/1
SM Ervine 1-0-1-0 - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 46* (86b 6x4) MA Butcher 16* (29b 3x4)

  25.1 Hondo to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, no perceptible
        movement on that occasion, left alone
  25.2 Hondo to Trescothick, no run
  25.3 Hondo to Trescothick, (noball) no run, angled across Trescothick,m
        far too wide for him to be tempted into a stroke
  25.3 Hondo to Trescothick, no run, very well bowled, Trescothick leaves
        it alone and is surprised as it nips back in and whistles
        dangerously close to the off stump
  25.4 Hondo to Trescothick, one run, overpitched and on the off stump,
        clipped away to midwicket for a single
  25.5 Hondo to Butcher, FOUR, errant line yet again, on the leg stump and
        much too full, and Butcher dispatches this efficently to the
        square leg fence
  25.6 Hondo to Butcher, no run

End of over 26 (6 runs) England 90/1
DT Hondo 4-0-23-0 (4nb) - Pavilion End
ME Trescothick 47* (91b 6x4) MA Butcher 20* (31b 4x4)

  26.1 Ervine to Trescothick, no run, ooh, that one rises off a good
        length and Taibu, stretching his hands over his head, struggles to
        collect it cleanly
  26.2 Ervine to Trescothick, (noball) FOUR, not only does Ervine
        overstep, he presents Trescothick a full and wide ball to smash
        away to cover for four and get to his fifty in fine style
  26.2 Ervine to Trescothick, (noball) no run
  26.2 Ervine to Trescothick, no run, clipped to short midwicket
  26.3 Ervine to Trescothick, no run, pushed back down the track to Ervine
  26.4 Ervine to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, left alone
  26.5 Ervine to Trescothick, no run
  26.6 Ervine to Trescothick, no run

End of over 27 (6 runs) England 96/1
SM Ervine 2-0-7-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 20* (31b 4x4) ME Trescothick 51* (99b 7x4)

       Blignaut back into the atack
  27.1 Blignaut to Butcher, one run, clipped away behind square for a
        single
  27.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, around the wicket, and the ball is
        too short and wide to tempt Trescothick into the stroke
  27.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, defended right back to the bowler
  27.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, FOUR, guided away cannily through the slip
        cordon for four, bringing up England's 100
  27.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
  27.6 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, wide outside the off, thrashed to
        cover point

End of over 28 (5 runs) England 101/1
AM Blignaut 10-3-26-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 21* (32b 4x4) ME Trescothick 55* (104b 8x4)

  28.1 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  28.2 Ervine to Butcher, no run, outside the leg stump, left alone by
        Butcher
  28.3 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  28.4 Ervine to Butcher, FOUR, short and wide, a real gimme, which
        Butcher absolutely slaughters, uppishly cutting it to the point
        fence for four
  28.5 Ervine to Butcher, no run, defensively pushed into the covers
  28.6 Ervine to Butcher, no run, pushed back to Ervine with the full face
        of the bat

End of over 29 (4 runs) England 105/1
SM Ervine 3-0-11-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 55* (104b 8x4) MA Butcher 25* (38b 5x4)

  29.1 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, around the wicket, and much too
        wide, especially with the late movement, and Blignaut flirts with
        a wide call there
  29.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, FOUR, speared down the legside, and
        Trescothick just gets a hint of bat on the ball, beats a leaping
        Taibu, and four more to fine leg
  29.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
  29.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
  29.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, outside the off, left alone
  29.6 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run

End of over 30 (4 runs) England 109/1
AM Blignaut 11-3-30-0 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 25* (38b 5x4) ME Trescothick 59* (110b 9x4)

Match State: Drinks

  30.1 Ervine to Butcher, no run, short of a length, and Butcher tries to
        thump it away in front of point and ends up just chopping it into
        the ground
  30.2 Ervine to Butcher, no run, this one defeats the bat, the extra
        bounce beating Butcher's defensively held blade
  30.3 Ervine to Butcher, two runs, pitched up, and Butcher tries to thump
        it back down the ground and mis times, but he gets two all the
        same
  30.4 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  30.5 Ervine to Butcher, no run, short and wide, and Butcher should have
        cut it away for four, but he only finds Carlisle just in front of
        square on the offside
  30.6 Ervine to Butcher, FOUR, this time Butcher gets the cut right,
        slicing it uppishly over Ebrahim at point as Ervine gives him more
        width, getting four on this occasion

End of over 31 (6 runs) England 115/1
SM Ervine 4-0-17-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
ME Trescothick 55* (110b 9x4) MA Butcher 31* (44b 6x4)

  31.1 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run, driven into the covers
  31.2 Blignaut to Trescothick, FOUR, short ball, and Trescothick flashes
        into the pull, not quite timing it but getting four all the same
        to the midwicket fence
  31.3 Blignaut to Trescothick, bye: two runs, outside the off and
        swinging further away, and it is rather harsh on Taibu that it is
        called byes, the wickekeeper quite unable to get to the ball
  31.4 Blignaut to Trescothick, no run
  31.5 Blignaut to Trescothick, OUT: and Blignaut strikes! keeping this
        one just outside the off, he gets Trescothick driving at the
        rather wide delivery, edging it to Ervine at second slip

       England 121/2, Partnership of 76
       ME Trescothick  c Ervine b Blignaut  59 (115b 10x4 0x6)
       MA Butcher 31* (44b 6x4) AM Blignaut 11.5-3-30-1 (1nb)

  31.6 Blignaut to Hussain, no run, and Hussain tentative with the first
        ball, playing and missing at that one just outside the off

End of over 32 (6 runs) England 121/2
AM Blignaut 12-3-30-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 31* (44b 6x4) N Hussain 0* (1b)

  32.1 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  32.2 Ervine to Butcher, no run, cut away, but straight to cover point
  32.3 Ervine to Butcher, (noball) no run
  32.3 Ervine to Butcher, no run, short and wide, and Butcher leaves that
        one alone
  32.4 Ervine to Butcher, (noball) one run, turned to fine leg for a
        single, off a no ball
  32.4 Ervine to Hussain, FOUR, a gift of a ball to get off the mark,
        drifting down leg and Hussain clips it away just behind square on
        the legside for four
  32.5 Ervine to Hussain, no run
  32.6 Ervine to Hussain, no run, outside the off, left alone

End of over 33 (7 runs) England 128/2
SM Ervine 5-0-24-0 (4nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 32* (49b 6x4) N Hussain 4* (4b 1x4)

  33.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, on the off stump, played into the
        covers
  33.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, short and wide, left alone
  33.3 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, that one slices Butcher in half,
        Blignaut getting some movement and late swing into the batsman,
        cutting him in half before taking the inside edge onto the thigh
  33.4 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, sliding down leg, left alone
  33.5 Blignaut to Butcher, one run, worked behind square on the legside
        for one
  33.6 Blignaut to Hussain, no run

End of over 34 (1 run) England 129/2
AM Blignaut 13-4-31-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 33* (54b 6x4) N Hussain 4* (5b 1x4)

  34.1 Ervine to Butcher, one run, short ball, and Butcher goes for the
        pull but does not get hold of it properly, getting a single to
        fine leg
  34.2 Ervine to Hussain, no run, short of a length, outside the off, and
        Hussain shoulders arms
  34.3 Ervine to Hussain, no run, carved into the offside, to the point
        fielder
  34.4 Ervine to Hussain, no run, full length on the middle stump, and
        Hussain jams down on it in time, squirting it away into the
        offside
  34.5 Ervine to Hussain, no run
  34.6 Ervine to Hussain, no run

End of over 35 (1 run) England 130/2
SM Ervine 6-0-25-0 (4nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 34* (55b 6x4) N Hussain 4* (10b 1x4)

  35.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, well bowled, just a hint of movement
        away from Butcher, beating the outside edge of the bat
  35.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, fuller in length, driven to cover
  35.3 Blignaut to Butcher, one run, uppishly glided into the offside,
        where Ebrahim stops wonderflly at point
  35.4 Blignaut to Hussain, no run, very good delivery, outside the off
        and nipping away from Hussain late
  35.5 Blignaut to Hussain, no run
  35.6 Blignaut to Hussain, no run

End of over 36 (1 run) England 131/2
AM Blignaut 14-4-32-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 35* (58b 6x4) N Hussain 4* (13b 1x4)

       Hondo back into the attack now
  36.1 Hondo to Butcher, no run, short of a length, and Butcher rises on
        his toes to play it down at his feet
  36.2 Hondo to Butcher, one run, drifting down leg, clipped away to squar
        eleg
  36.3 Hondo to Hussain, no run, full and angled into Hussain, who pushes
        it with the full face of the bat into the covers
  36.4 Hondo to Hussain, no run, worked off the pads to mid on
  36.5 Hondo to Hussain, FOUR, another gift on the pads for Hussain, the
        English captain prompt tp flick the ball away behind square on the
        legside for four
  36.6 Hondo to Hussain, no run

End of over 37 (5 runs) England 136/2
DT Hondo 5-0-28-0 (4nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 36* (60b 6x4) N Hussain 8* (17b 2x4)

  37.1 Streak to Butcher, no run, put down! the ball rises off a good
        length and squares Butcher off, takes the outside edge, but Ervine
        at slip cannot hold on to it
  37.2 Streak to Butcher, no run
  37.3 Streak to Butcher, no run, another good ball, this one rising again
        from a good length and having Butcher wafting at a drive and
        missing completely
  37.4 Streak to Butcher, no run, on the off stump, more solidly played
        back to Streak
  37.5 Streak to Butcher, no run
  37.6 Streak to Butcher, no run

End of over 38 (maiden) England 136/2
HH Streak 13-4-38-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
N Hussain 8* (17b 2x4) MA Butcher 36* (66b 6x4)

       Slow over rate from Zimbabwe here
  38.1 Hondo to Hussain, no run, outside the off, left alone
  38.2 Hondo to Hussain, (noball) no run
  38.2 Hondo to Hussain, no run, short of a length, and Hussain looks to
        leave that outside the off, ball catches inside edge and goes on
        the bounce to slip
  38.3 Hondo to Hussain, no run, seaming away from Hussain, who is content
        to leave it alone
  38.4 Hondo to Hussain, no run, full delivery that Hussain drives away to
        cover and then shows self-disgust at not being able to get it away
        for runs
  38.5 Hondo to Hussain, no run
  38.6 Hondo to Hussain, no run, outside the off, and Hondo gets some
        movement away from Hussain, who shoulders arms

End of over 39 (1 run) England 137/2
DT Hondo 6-0-29-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 36* (66b 6x4) N Hussain 8* (24b 2x4)

  39.1 Streak to Butcher, no run, angled across the batsman, who leaves
        the ball alone after thinking about flirting with the ball
  39.2 Streak to Butcher, no run
  39.3 Streak to Butcher, no run
  39.4 Streak to Butcher, one run, short ball on the legs, tucked away to
        fine leg for a single
  39.5 Streak to Hussain, no run, outside the off, and Hussain lets that
        pass through to Taibu
  39.6 Streak to Hussain, no run

End of over 40 (1 run) England 138/2
HH Streak 14-4-39-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 37* (70b 6x4) N Hussain 8* (26b 2x4)

  40.1 Hondo to Butcher, no run, steered to point
  40.2 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  40.3 Hondo to Butcher, no run, short of a length, more movement after
        the ball passes the stumps, and Butcher leaves that alone
  40.4 Hondo to Butcher, no run, swinging down leg, and Butcher, playing
        for tea now, pushes that back down the wicket
  40.5 Hondo to Butcher, no run, pushed into the offside
  40.6 Hondo to Butcher, no run, steered away to point

End of over 41 (maiden) England 138/2
DT Hondo 7-1-29-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
N Hussain 8* (26b 2x4) MA Butcher 37* (76b 6x4)

Match State: Tea - Day 1

       And that will be tea, with 44 overs still to go in the final
        session of the day, if weather holds good. Join us in 20 minutes
        for the final session of play.
       Back after tea, and Streak to continue the attack
  41.1 Streak to Hussain, no run
  41.2 Streak to Hussain, no run
  41.3 Streak to Hussain, no run, driven to mid off
  41.4 Streak to Hussain, no run, drifting down leg, and Hussain tries to
        turn it away to leg and misses
  41.5 Streak to Hussain, no run, outside the off, short of a length, and
        Hussain leaves that alone
  41.6 Streak to Hussain, FOUR, full and outside the off, and Hussain
        waits for that and then plays it on the up to the cover fence,
        nice stroke

End of over 42 (4 runs) England 142/2
HH Streak 15-4-43-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 37* (76b 6x4) N Hussain 12* (32b 3x4)

  42.1 Hondo to Butcher, no run, punched to cover
  42.2 Hondo to Butcher, legbye: one run, flicked away off the pad to fine
        leg
  42.3 Hondo to Hussain, no run, the ball nips off the seam and takes
        inside edge onto Hussain's hip
  42.4 Hondo to Hussain, no run, outside the off, and the ball seams away
        from Hussain, who leaves it alone
  42.5 Hondo to Hussain, no run
  42.6 Hondo to Hussain, no run, outside the off, seaming away from the
        batsman, who shoulders arms

End of over 43 (1 run, maiden) England 143/2
DT Hondo 8-2-29-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 37* (78b 6x4) N Hussain 12* (36b 3x4)

  43.1 Streak to Butcher, one run, glided towards point, and a quick
        single taken
  43.2 Streak to Hussain, no run, on the front foot, defended with bat and
        pad close together
  43.3 Streak to Hussain, no run
  43.4 Streak to Hussain, one run, turned to square leg
  43.5 Streak to Butcher, no run
  43.6 Streak to Butcher, no run

End of over 44 (2 runs) England 145/2
HH Streak 16-4-45-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
N Hussain 13* (39b 3x4) MA Butcher 38* (81b 6x4)

  44.1 Hondo to Hussain, no run
  44.2 Hondo to Hussain, no run
  44.3 Hondo to Hussain, FOUR, half volley that is driven sweetly by
        Hussain for four to the cover fence. front foot striding forward
        and getting to the pitch nicely
  44.4 Hondo to Hussain, no run
  44.5 Hondo to Hussain, no run, defended  on the front foot
  44.6 Hondo to Hussain, no run

End of over 45 (4 runs) England 149/2
DT Hondo 9-2-33-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 38* (81b 6x4) N Hussain 16* (45b 4x4)

  45.1 Streak to Butcher, no run, trying to steer it to third man, Butcher
        is beaten outside the off stump
  45.2 Streak to Butcher, no run
  45.3 Streak to Butcher, no run
  45.4 Streak to Butcher, no run
  45.5 Streak to Butcher, no run, steered to point
  45.6 Streak to Butcher, no run

End of over 46 (maiden) England 149/2
HH Streak 17-5-44-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
N Hussain 16* (45b 4x4) MA Butcher 38* (87b 6x4)

  46.1 Hondo to Hussain, no run, cut away point
  46.2 Hondo to Hussain, no run, outside the off, left alone
  46.3 Hondo to Hussain, no run
  46.4 Hondo to Hussain, no run
  46.5 Hondo to Hussain, no run, on the middle and leg, Hussain works it
        off the pitch and looks for a single but is sent back
  46.6 Hondo to Hussain, no run, loud appeal for caught behind, excited
        leaps from Hondo and Taibu, but umpire Bucknor turns it down

End of over 47 (maiden) England 149/2
DT Hondo 10-3-33-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 38* (87b 6x4) N Hussain 16* (51b 4x4)

       The umpires now conferring about the state of tyhe light
       The umpires decide to stay on, but they will keep checking the
        light, no doubt
  47.1 Streak to Butcher, no run, outside the off, angled across the
        batsman, left alone
  47.2 Streak to Butcher, no run
       Another look at the light
       The light offered to the English batsmen, who gladly take it and
        walk off, gloomy conditions overhead at Lord's.

Match State: Delay - Day 1 - Bad light stops play

  47.3 Streak to Butcher, no run, defended back to the bowler
  47.4 Streak to Butcher, FOUR, short and wide, and Butcher cuts this away
        nicely in front of square on the offside for four
  47.5 Streak to Butcher, one run, dabbed into the covers, and a quick
        single taken as the fielders go up in united appeal
  47.6 Streak to Hussain, no run

End of over 48 (5 runs) England 154/2
HH Streak 18-5-49-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 43* (92b 7x4) N Hussain 16* (52b 4x4)

  48.1 Hondo to Butcher, (noball) no run
  48.1 Hondo to Butcher, bye: FOUR, down the legside, and prodigious seam
        movement takes the ball away from Taibu
  48.2 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  48.3 Hondo to Butcher, wide: no run
  48.3 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  48.4 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  48.5 Hondo to Butcher, one run, tucked away to square leg for one
  48.6 Hondo to Hussain, no run

End of over 49 (7 runs) England 161/2
DT Hondo 11-3-36-0 (1w 6nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 44* (98b 7x4) N Hussain 16* (53b 4x4)

  49.1 Streak to Butcher, one run, on the pads, flicked away behind square
        for a single
  49.2 Streak to Hussain, no run, outside the off, and Hussain shuffles
        back and leaves the ball alone
  49.3 Streak to Hussain, three runs, Hussain works this away off his hips
        for three, Hondo chasing from square leg to pull it back
  49.4 Streak to Butcher, no run
  49.5 Streak to Butcher, no run, on the back foot, defended back to the
        bowler
  49.6 Streak to Butcher, no run, seaming far away from Butcher, who is
        content to leave it to go past through to Taibu

End of over 50 (4 runs) England 165/2
HH Streak 19-5-53-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
N Hussain 19* (55b 4x4) MA Butcher 45* (102b 7x4)

       Travis Friend into the attack for the first time from the Nursery
        End
  50.1 Friend to Hussain, OUT: and Friend strikes with the very first
        ball, Hussain flashing into the hook and top-edging a ball that go
        up quicker than he expected, to Hondo at fine leg

       England 165/3, Partnership of 44
       N Hussain  c Hondo b Friend  19 (56b 4x4 0x6)
       MA Butcher 45* (102b 7x4) TJ Friend 0.1-0-0-1

       Not the best of shots from Hussain, it brings Robert Key out into
        the middle
  50.2 Friend to Key, no run, outside the off, and Key shuffles towards it
        and is drawn into the stroke
  50.3 Friend to Key, no run, pushed towards the midwicket region
  50.4 Friend to Key, five runs, worked off the pitch by Key, and they
        take off for a quick single. Friend fields and tries for the
        direct hit at Key's end, but he misses and sends the ball
        rocketing for four more
  50.5 Friend to Butcher, no run, short ball, which Butcher finds easy
        enough to get under
  50.6 Friend to Butcher, no run, short of a length, and Butcher sways
        away from that one

End of over 51 (5 runs) England 170/3
TJ Friend 1-0-5-1 - Nursery End
RWT Key 5* (3b) MA Butcher 45* (104b 7x4)

  51.1 Streak to Key, no run, carved away through the offside, but
        straight to pouint
  51.2 Streak to Key, no run, defended into the offside
  51.3 Streak to Key, no run, outside the off, seaming away from Key, and
        the batsman shoulders arms
  51.4 Streak to Key, no run, pushed back to Streak
  51.5 Streak to Key, no run
  51.6 Streak to Key, two runs, drifting down leg, and Key turns that away
        to square leg for a brace

End of over 52 (2 runs) England 172/3
HH Streak 20-5-55-1 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 45* (104b 7x4) RWT Key 7* (9b)

  52.1 Friend to Butcher, no run, a half-appeal from fielders, but that
        one, down the legside, takes pad en route to Taibu's gloves
  52.2 Friend to Butcher, no run, short ball, but not well directed, and
        Butcher gets away from the line easily enough
  52.3 Friend to Butcher, no run, another short one, closer to Butcher's
        head, but still easy to avoid
  52.4 Friend to Butcher, one run, turned to square leg for the single
  52.5 Friend to Key, no run, short of a length, pushed to the cover
        region
  52.6 Friend to Key, no run

End of over 53 (1 run) England 173/3
TJ Friend 2-0-6-1 - Nursery End
MA Butcher 46* (108b 7x4) RWT Key 7* (11b)

       Blignaut replaces Streak after an extended spell from the Pavilion
        end
  53.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, outside the off, wide outside, a real
        loosener
  53.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run
  53.3 Blignaut to Butcher, no run
  53.4 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, short ball, and Butcher has to get up
        on his toes and play it down to his feet
  53.5 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, full delivery, that Butcher drives
        very nicely but Streak, after bowling a number of overs on the
        trot, puts ina fine diving stop at mid off
  53.6 Blignaut to Butcher, two runs, tucked away for a brace behind
        square on the legside, Butcher slipping but coming back for the
        second all the same

End of over 54 (2 runs) England 175/3
AM Blignaut 15-4-34-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
RWT Key 7* (11b) MA Butcher 48* (114b 7x4)

  54.1 Friend to Key, no run, down the legside, and Key tries to get bat
        onto that one but misses out
  54.2 Friend to Key, no run, defended back to Friend
  54.3 Friend to Key, no run
  54.4 Friend to Key, no run
  54.5 Friend to Key, no run, back foot defence, solidly worked off the
        pitch into the legside
  54.6 Friend to Key, no run

End of over 55 (maiden) England 175/3
TJ Friend 3-1-6-1 - Nursery End
MA Butcher 48* (114b 7x4) RWT Key 7* (17b)

  55.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, short ball, well directed at Butcher's
        head, and the batsman ducks down to let it sail harmlessly above
  55.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, full delivery, too full, and Butcher
        finds it easy to steer away to point
  55.3 Blignaut to Butcher, no run
  55.4 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, cut away, and Ebrahim at backward
        point does well to stop the ball, Butcher must wait awhile more
        for his fifty
  55.5 Blignaut to Butcher, one run, pushed towards mid on, and the
        fielder there dives over the ball, giving Butcher a single as mid
        off runs around to field
  55.6 Blignaut to Key, no run

End of over 56 (1 run) England 176/3
AM Blignaut 16-4-35-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 49* (119b 7x4) RWT Key 7* (18b)

  56.1 Friend to Butcher, no run, trying to work it to leg, Butcher plays
        the ball down between his feet
  56.2 Friend to Butcher, no run, outside the off, well left in the end by
        Butcher, although the ball seams in dangerously close to the off
        stump
  56.3 Friend to Butcher, no run
  56.4 Friend to Butcher, (noball) one run, as Friend oversteps, Butcher
        turns it on the legside and quickly sprints the single to take him
        to his fifty
  56.4 Friend to Key, no run, short ball, which Key sways away from
        comfortably
  56.5 Friend to Key, no run
  56.6 Friend to Key, FOUR, short and wide, and Key hammers that away
        through the offside, just to the right of a vainly leaping point
        fielder for four

End of over 57 (6 runs) England 182/3
TJ Friend 4-1-12-1 (1nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 50* (123b 7x4) RWT Key 11* (21b 1x4)

  57.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, short ball, angled down the legside,
        which Butcher thinks of going after before leaving
  57.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, fuller and further outside the off,
        left aone
  57.3 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, short and outside the leg again,
        Blignaut really spraying the ball around here
  57.4 Blignaut to Butcher, no run
  57.5 Blignaut to Butcher, two runs, full and outside the off, and
        Butcher tries to spank that through the offside but does not quite
        get the timing right, and the batsmen run two
  57.6 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, outside the off stump, left alone

End of over 58 (2 runs) England 184/3
AM Blignaut 17-4-37-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
RWT Key 11* (21b 1x4) MA Butcher 52* (129b 7x4)

  58.1 Ervine to Key, no run, full and outside the off, left alone
  58.2 Ervine to Key, no run
       The light is getting worse again now
  58.3 Ervine to Key, no run, short of a length, Zimbabwe's bowlers really
        not making England play as often as necessary
  58.4 Ervine to Key, no run
  58.5 Ervine to Key, no run, defended solidly into the offside
  58.6 Ervine to Key, no run, hit away to point

End of over 59 (maiden) England 184/3
SM Ervine 7-1-25-0 (4nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 52* (129b 7x4) RWT Key 11* (27b 1x4)

       More light checking, and the batsmen now looking for the close of
        play, which will come if the light is found to be bad again.
       The players now going off as the umpires find the light meter
        readings not conducive to play.
       The umpires have now decided that the light will not get better in
        time for a sufficient length of play, so stumps have been called
        for the first day.
       England, in the 59 overs of play possible today, reached a
        respectable 184 for three, with Zimbabwe's bowlers struggling to
        maintain a sustained attack to trouble the batsmen.
       Join us tomorrow for the second day's play, hopefully less blighted
        by rain and gloom than this one. Till then, goodbye.

Match State: Stumps - Day 1

       Hello and welcome to the second day of the first Test between
        England and Zimbabwe at Lord's.
       The weather at the start of play today is more promising than it
        was yesterday - no drizzle or clouds lurk over Lord's, and a full
        day's cricket may be a distinct possibility.
       Although the weather forecast does predict alternating spells of
        shower and sun for the remainder of the day, it is difficult to be
        pessimistic when confronted with Lord's in the sunshine.
       England too will not feel overly disappointed. They are in a strong
        position at 184 for three, with Mark Butcher playing well and
        Robert Key looking prepared to give him solid support.
       Zimbabwe will have to bowl more incisively than they did yesterday
        if they are to wrest back the advantage on the second day.
       Andy Blignaut to start off proceedings for Zimbabwe on the second
        day.
  59.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, middle stump line, short of a length,
        and Butcher shuffles back and works the ball to the legside
  59.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, fuller this time, and on the off
        stump, and Butcher gets behind the line of that and pushes to
        Blignaut
  59.3 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, clipped to the onside, just wide of
        the short midwicket fielder
  59.4 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, outside the off, Butcher leaves it
        alone, and as yesterday, late movement for Blignaut, Taibu having
        to dive to his right to take that ball
  59.5 Blignaut to Butcher, FOUR, and the first boundary of the day,
        Butcher taking full toll of that one short and wide, smashing it
        away just in front of point to the fence for four
  59.6 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, pushed back to Blignaut

End of over 60 (4 runs) England 188/3
AM Blignaut 18-4-41-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
RWT Key 11* (27b 1x4) MA Butcher 56* (135b 8x4)

       Streak to take up the attack from the Nursery End
  60.1 Streak to Key, no run, outside the off, seaming away prodigiously
        towards the slip cordon
  60.2 Streak to Key, no run, on the off stump, and Key comes forward and
        gets bat and pad close together, jamming the ball away into the
        legside
  60.3 Streak to Key, no run, seaming away from the right-hander, who lets
        the ball pass
  60.4 Streak to Key, no run
  60.5 Streak to Key, no run
  60.6 Streak to Key, no run, outside the off, and a rather wild cut
        stroke from Key, which misses the ball completely

End of over 61 (maiden) England 188/3
HH Streak 21-6-55-1 (3nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 56* (135b 8x4) RWT Key 11* (33b 1x4)

  61.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, around the wicket, angled down the
        legside, Butcher cannot get any bat to flick it away to fine leg
  61.2 Blignaut to Butcher, one run, on the legs, and Butcher clips it
        away behind square on the legside to fine leg for one
  61.3 Blignaut to Key, no run, full and swinging outward, and Key does
        well to get to the pitch and drive the ball away into the covers
  61.4 Blignaut to Key, no run, pushed into the covers, and a fumble would
        have allowed an easy single, but Butcher declines it in the end
        and rushes back to his crease
  61.5 Blignaut to Key, two runs, better shot from Kye this time, standing
        up tall and punching the ball off the back foot through the covers
        to get two
  61.6 Blignaut to Key, no run, worked away off the pitch into the legside

End of over 62 (3 runs) England 191/3
AM Blignaut 19-4-44-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 57* (137b 8x4) RWT Key 13* (37b 1x4)

  62.1 Streak to Butcher, no run, on the off stump, defended solidly into
        the covers
  62.2 Streak to Butcher, no run, on the pads, clipped away to square leg
  62.3 Streak to Butcher, no run, short of a length, worked off the hips
        into the onside
  62.4 Streak to Butcher, no run
  62.5 Streak to Butcher, no run, glided off the bat just short of the
        fielder at point
  62.6 Streak to Butcher, FOUR, great stroke, Streak pitching it full and
        looking for the swing, but the lack of movement makes it easy for
        Butcher to drive with great timing down the ground

End of over 63 (4 runs) England 195/3
HH Streak 22-6-59-1 (3nb) - Nursery End
RWT Key 13* (37b 1x4) MA Butcher 61* (143b 9x4)

  63.1 Blignaut to Key, one run, nippy delivery, full and angled into the
        batsma, who works it off the pads into the legside and sprints a
        quick single
  63.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, around the wicket, and Butcher tries
        to work th eball off his pads and misses, ball striking thigh pad
        and falling down at his feet
  63.3 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, nipping off the seam into the batsman,
        who punches this towards short midwicket
  63.4 Blignaut to Butcher, FOUR, full and outside the off, and Butcher
        unfurls yet another glorious drive, sending the ball speeding to
        the cover fence
  63.5 Blignaut to Butcher, no run
  63.6 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, nearly another four there, Blignaut
        pitching short and wide, but the fielder at gully does well to
        stop that

End of over 64 (5 runs) England 200/3
AM Blignaut 20-4-49-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
RWT Key 14* (38b 1x4) MA Butcher 65* (148b 10x4)

  64.1 Streak to Key, no run, full and on the off, and Key strides forward
        and drives the ball nicely to cover
  64.2 Streak to Key, no run, steered off the back foot to gully
  64.3 Streak to Key, FOUR, and this time it is Key driving beautifully,
        Streak overpitching and Key getting forward nicely and driving
        with a full flourish of the bat through the line for four to cover
  64.4 Streak to Key, no run, outside the off, seaming further away from
        Key, who leaves it alone
  64.5 Streak to Key, OUT: this one does not move away as Key expects, the
        batsman probes forward and there is a distinct sound as the ball
        passes the edge and goes through to Taibu. Key is not convinced,
        but umpire Bucknor rules him out.

       England 204/4, Partnership of 39
       RWT Key  c Taibu b Streak  18 (43b 2x4 0x6)
       MA Butcher 65* (148b 10x4) HH Streak 22.5-6-63-2 (3nb)

  64.6 Streak to Stewart, no run, outside the off, seam away from Stewart
        and a rising delivery to boot, easy enough to leave alone

End of over 65 (4 runs) England 204/4
HH Streak 23-6-63-2 (3nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 65* (148b 10x4) AJ Stewart 0* (1b)

  65.1 Friend to Butcher, no run
  65.2 Friend to Butcher, FOUR, half volley outside the off stump, and
        Butcher just stands and delivers, hitting through the line cleanly
        to the cover fence for four
  65.3 Friend to Butcher, legbye: one run
  65.4 Friend to Stewart, no run, outside off stump, swings away, leaves
        it alone to Taibu
  65.5 Friend to Stewart, FOUR, short and wide outsiode the off stump,
        Stewart leans and swat-pulls through mid wicket to the fence
  65.6 Friend to Stewart, no run, on target this time, defends it to the
        off side

End of over 66 (9 runs) England 213/4
TJ Friend 5-1-20-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 69* (151b 11x4) AJ Stewart 4* (4b 1x4)

  66.1 Streak to Butcher, no run, across the left hander, not a huge angle
        though, but a play and miss from Butcher
  66.2 Streak to Butcher, no run, short of length, defends it to gully
  66.3 Streak to Butcher, no run, outside off stump, harmless delivery,
        shoulders arms
  66.4 Streak to Butcher, no run, short of length, leans back and cuts it
        to point, not much of width there to play the cut freely
  66.5 Streak to Butcher, one run, on his pads, leans forward this time
        and works it behind square leg for the single
  66.6 Streak to Stewart, two runs, on the right hander's pads this time,
        taps it to deep square leg easily for the couple

End of over 67 (3 runs) England 216/4
HH Streak 24-6-66-2 (3nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 70* (156b 11x4) AJ Stewart 6* (5b 1x4)

  67.1 Friend to Butcher, no run, outside off stump, keeps low, passes to
        the keeper untouched
  67.2 Friend to Butcher, no run, on off stump, Butcher cautiously defends
        it to the off side
  67.3 Friend to Butcher, no run, short ball, bounces well above Butcher,
        the ball again passes harmlessly to Taibu as Butcher bends down
  67.4 Friend to Butcher, no run, action replay of the previous delivery
        as Butcher ducks down again and Taibu collects it above his head
  67.5 Friend to Butcher, two runs, pushes it in the air towards mid on
        for a couple of runs
  67.6 Friend to Butcher, no run

End of over 68 (2 runs) England 218/4
TJ Friend 6-1-22-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Stewart 6* (5b 1x4) MA Butcher 72* (162b 11x4)

  68.1 Ervine to Stewart, no run, on off stump, front foot defence from
        Stewart
  68.2 Ervine to Stewart, no run, short and too much width, Stewart rocks
        back and attempts the cut, but fails to make contact
  68.3 Ervine to Stewart, no run, way outside off stump, Stewart gets
        forward and shoulders arms
  68.4 Ervine to Stewart, no run, short ball again, goes for the pull,
        doesnt make proper contact as the ball rolls to square leg
  68.5 Ervine to Stewart, no run, way outside off stump again, swings
        further away as Stewart lets it to the keeper
  68.6 Ervine to Stewart, no run, outside off stump stuff continues as
        Ervine finishes his 2nd maiden over

End of over 69 (maiden) England 218/4
SM Ervine 8-2-25-0 (4nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 72* (162b 11x4) AJ Stewart 6* (11b 1x4)

  69.1 Friend to Butcher, one run, short of length on his hips, taps it to
        the on side for a quick single
  69.2 Friend to Stewart, no run, good length ball, nips back in, Stewart
        stays as he is and defends it down solidly
  69.3 Friend to Stewart, one run, on target, Stewart turns it down to
        fine leg for strike rotation
  69.4 Friend to Butcher, no run, awkward ball on his hps, Butcher
        awkwardly defends it down
  69.5 Friend to Butcher, three runs, fuller ball, on his pads, taps it
        through mid wicket and runs a very good three as Blignaut fields
        near the ropes
  69.6 Friend to Stewart, no run, short ball, Stewart ducks and lets it to
        the keeper

End of over 70 (5 runs) England 223/4
TJ Friend 7-1-27-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 76* (165b 11x4) AJ Stewart 7* (14b 1x4)

  70.1 Ervine to Butcher, no run, outside off stump as Ervine comes round
        the stumps and Butcher lets it go to the keeper
  70.2 Ervine to Butcher, no run, nips back in a long way, a very slim
        inside edge on to his pads
  70.3 Ervine to Butcher, no run, comes back in again, Butcher cautiosly
        pushes forward to the on side
  70.4 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  70.5 Ervine to Butcher, (noball) no run, comes back in again as Ervine
        oversteps, Butcher defends it to the off side
  70.5 Ervine to Butcher, no run, pitched up, drives it back towards the
        bowler who stops it very wel on his followthrough
  70.6 Ervine to Butcher, one run, just outside off stump, defends it down
        to the off side with soft hands and gets a quick single

End of over 71 (2 runs) England 225/4
SM Ervine 9-2-27-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 77* (172b 11x4) AJ Stewart 7* (14b 1x4)

  71.1 Friend to Butcher, no run, short ball, across the left hander,
        drops his wrists and lets it to Taibu
  71.2 Friend to Butcher, one run, pulls it around to Blignaut at square
        leg for the single, didnt make proper contact
  71.3 Friend to Stewart, no run, pitches it up, drives it to point
  71.4 Friend to Stewart, no run, on off stump, defends it cautiously to
        cover
  71.5 Friend to Stewart, one run, on his pads, taps it to mid wicket for
        the single
  71.6 Friend to Butcher, no run

End of over 72 (2 runs) England 227/4
TJ Friend 8-1-29-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Stewart 8* (17b 1x4) MA Butcher 78* (175b 11x4)

  72.1 Ervine to Stewart, no run
  72.2 Ervine to Stewart, no run, wayward down the leg side, harmlessly
        passes to Taibu
  72.3 Ervine to Stewart, one run, awkward bounce, taps it down to fine
        leg as he takes off one hand and gets the single
  72.4 Ervine to Butcher, FOUR, short and wide, asking to be hit, Butcher
        obliges and cracks it to the point fence
  72.5 Ervine to Butcher, no run, on target, Butcher comes forward and
        defends it back to the bowler
  72.6 Ervine to Butcher, no run, taps it down towards point

End of over 73 (5 runs) England 232/4
SM Ervine 10-2-32-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
AJ Stewart 9* (20b 1x4) MA Butcher 82* (178b 12x4)

  73.1 Friend to Stewart, FOUR, short and wide again, cuts it to the point
        fence with authority
  73.2 Friend to Stewart, no run, short ball, Stewart ducks down as Taibu
        collects it
  73.3 Friend to Stewart, no run, outside off stump, swings further away,
        Stewart goes for the extravagant cuts and fails to make contact
  73.4 Friend to Stewart, no run, on off stump, defends itto point
  73.5 Friend to Stewart, no run
  73.6 Friend to Stewart, legbye: one run, on his pads, tries to turn it
        to fine leg, manages just his pads and gets the leg bye

End of over 74 (5 runs) England 237/4
TJ Friend 9-1-33-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Stewart 13* (26b 2x4) MA Butcher 82* (178b 12x4)

Match State: Drinks

       And an hour into the second day, Ray Price comes into the attack,
        the first sign of spin, with the new ball being due in six overs.
  74.1 Price to Stewart, no run, flighted and on the off stump, and
        Stewart comes forward and defends
  74.2 Price to Stewart, no run, similar delivery, and a hint of turn for
        Price off the wicket, Stewart choosing to leave that alone
  74.3 Price to Stewart, no run
  74.4 Price to Stewart, two runs, drifting on leg, and Stewart tucks this
        away behind square and looks for the second, Hondo gets a throw in
        to Taibu, and the call is referred to the third umpire, but
        Stewart is safe
  74.5 Price to Stewart, no run, defended into the legside, just wide of
        the short leg fielder positioned there
  74.6 Price to Stewart, no run

End of over 75 (2 runs) England 239/4
RW Price 1-0-2-0 - Nursery End
MA Butcher 82* (178b 12x4) AJ Stewart 15* (32b 2x4)

  75.1 Ervine to Butcher, no run, uppishly cut away, and Ebrahim at
        backward point does very well to get to his right and field
  75.2 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  75.3 Ervine to Butcher, no run, on middle and off, solidly pushed into
        the offside
  75.4 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  75.5 Ervine to Butcher, no run, glided away to the fielder at gully
  75.6 Ervine to Butcher, no run

End of over 76 (maiden) England 239/4
SM Ervine 11-3-32-0 (5nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Stewart 15* (32b 2x4) MA Butcher 82* (184b 12x4)

  76.1 Price to Stewart, no run
  76.2 Price to Stewart, no run, a little shimmy down the pitch and an
        attempt at a huge hit over midwicket, but he only drags it just
        wide of short midwicket Sean Ervine
  76.3 Price to Stewart, no run, patted abck to Proce
  76.4 Price to Stewart, one run, drifting into the legside, tucked away
        behind square for the single
  76.5 Price to Butcher, no run, a shuffle to off and defended
  76.6 Price to Butcher, no run

End of over 77 (1 run) England 240/4
RW Price 2-0-3-0 - Nursery End
AJ Stewart 16* (36b 2x4) MA Butcher 82* (186b 12x4)

  77.1 Ervine to Stewart, no run
  77.2 Ervine to Stewart, no run, on middle stump, pushed to the legside
  77.3 Ervine to Stewart, no run, outside the off, and seaming away from
        the batsman
  77.4 Ervine to Stewart, no run, again outside the off, although closer
        to Stewart, seaming away from him
  77.5 Ervine to Stewart, no run
  77.6 Ervine to Stewart, no run

End of over 78 (maiden) England 240/4
SM Ervine 12-4-32-0 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 82* (185b 12x4) AJ Stewart 16* (43b 2x4)

  78.1 Price to Butcher, no run, short of a length, and Butcher tries to
        club it away through the off, but only finds short extra cover
  78.2 Price to Butcher, no run, over the wicket into the footmarks, and
        Butcher comes forward and works it away to leg
  78.3 Price to Butcher, no run, a little shimmy down the track, but Price
        drops it flatter, so the batsman can only push it back to the
        bowler
  78.4 Price to Butcher, no run
  78.5 Price to Butcher, no run, pushed back to Price
  78.6 Price to Butcher, one run, a few steps down the track, this one
        thumped to mid on, and slowly enough to enabl him to complete the
        single

End of over 79 (1 run) England 241/4
RW Price 3-0-4-0 - Nursery End
MA Butcher 83* (191b 12x4) AJ Stewart 16* (43b 2x4)

  79.1 Ervine to Butcher, no run, on the middle and off, defended stolidly
        back to Ervine
  79.2 Ervine to Butcher, two runs, straying onto the leg stump, and
        Butcher clips the ball away sweetly behind square to the legside
        for a couple
  79.3 Ervine to Butcher, one run, Butcher really has a go at flaying that
        one, freeing his arms and driving through covers, but only gets a
        single
  79.4 Ervine to Stewart, no run
  79.5 Ervine to Stewart, three runs, on the middle and leg, and Stewart
        drives this with nice timing on the legside, wide of the fielder
        at mid on, to pick up three
  79.6 Ervine to Butcher, one run, extravagant bounce for Ervine, the ball
        shooting above Taibu's head but collected as a bye is run

End of over 80 (7 runs) England 248/4
SM Ervine 13-4-39-0 (5nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 87* (195b 12x4) AJ Stewart 19* (45b 2x4)

  80.1 Price to Butcher, one run, the new ball can be taken now, but Price
        continues, and Butcher dabs this away to third man for one
  80.2 Price to Stewart, no run, tossed up, and Stewart drives to mid off
  80.3 Price to Stewart, no run, drifting on leg, but Stewart can only
        play it to mid on
  80.4 Price to Stewart, no run
  80.5 Price to Stewart, one run, tossed up, and Stewart tries to smash it
        for four, but ends up with only one wide of mid off
  80.6 Price to Butcher, no run

End of over 81 (2 runs) England 250/4
RW Price 4-0-6-0 - Nursery End
AJ Stewart 20* (49b 2x4) MA Butcher 88* (197b 12x4)

       And Heath Streak decides to opt for the new ball now
  81.1 Ervine to Stewart, bye: one run, down the lesgdie, very errant
        indeed, and the batsmen run the bye
  81.2 Ervine to Butcher, no run, outside the off, left alone
  81.3 Ervine to Butcher, FOUR, short and wide, and Butcher plays this
        uppishly through the offside, but safely enough through the covers
        for four
  81.4 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  81.5 Ervine to Butcher, FOUR, short and wide yet again, and Butcher has
        shown a lot of penchant for that type of bowling, cutting this
        away to the point fnece for four more
  81.6 Ervine to Butcher, FOUR, and yet more, Ervine continuing to pitch
        short and wide, and Butcher uppishly and fiercely cuts again to
        reach one short of a hundred

End of over 82 (13 runs) England 263/4
SM Ervine 14-4-51-0 (5nb) - Pavilion End
AJ Stewart 20* (50b 2x4) MA Butcher 99* (203b 15x4)

       Heath Streak takes over with the new ball
  82.1 Streak to Stewart, no run
  82.2 Streak to Stewart, no run, on middle and leg, and Stewart punches
        this towards mid on
  82.3 Streak to Stewart, no run, drifting down leg again, but full of
        length, and pushed to mid on
  82.4 Streak to Stewart, two runs, Stewart gets a thick outside edge on
        that one but manages to beat the man at gully to get two
  82.5 Streak to Stewart, no run
  82.6 Streak to Stewart, no run, worked wide of square leg, who fields
        well to deter Stewart from setting off for the single

End of over 83 (2 runs) England 265/4
HH Streak 25-6-68-2 (3nb) - Nursery End
MA Butcher 99* (202b 15x4) AJ Stewart 22* (56b 2x4)

       Blignaut to share the new ball with Streak
  83.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, outside the off, and a roar of
        expectation goes up, only to subside as Butcher leaves it to go
        past
  83.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, outside the off, and Butcher lets that
        go past as well
  83.3 Blignaut to Butcher, one run, full and on the middle and off, and
        Butcher drives this right back down the ground, looks to stop as
        mid off rushes to it, and then gets across for the important
        single as mid off dives right over the ball!
  83.4 Blignaut to Stewart, no run, on the middle and off stump, pushed to
        mid on
  83.5 Blignaut to Stewart, FOUR, drifting down leg, and Stewart just
        manages a touch of bat on that one before it clips pad and runs
        away to fine leg for four
  83.6 Blignaut to Stewart, no run

End of over 84 (5 runs) England 270/4
AM Blignaut 21-4-54-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 100* (205b 15x4) AJ Stewart 26* (59b 3x4)

       The light meters come out now as the conditions get a bit murky
       And the light is offered to the batsmen, who take it and go off,
        presumably for an early lunch break.
       Some rain in the air as well at Lord's
       And as some drizzle now descends on Lord's, the lunch break is
        confirmed

Match State: Lunch - Day 2

       Play due to get underway in 20 minutes or so, the rain and cloud
        clearing away for the moment even as the ground staff work at
        getting off the surface moisture.
       Douglas Hondo to start proceedings for Zimbabwe after lunch
  84.1 Hondo to Butcher, no run, on the off stump, pushed away to mid off
  84.2 Hondo to Butcher, FOUR, full and outside the off, poor delivery
        from Hondo, and Butcher flays that through the offside for four to
        the cover fence
  84.3 Hondo to Butcher, no run, outside the off, and Butcher has a wafty
        cut at that and misses
  84.4 Hondo to Butcher, no run, driven to mid off
  84.5 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  84.6 Hondo to Butcher, no run, steered to gully

End of over 85 (4 runs) England 274/4
DT Hondo 12-3-40-0 (1w 6nb) - Nursery End
AJ Stewart 26* (59b 3x4) MA Butcher 104* (211b 16x4)

  85.1 Streak to Stewart, no run, pushed into the covers
  85.2 Streak to Stewart, no run
  85.3 Streak to Stewart, no run, outside the off, this one holding its
        line instead of moving away, Stewart padding towards it and
        shouldering arms
  85.4 Streak to Stewart, no run
  85.5 Streak to Stewart, no run, full and outside the off, and Stewart
        carves that away to Ebrahim at point
  85.6 Streak to Stewart, OUT: short and outside the off, and Stewart aims
        an ambitious cut at that one, the ball takes a thin edge through
        to Taibu, Stewart not willing to walk until umpire Orchard raises
        the finger

       England 274/5, Partnership of 70
       AJ Stewart  c Taibu b Streak  26 (65b 3x4 0x6)

End of over 86 (maiden) England 274/5
HH Streak 26-7-68-3 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 104* (211b 16x4) 

  86.1 Hondo to Butcher, no run, outside the off, angled across Butcher,
        and the batsman lets it past through to Taibu
  86.2 Hondo to Butcher, no run, rising delivery from Hondo, defeating
        Butcher's punch into the covers
  86.3 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  86.4 Hondo to Butcher, no run, outside the off, short of a length, and
        Butcher strides forward before choosing not to play at it
  86.5 Hondo to Butcher, no run
  86.6 Hondo to Butcher, no run, expansively driven square of the wicket
        to point

End of over 87 (maiden) England 274/5
DT Hondo 13-4-40-0 (1w 6nb) - Nursery End
A McGrath 0* (0b) MA Butcher 104* (217b 16x4)

       Antony McGrath to face his first ball in his debut Test
  87.1 Streak to McGrath, no run, glided to point
  87.2 Streak to McGrath, no run, steered away again to gully, this time
        off the front foot
  87.3 Streak to McGrath, one run, dabbed into the offside, and McGrath,
        in a hurry to get his first runs in Test cricket, takes a risky
        single and gets it, fortunately for him
  87.4 Streak to Butcher, no run, outside the off stump, and Butcher
        leaves that one alone
  87.5 Streak to Butcher, no run, cut away, but Grant Flower at deep gully
        does well to field
  87.6 Streak to Butcher, no run

End of over 88 (1 run) England 275/5
HH Streak 27-7-69-3 (3nb) - Pavilion End
A McGrath 1* (3b) MA Butcher 104* (220b 16x4)

  88.1 Hondo to McGrath, no run, drifting down the legside, Hondo
        continues to be erratic with his line
  88.2 Hondo to McGrath, no run, jabbing forward in defence, bat close to
        pad, ball runs away into the covers
  88.3 Hondo to McGrath, bye: FOUR, again Hondo drifts down leg, and this
        time Taibu cannot get to the ball at all, extremely wayward
        bowling this
  88.4 Hondo to McGrath, no run
  88.5 Hondo to McGrath, one run, a smattering of applause as McGrath gets
        that wide of gully and runs the single
  88.6 Hondo to Butcher, FOUR, short of a length, and Butcher slashes that
        away through the slip cordon, to the third man fence for four

End of over 89 (9 runs) England 284/5
DT Hondo 14-4-45-0 (1w 6nb) - Nursery End
A McGrath 2* (8b) MA Butcher 108* (221b 17x4)

  89.1 Streak to McGrath, no run
  89.2 Streak to McGrath, no run, that one is too good for Mcgrath, just
        outside the off and the batsman sees the ball beat the outside
        edge
  89.3 Streak to McGrath, no run
  89.4 Streak to McGrath, no run, seaming away from McGrath, who strides
        forward and lifts bat high above head to let it pass
  89.5 Streak to McGrath, no run, very loud appeal for leg before as
        McGrath strides forward with bat close to pad, but the ball is
        hitting outside the off and the batsman is also fairly well
        forward
  89.6 Streak to McGrath, no run

End of over 90 (maiden) England 284/5
HH Streak 28-8-69-3 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 108* (221b 17x4) A McGrath 2* (14b)

       Sean Ervine back into the attack at the Nursery End, replacing the
        erratic Hondo
  90.1 Ervine to Butcher, FOUR, and Ervine's problem continues, again
        short and wide, and Butcher frees his arms and flails at that one,
        getting it over the head of the cordon to third man for four
  90.2 Ervine to Butcher, no run, better ball, fuller and almost yorker-
        length, and Butcher digs it out and pushes it to cover
  90.3 Ervine to Butcher, no run, on target again, right on off stump, and
        Butcher gets behind the line of th eball to defend
  90.4 Ervine to Butcher, no run
  90.5 Ervine to Butcher, no run, outside the off stump, and Butcher
        stands tall and allows the ball to pass
  90.6 Ervine to Butcher, no run, overpitched and drive to the left of
        Ebrahim at point, who has done exceedingly well in that position
        and does so again

End of over 91 (4 runs) England 288/5
SM Ervine 15-4-54-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
A McGrath 2* (14b) MA Butcher 112* (227b 18x4)

  91.1 Streak to McGrath, legbye: FOUR, drifting down leg, and McGrath
        manages to get some pad on that before it evades Taibu and runs
        away for four leg byes to fine leg
  91.2 Streak to McGrath, no run
  91.3 Streak to McGrath, no run
  91.4 Streak to McGrath, legbye: two runs, again straying to leg, and
        this time only two leg byes to fine leg where Hondo fields
  91.5 Streak to McGrath, no run, left alone outside the off stump
  91.6 Streak to McGrath, no run, well bowled, full and fast, and McGrath
        only just manages to get bat on it to push it to mid off

End of over 92 (6 runs, maiden) England 294/5
HH Streak 29-9-69-3 (3nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 112* (227b 18x4) A McGrath 2* (20b)

  92.1 Ervine to Butcher, no run, around the wicket, dabbed into the
        offside
  92.2 Ervine to Butcher, no run, full and outside the off, and Butcher
        tries to drive that through the covers, but he mistimes and the
        ball is dragged around to mid on
  92.3 Ervine to Butcher, one run, off the outside edge to third man
  92.4 Ervine to McGrath, one run, on the middle and leg, and McGrath
        works this away wide of the square leg fielder for one
  92.5 Ervine to Butcher, no run, getting down on one knee, Butcher drives
        the ball to the cover fielder
  92.6 Ervine to Butcher, no run, short of a length, and again Butcher
        goes for the drive and again mistimes

End of over 93 (2 runs) England 296/5
SM Ervine 16-4-56-0 (5nb) - Nursery End
A McGrath 3* (21b) MA Butcher 113* (232b 18x4)

       Andy Blignaut takes over from Heath Streak
  93.1 Blignaut to McGrath, no run
  93.2 Blignaut to McGrath, FOUR, full and on the pads, and McGrath clips
        that away nicely down the slope to the midwicket fence, bringing
        up the 300 for England
  93.3 Blignaut to McGrath, FOUR, and this time McGrath sends the ball up
        the hill, Blignaut overcompensating in line, the ball full and
        outside the off, and McGrath driving that on the up between point
        and cover
  93.4 Blignaut to McGrath, no run
  93.5 Blignaut to McGrath, FOUR, and four more! Blignaut pitched short,
        and McGrath rocks back and swivels around, pulling the ball away
        to square leg for four
  93.6 Blignaut to McGrath, no run, pushed into the coevrs, ending a
        rather expensive Blignaut over

End of over 94 (12 runs) England 308/5
AM Blignaut 22-4-66-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 113* (232b 18x4) A McGrath 15* (27b 3x4)

       And with the ball still only 13 overs old, Price gets another bowl
  94.1 Price to Butcher, no run, over the wicket to Butcher, outside the
        off, and defended back to Price
  94.2 Price to Butcher, no run
  94.3 Price to Butcher, SIX, and Price tosses this one up, Butcher
        accepts the challenge and heaves the ball right over the midwicket
        fence, to bring up the firs six of the innings
  94.4 Price to Butcher, no run, Butcher dances down the track and drives
        the ball back to the right of Price, who pretends to have a shy at
        Butcher's stumps and gives him a stern look to boot
  94.5 Price to Butcher, one run, dabbed into the third man region for one
  94.6 Price to McGrath, no run, an appeal for caught at slip, but this
        one looks to be coming off boot rather than bat

End of over 95 (7 runs) England 315/5
RW Price 5-0-13-0 - Nursery End
MA Butcher 120* (237b 18x4 1x6) A McGrath 15* (28b 3x4)

  95.1 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, on the off stump, and defended back to
        Blignaut's right hand
  95.2 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, cut away fiercely, but cannot find the
        way past Ebrahim at point
  95.3 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, short ball, which Butcher finds easy
        enough to duck under
  95.4 Blignaut to Butcher, two runs, on the pads, tapped away into the
        midwicket region for a couple
  95.5 Blignaut to Butcher, FOUR, wonderful shot! Blignaut overpitches and
        Butcher takes full toll, striding forward and timing the cover
        drive to perfection for four
  95.6 Blignaut to Butcher, no run, this time the cut, but like before, he
        cannot beat Ebrahim at the point position

End of over 96 (6 runs) England 321/5
AM Blignaut 23-4-72-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
A McGrath 15* (28b 3x4) MA Butcher 126* (243b 19x4 1x6)

  96.1 Price to McGrath, no run, an enthusiastic shout for leg before, but
        umpire Bucknor shakes his head, McGrath perhaps too far forward
  96.2 Price to McGrath, no run, this time McGrath chooses to play with
        the bat, pushing the ball away into the covers
  96.3 Price to McGrath, no run, short and wide, and Price gets away with
        it as McGrath cuts it straight to backward point
  96.4 Price to McGrath, no run
  96.5 Price to McGrath, no run
  96.6 Price to McGrath, no run, an inside edge that drops just short of
        the short leg fielder

End of over 97 (maiden) England 321/5
RW Price 6-1-13-0 - Nursery End
MA Butcher 126* (243b 19x4 1x6) A McGrath 15* (34b 3x4)

  97.1 Blignaut to Butcher, FOUR, overpitched and just outside the off,
        and Butcher glides that away behind square on the offside, well
        played by him
  97.2 Blignaut to Butcher, one run, thumped powerfully in front of square
        this time, but there is a sweeper cover to collect and keep it
        down to one
  97.3 Blignaut to McGrath, no run
  97.4 Blignaut to McGrath, FOUR, drifting on leg, and McGrath flicks this
        away off this hips, through midwicket down the slope for four more
  97.5 Blignaut to McGrath, no run
  97.6 Blignaut to McGrath, no run, punched back to the offside

End of over 98 (9 runs) England 330/5
AM Blignaut 24-4-81-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 131* (245b 20x4 1x6) A McGrath 19* (38b 4x4)

  98.1 Price to Butcher, one run, pushed wide of mid on for a single
  98.2 Price to McGrath, no run
  98.3 Price to McGrath, no run, McGrath looks as if he is intending to
        come down the wicket soon, plays this one back to Price, though
  98.4 Price to McGrath, no run
  98.5 Price to McGrath, one run, slashed away to point, where the fielder
        pushes the ball away from him, enabling the single to be taken
  98.6 Price to Butcher, no run

End of over 99 (2 runs) England 332/5
RW Price 7-1-15-0 - Nursery End
A McGrath 20* (42b 4x4) MA Butcher 132* (247b 20x4 1x6)

Match State: Drinks

       Friend into the attack
  99.1 Friend to McGrath, no run, short ball, which snared Hussain
        yesterday, this time McGrath defends it right back to Friend
  99.2 Friend to McGrath, one run, tucked away behind square for a single
  99.3 Friend to Butcher, FOUR, another short ball, but this is all meat
        and drink to a chap on 132, and Butcher easily pulls this away
        with a swivel of the back foot, to the midwicket fence for four
  99.4 Friend to Butcher, no run, short ball in response, and Butcher
        ducks under that
  99.5 Friend to Butcher, one run, short of a length, and again Butcher
        goes for the pull but this time only gets an under edge to
        midwicket for a single
  99.6 Friend to McGrath, FOUR, gloriously driven by McGrath, the ball
        full and outside the off and the batsman getting to the pitch and
        driving through extra cover

End of over 100 (10 runs) England 342/5
TJ Friend 10-1-43-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
MA Butcher 137* (250b 21x4 1x6) A McGrath 25* (45b 5x4)

 100.1 Price to Butcher, no run, down the wicket, but Butcher ends up
        padding this away into the offside
 100.2 Price to Butcher, no run
 100.3 Price to Butcher, no run, a loud appeal for leg before, but Butcher
        is too far across and too far forward in his attempted sweep
 100.4 Price to Butcher, no run, driven to extra cover
 100.5 Price to Butcher, no run
 100.6 Price to Butcher, OUT: and Butcher falls, finally! the batsman
        tries to flick it away on the legside and fails to keep the ball
        down, Vermeulen at short midwicket takes a very good catch indeed

       England 342/6, Partnership of 68
       MA Butcher  c Vermeulen b Price  137 (256b 21x4 1x6)

End of over 101 (maiden) England 342/6
RW Price 8-2-15-1 - Nursery End
A McGrath 25* (45b 5x4) 

 101.1 Friend to McGrath, no run, short of a length, outside the off, and
        McGrath sways away from the line easily
 101.2 Friend to McGrath, one run, punched away just wide of the cover
        fieldsman, and the single brings Giles on strike
 101.3 Friend to Giles, no run, on the off stump, rising delivery, which
        Giles manages to push into the offside
 101.4 Friend to Giles, no run, down the legside, and Giles shuffles to
        off and tries to get some bat on the ball misses out
 101.5 Friend to Giles, no run, short ball, and the relatively tall Giles
        struggles to duck under it, even as the ball bounces twice on the
        way to Taibu
 101.6 Friend to Giles, legbye: one run, off the pads down to fine leg for
        a leg bye

End of over 102 (2 runs) England 344/6
TJ Friend 11-1-44-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 0* (4b) A McGrath 26* (47b 5x4)

 102.1 Price to Giles, no run, one left -arm spinner to another, Giles
        probes forward and defends patiently with bat
 102.2 Price to Giles, one run, pushed past silly point to cover
 102.3 Price to McGrath, no run
 102.4 Price to McGrath, no run
 102.5 Price to McGrath, no run, short of a length, and an intended cut
        shot goes only to the backward point fielder
 102.6 Price to McGrath, no run, struck away to cover

End of over 103 (1 run) England 345/6
RW Price 9-2-16-1 - Nursery End
AF Giles 1* (6b) A McGrath 26* (51b 5x4)

 103.1 Friend to Giles, no run, short of a length, and McGrath stands tall
        on the back foot and pushes the ball to extra cover
 103.2 Friend to Giles, no run
 103.3 Friend to McGrath, two runs, on the legs, and worked away wide of
        mid on, Streak fields well initially but then loses the ball,
        alllowing the second
 103.4 Friend to McGrath, two runs, fuller and on the legs, clipped away
        wide of the square leg fielder to midwicket for another couple
 103.5 Friend to McGrath, no run
 103.6 Friend to McGrath, no run

End of over 104 (4 runs) England 349/6
TJ Friend 12-1-48-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 1* (8b) A McGrath 30* (55b 5x4)

 104.1 Price to Giles, no run
 104.2 Price to Giles, no run
 104.3 Price to Giles, no run
 104.4 Price to McGrath, one run
 104.5 Price to Giles, three runs, drifting down leg, turned away and
        three quick runs taken
 104.6 Price to McGrath, FOUR, down the wicket, struck away to long off
        for four more

End of over 105 (8 runs) England 357/6
RW Price 10-2-24-1 - Nursery End
AF Giles 3* (12b) A McGrath 36* (57b 6x4)

 105.1 Friend to Giles, no run
 105.2 Friend to Giles, no run
 105.3 Friend to Giles, no run
 105.4 Friend to Giles, no run
 105.5 Friend to Giles, no run, short of a length, pushed back to Friend
 105.6 Friend to Giles, legbye: one run, Giles gets pad on the ball en
        route to fine leg

End of over 106 (1 run, maiden) England 358/6
TJ Friend 13-2-49-1 (1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 3* (18b) A McGrath 36* (57b 6x4)

 106.1 Price to Giles, no run, outside the off, pushing forward and
        defended into the offside
 106.2 Price to Giles, no run, tossed up, and Giles looks to slash that
        away through the offside, strikes silly point on the boot
 106.3 Price to Giles, no run
 106.4 Price to Giles, no run
 106.5 Price to Giles, no run, padding forward in defence
 106.6 Price to Giles, no run, dropped just short of a length, and Giles
        shuffles back and pushes the ball wide of mid on

End of over 107 (maiden) England 358/6
RW Price 11-3-24-1 - Nursery End
A McGrath 36* (57b 6x4) AF Giles 3* (24b)

       Streak back yet again, almost 30 overs bowled in this innings
        already
 107.1 Streak to McGrath, no run, outside the off, short of a length, left
        alone
 107.2 Streak to McGrath, three runs, turned into the legside nicely off
        the pads, and some hard running gets McGrath three to midwicket
 107.3 Streak to Giles, no run, oh dear! Streak gets this one to lift on
        Giles, the ball takes the outside edge and Vermeulen at first slip
        puts down an absolute sitter!
 107.4 Streak to Giles, no run, and Giles tries to have a big heave at
        this one, the ball seaming away off the wicket and defeating the
        stroke
 107.5 Streak to Giles, no run
 107.6 Streak to Giles, no run

End of over 108 (3 runs) England 361/6
HH Streak 30-9-72-3 (3nb) - Pavilion End
A McGrath 39* (59b 6x4) AF Giles 3* (28b)

 108.1 Price to McGrath, three runs, outside the off, and McGrath cannily
        cuts this delicately wide of slip, getting three to the third man
        region
 108.2 Price to Giles, no run, probing forward, defended into the offside
 108.3 Price to Giles, no run, thumped off the back foot straight to the
        cover fieldsman
 108.4 Price to Giles, one run, worked away close to the square leg
        fielder, where Taibu has to run to field
 108.5 Price to McGrath, one run, dabbed into the legside, wide of mid on,
        for one
 108.6 Price to Giles, no run

End of over 109 (5 runs) England 366/6
RW Price 12-3-29-1 - Nursery End
A McGrath 43* (61b 6x4) AF Giles 4* (32b)

 109.1 Streak to McGrath, no run, carved away into the offside, just wide
        of the cover fielder
 109.2 Streak to McGrath, no run, short of a length, and McGrath gets
        behind the line of that one and defends back to Streak
 109.3 Streak to McGrath, FOUR, short ball, and McGrath flashes into the
        hook but does not time it too well or control it, but it goes very
        fine indeed to fine leg off the top edge for four
 109.4 Streak to McGrath, one run, defensively pushed into the legside,
        and a quick single pinched
 109.5 Streak to Giles, no run, outside the off, and Giles has an almighty
        heave at that one and misses
 109.6 Streak to Giles, no run

End of over 110 (5 runs) England 371/6
HH Streak 31-9-77-3 (3nb) - Pavilion End
A McGrath 48* (65b 7x4) AF Giles 4* (34b)

 110.1 Price to McGrath, no run
 110.2 Price to McGrath, no run
 110.3 Price to McGrath, no run
 110.4 Price to McGrath, two runs, drifting down leg, and McGrath clips it
        away to midwicket to get to a fifty on Test debut
 110.5 Price to McGrath, two runs, a couple more as McGrath sweeps this
        away to fine leg
 110.6 Price to McGrath, no run, outside the off, and McGrath's cut goes
        nowhere, the ball missing the outside edge by just a few inches

End of over 111 (4 runs) England 375/6
RW Price 13-3-32-1 - Nursery End
AF Giles 4* (34b) A McGrath 52* (71b 7x4)

 111.1 Streak to Giles, no run
 111.2 Streak to Giles, FOUR, drifting down the legside, and Giles glances
        that behind square very nicely, getting four to fine leg
 111.3 Streak to Giles, no run, pushed back down the track to Streak
 111.4 Streak to Giles, three runs, half volley outside the off stump and
        Giles is quick to pick it up, hitting on the up through the covers
        for three runs
 111.5 Streak to McGrath, no run
 111.6 Streak to McGrath, one run, steered to the point fielder, and
        Mcgrath takes a single to keep strike

End of over 112 (8 runs) England 383/6
HH Streak 32-9-85-3 (3nb) - Pavilion End
A McGrath 53* (73b 7x4) AF Giles 11* (38b 1x4)

 112.1 Price to McGrath, no run
 112.2 Price to McGrath, no run, tossed up, and McGrath defends on the
        front foot
 112.3 Price to McGrath, no run
 112.4 Price to McGrath, no run, punched into the covers off the back foot
 112.5 Price to McGrath, two runs, some turn and bounce get the outside
        edge of the bat, and an acrobatic attempt at slip notwithstanding,
        the ball runs away for a brace to third man
 112.6 Price to McGrath, no run

End of over 113 (2 runs) England 385/6
RW Price 14-3-34-1 - Nursery End
AF Giles 11* (38b 1x4) A McGrath 55* (79b 7x4)

 113.1 Streak to Giles, one run, short and wide, begging to be hit for
        four, and only Ebrahim's virtuosity at point keeps it down to one
        instead of four
 113.2 Streak to McGrath, no run, full and on the legs, driven to mid on
 113.3 Streak to McGrath, no run, not really timed, driven square ofthe
        wicket to point
 113.4 Streak to McGrath, two runs, defensively pushed down the ground but
        with nice timing, mid on having to chase and drag it back as the
        batsmen run two
 113.5 Streak to McGrath, no run
 113.6 Streak to McGrath, no run, cut away to Ebrahim

End of over 114 (3 runs) England 388/6
HH Streak 33-9-88-3 (3nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 12* (39b 1x4) A McGrath 57* (84b 7x4)

 114.1 Price to Giles, no run, defended into the offside
 114.2 Price to Giles, one run, worked away to the onside for a single to
        midwicket
 114.3 Price to McGrath, no run
 114.4 Price to McGrath, no run, driven to mid off
 114.5 Price to McGrath, no run, tossed up, and driven back toProce
 114.6 Price to McGrath, no run

End of over 115 (1 run) England 389/6
RW Price 15-3-35-1 - Nursery End
AF Giles 13* (41b 1x4) A McGrath 57* (88b 7x4)

       Grant Flower to bowl the last over before tea
 115.1 Flower to Giles, no run, worked to the onside
 115.2 Flower to Giles, no run, short of a length, thumped to mid on
 115.3 Flower to Giles, one run, worked behind square on the legside for
        the single
 115.4 Flower to McGrath, one run, another single to midwicket, Flower
        drifting on leg stump too much
 115.5 Flower to Giles, one run, a single to square leg brings up the
        fifty partnership
 115.6 Flower to McGrath, no run, and defended into the offside

End of over 116 (3 runs) England 392/6
GW Flower 1-0-3-0 - Pavilion End
AF Giles 15* (45b 1x4) A McGrath 58* (90b 7x4)

Match State: Tea - Day 2

       And that will be tea. England will be very happy with that session,
        with McGrath having a very useful Test debut indeed.
       Join us in 20 minutes for the final session of the day.
 116.1 Price to Giles, no run
 116.2 Price to Giles, no run, flighted delivery on the middle, defended
 116.3 Price to Giles, one run, flighted delivery, on the middle and off,
        turned away to the vacant mid-wicket region, easy single taken
 116.4 Price to McGrath, no run, quicker delivery, fuller in length and
        outside the off stump, pushed to the off side
 116.5 Price to McGrath, no run
 116.6 Price to McGrath, no run, flighted delivery, delivered from wide of
        the crease, angling into the right hander, pushed to the short
        cover region

End of over 117 (1 run) England 393/6
RW Price 16-3-36-1 - Nursery End
AF Giles 16* (48b 1x4) A McGrath 58* (93b 7x4)

 117.1 Ervine to Giles, one run, short delivery, pitched wide outside the
        off stump and angling down the leg side, Giles pokes at it, ball
        hits the gloves and goes to the fine leg region
 117.2 Ervine to McGrath, no run, short and wide outside the off stump,
        cut away wide of the point fielder, diving stop there saves runs
 117.3 Ervine to McGrath, no run
 117.4 Ervine to McGrath, no run, beauty! good length delivery on the off
        and angling in sharply, McGrath has no idea what to do and in the
        end pokes at it, inside edge past the stumps
 117.5 Ervine to McGrath, FOUR, short and wide outside the off stump, this
        time no extra movement, cut awaya uplishly past the gully fielder
 117.6 Ervine to McGrath, no run

End of over 118 (5 runs) England 398/6
SM Ervine 17-4-61-0 (5nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 17* (49b 1x4) A McGrath 62* (98b 8x4)

 118.1 Price to Giles, no run, flighted delivery, outside the off stump,
        defended
 118.2 Price to Giles, no run
 118.3 Price to Giles, no run, flighted delivery, on the middle and off,
        Giles leans forward and turns it away to the on side
 118.4 Price to Giles, no run, tossed up, on the middle, pushed back to
        the bowler
 118.5 Price to Giles, no run
 118.6 Price to Giles, no run

End of over 119 (maiden) England 398/6
RW Price 17-4-36-1 - Nursery End
A McGrath 62* (98b 8x4) AF Giles 17* (55b 1x4)

 119.1 Ervine to McGrath, no run, short delivery, outside the off stump
        and angling into the right hander, McGrath gets behind the
        delivery and pushes it to the off side
 119.2 Ervine to McGrath, no run, turned away to the on side
 119.3 Ervine to McGrath, no run
 119.4 Ervine to McGrath, FOUR, take that! half volley outside the off
        stump, driven to the extra-cover fence, run meter rolls down to
        402!
 119.5 Ervine to McGrath, no run
 119.6 Ervine to McGrath, one run, driven wide of the cover fielder, a
        diving stop there, easy single to end the over

End of over 120 (5 runs) England 403/6
SM Ervine 18-4-66-0 (5nb) - Pavilion End
A McGrath 67* (104b 9x4) AF Giles 17* (55b 1x4)

 120.1 Price to McGrath, no run
 120.2 Price to McGrath, no run, pushed into the offside
 120.3 Price to McGrath, no run
 120.4 Price to McGrath, no run
 120.5 Price to McGrath, no run
 120.6 Price to McGrath, no run, an appeal for leg before, but McGrath is
        too far forward

End of over 121 (maiden) England 403/6
RW Price 18-6-36-1 - Nursery End
AF Giles 17* (55b 1x4) A McGrath 67* (110b 9x4)

 121.1 Ervine to Giles, no run
 121.2 Ervine to Giles, three runs, Giles tries for a drive through the
        covers but skews it away to square leg, down the slope, and Friend
        has a tough time pulling it back in
 121.3 Ervine to McGrath, no run, on the pads, clipped to mid on
 121.4 Ervine to McGrath, no run
 121.5 Ervine to McGrath, no run, a bouncer that McGrath finds easy enough
        to avoid
 121.6 Ervine to McGrath, one run, worked to square leg, and McGrath
        retains strike

End of over 122 (4 runs) England 407/6
SM Ervine 19-4-70-0 (5nb) - Pavilion End
A McGrath 68* (114b 9x4) AF Giles 20* (57b 1x4)

       Price to continue
 122.1 Price to McGrath, no run, driven into the covers
 122.2 Price to McGrath, no run, tossed up, and McGrath defends on the
        front foot
 122.3 Price to McGrath, no run
 122.4 Price to McGrath, no run, tossed up, on middle and leg, dropped
        down near short leg
 122.5 Price to McGrath, one run, short of a length, and McGrath clumsily
        pulls that away behind square on the legside for one
 122.6 Price to Giles, no run, over the wicket, driven straight to the mid
        on fielder

End of over 123 (1 run) England 408/6
RW Price 19-6-37-1 - Nursery End
A McGrath 69* (119b 9x4) AF Giles 20* (58b 1x4)

 123.1 Ervine to McGrath, no run, on middle and leg, defended into the
        legside, and McGrath immediately calls "No"
 123.2 Ervine to McGrath, OUT: one creeps through McGrath's defences, the
        ball angled into the batsman and not really doing much, but the
        bat-pad gap is rather wide, and the ball cannons into the stumps

       England 408/7, Partnership of 66
       A McGrath  b Ervine  69 (121b 9x4 0x6)
       AF Giles 20* (58b 1x4) SM Ervine 19.2-4-70-1 (5nb)

       That was Ervine's first Test wicket, took a long time coming in
        this innings
 123.3 Ervine to Harmison, no run, just outside the off, and Harmison
        wafts a drive at that and misses, a tad straighter and it may have
        hit the stumps too
 123.4 Ervine to Harmison, OUT: Harmison uppishly drive-flicks this on the
        legside, the ball just carries to Ebrahim, who takes a fine catch
        low to his side, his fielding having been impressive throughout
        this Test

       England 408/8, Partnership of 0
       SJ Harmison  c Ebrahim b Ervine  0 (2b 0x4 0x6)
       AF Giles 20* (58b 1x4) SM Ervine 19.4-4-70-2 (5nb)

       Ervine's second wicket in Tests coming rather quickly after his
        first!
 123.5 Ervine to Hoggard, no run, drifting down leg, Hoggard tries to
        flick the ball away and is rapped on the pads
 123.6 Ervine to Hoggard, no run, on the off stump, pushed into the covers

End of over 124 (maiden) England 408/8
SM Ervine 20-5-70-2 (5nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 20* (58b 1x4) MJ Hoggard 0* (2b)

       The gloom deepening again around Lord's, after a fairly sunny
        afternoon
 124.1 Price to Giles, one run, swept away to fine leg for a single
 124.2 Price to Hoggard, no run, tossed up, worked to the short leg
        fielder
 124.3 Price to Hoggard, one run, paddle sweep to fine leg to get off the
        mark
 124.4 Price to Giles, FOUR, firmly struck! the ball is just outside the
        off and a half volley to boot, and Giles thumps the ball away
        through extra cover for four
 124.5 Price to Giles, one run, turned to square leg
 124.6 Price to Hoggard, no run

End of over 125 (7 runs) England 415/8
RW Price 20-6-44-1 - Nursery End
AF Giles 26* (61b 2x4) MJ Hoggard 1* (5b)

 125.1 Ervine to Giles, SIX, short ball, and Giles takes up the offer,
        hooking away and succeeding in clearing the ropes at fine leg,
        wide of the fielder positioned there, for six!
 125.2 Ervine to Giles, (noball) no run, Ervine lets that one slip, the
        ball hitting Giles on the back as he tries to duck the beamer,
        Ervine immediately apologising for it
 125.2 Ervine to Giles, no run
 125.3 Ervine to Giles, no run, short of a length, worked away wide of the
        short leg fielder
 125.4 Ervine to Giles, five runs, Giles thumps this to cover, and the
        fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end, would have run Giles
        out but instead overshoots and goes for overthrows for five runs
        in toto
 125.5 Ervine to Hoggard, no run
 125.6 Ervine to Hoggard, no run

End of over 126 (12 runs) England 427/8
SM Ervine 21-5-82-2 (6nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 37* (66b 2x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 1* (7b)

       Streak into the attack now
 126.1 Streak to Giles, no run
 126.2 Streak to Giles, one run, on the pads, flicked away behind square
        on the legside for one
 126.3 Streak to Hoggard, no run, slower ball, and Hoggard drives at it
        and actually comes close to it before missing it
 126.4 Streak to Hoggard, no run, beaten outside the off, good bowling
        from Streak
 126.5 Streak to Hoggard, no run
 126.6 Streak to Hoggard, legbye: FOUR, drifting down leg, and th eball
        clips boot and pad on the way to the fine leg fence

End of over 127 (5 runs) England 432/8
HH Streak 34-9-89-3 (3nb) - Nursery End
AF Giles 38* (68b 2x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 1* (11b)

 127.1 Ervine to Giles, three runs, full ball that Giles tries to smack to
        long off but drags around to long on instead, but gets three
        regardless
 127.2 Ervine to Hoggard, no run
 127.3 Ervine to Hoggard, no run, short ball, and Hoggard flashes into the
        pull and immediately moves to cover his stumps as the top edge
        falls right back down on the pitch
 127.4 Ervine to Hoggard, two runs, cut away into the offside for a brace
        more
 127.5 Ervine to Hoggard, FOUR, short ball, and Hoggard pulls this away
        well enough, unlike the previous attempt, gets it through
        midwicket to the fence for four
 127.6 Ervine to Hoggard, FOUR, outside the off, and Hoggard gets a thick
        outside edge on this one that darts past a diving slip fielder to
        the third man ropes for four more!

End of over 128 (13 runs) England 445/8
SM Ervine 22-5-95-2 (6nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 41* (69b 2x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 11* (16b 2x4)

 128.1 Streak to Giles, legbye: one run
 128.2 Streak to Hoggard, no run, glided away to point
 128.3 Streak to Hoggard, no run
 128.4 Streak to Hoggard, wide: no run, wide bal, and Hoggard goes after
        that and misses
 128.4 Streak to Hoggard, no run
 128.5 Streak to Hoggard, no run, outside the off, and HOggard probes at
        that and misses
 128.6 Streak to Hoggard, no run

End of over 129 (2 runs) England 447/8
HH Streak 35-9-90-3 (1w 3nb) - Nursery End
AF Giles 41* (70b 2x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 11* (21b 2x4)

Match State: Drinks

 129.1 Blignaut to Giles, wide: no run
 129.1 Blignaut to Giles, one run, glided to third man for one
 129.2 Blignaut to Hoggard, FOUR, short ball, and Hoggard goes for the
        pull, gets a top edge that flies over the wicket keeper for four
 129.3 Blignaut to Hoggard, FOUR, outside the off, and Hoggard flays at
        that and gets an under edge that this time runs away to the left
        of Taibu for four more!
 129.4 Blignaut to Hoggard, no run
 129.5 Blignaut to Hoggard, no run
 129.6 Blignaut to Hoggard, no run

End of over 130 (10 runs) England 457/8
AM Blignaut 25-4-91-1 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 42* (71b 2x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 19* (26b 4x4)

 130.1 Streak to Giles, two runs, turned behind square for two more, Giles
        moving towards his fifty now
 130.2 Streak to Giles, one run, pushed wide of mid off
 130.3 Streak to Hoggard, no run
 130.4 Streak to Hoggard, no run
 130.5 Streak to Hoggard, no run, full and swinging outside the off, and
        Hoggard plays and misses at that
 130.6 Streak to Hoggard, no run

End of over 131 (3 runs) England 460/8
HH Streak 36-9-93-3 (1w 3nb) - Nursery End
AF Giles 45* (73b 2x4 1x6) MJ Hoggard 19* (30b 4x4)

 131.1 Blignaut to Giles, FOUR, short ball, and Giles spars at that
        outside the off, the ball rushing past the slip fielder to get
        four and Giles his highest Test score of 49
 131.2 Blignaut to Giles, no run
 131.3 Blignaut to Giles, one run, steered wide of third man, and that get
        Giles his first Test fifty
 131.4 Blignaut to Hoggard, OUT: Hoggard cuts this away and does so
        uppishly, the ball is caught extremely well by Ebrahim at point,
        who claims the catch. The third umpire presses the "Not Out"
        button first before reversing it!

       England 465/9, Partnership of 57
       MJ Hoggard  c Ebrahim b Blignaut  19 (31b 4x4 0x6)
       AF Giles 50* (76b 3x4 1x6) AM Blignaut 25.4-4-96-2 (1w 1nb)

 131.5 Blignaut to Anderson, no run, angled across the batsman, who leaves
        the ball alone
 131.6 Blignaut to Anderson, no run, short ball, which climbs easily over
        Anderson

End of over 132 (5 runs) England 465/9
AM Blignaut 26-4-96-2 (1w 1nb) - Pavilion End
AF Giles 50* (76b 3x4 1x6) JM Anderson 0* (2b)

 132.1 Streak to Giles, one run, backing away to leg, cut away to the
        extra cover region
 132.2 Streak to Anderson, no run
 132.3 Streak to Anderson, legbye: one run, Anderson gets some thigh pad
        on this one to fine leg for a leg bye
 132.4 Streak to Giles, no run, Giles backs away to leg and Streak bowls
        it wide of off stump
 132.5 Streak to Giles, one run, worked to the mid on fieldsman
 132.6 Streak to Anderson, FOUR, full and outside the off, and Anderson
        clubs that right back past the bowler to get his first Test runs -
        unorthodox, yet effective!

End of over 133 (7 runs) England 472/9
HH Streak 37-9-99-3 (1w 3nb) - Nursery End
AF Giles 52* (79b 3x4 1x6) JM Anderson 4* (5b 1x4)

 133.1 Blignaut to Giles, OUT: and Giles, looking to smack that out of the
        ground by backing to leg, sees a straight ball uproot leg stump,
        giving blignaut his third wicket of the innings

       England 472/10, Partnership of 7
       AF Giles  b Blignaut  52 (80b 3x4 1x6)
       JM Anderson 4* (5b 1x4) AM Blignaut 26.1-4-96-3 (1w 1nb)

       So Giles, with his first Test fifty, gives England a late surge at
        the end, sending them to 472 before being bowled out, leaving
        Zimbabwe to get 273 to avoid the follow on
       Zimbabwe will come out to bat out 20 overs this evening in just a
        few minutes
       Matthew Hoggard to start off proceedings from the Pavilion End
   0.1 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, and straightaway an appeal for leg
        before, but the ball is sliding down leg, and even Hoggard is not
        interested, though the slips are
   0.2 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, unexpected bounce for Ebrahim there,
        the ball rearing up and forcing Ebrahim to play it down with soft
        hands towards point
   0.3 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, left alone, and that one passes
        dangerously close to the off stump
   0.4 Hoggard to Ebrahim, one run, on the legs, and tucked away to fine
        leg for Zimbabwe's first runs
   0.5 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run, another appeal for leg before, but
        this one too is sliding down leg, and again Hoggard does not
        appeal as the slips do!
   0.6 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run, dabbed back down the track, just the
        single off the over

End of over 1 (1 run) Zimbabwe 1/0 (trail by 471 runs)
MJ Hoggard 1-0-1-0 - Pavilion End
DD Ebrahim 1* (4b) MA Vermeulen 0* (2b)

       James Anderson from the Nursery End, bowling on debut
   1.1 Anderson to Ebrahim, (noball) no run, and Anderson's first ball in
        Test cricket is a no ball!
   1.1 Anderson to Ebrahim, FOUR, short and wide, and Ebrahim slashes hard
        at that one and gets it over point to the fence for four
   1.2 Anderson to Ebrahim, (noball) no run, another no ball, this one a
        short delivery that Ebrahim just sways away from
   1.2 Anderson to Ebrahim, FOUR, drifting on leg as Hussain packs the
        offside field, and Ebrahim clips it away easily to the fence at
        square leg, not the greatest of starts for Anderson
   1.3 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, short of a lenght, outside the off,
        left alone
   1.4 Anderson to Ebrahim, FOUR, again on the pads, and again clipped
        away behind square on the legside, Stewart chases after it, with
        two other fields in tow, and they still cannot drag it back!
   1.5 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run
   1.6 Anderson to Ebrahim, three runs, on the pads again, and again
        Ebrahim clips behind square, easy runs for him withoug a fine leg,
        and Stewart has to chase after it again as the batsmen run three

End of over 2 (17 runs) Zimbabwe 18/0 (trail by 454 runs)
JM Anderson 1-0-17-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
DD Ebrahim 16* (12b 3x4) MA Vermeulen 0* (2b)

   2.1 Hoggard to Ebrahim, one run, worked to square leg
   2.2 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run, outside the off, and Vermeulen gets
        in a good stride forward before leaving it alone
   2.3 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run, worked to short leg
   2.4 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run
   2.5 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run
   2.6 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run

End of over 3 (1 run) Zimbabwe 19/0 (trail by 453 runs)
MJ Hoggard 2-0-1-0 - Pavilion End
DD Ebrahim 16* (13b 3x4) MA Vermeulen 0* (7b)

   3.1 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run
   3.2 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, that one goes through Ebrahim, the
        ball is fuller and swings into the right hander
   3.3 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, short again, and only a good diving
        stop by Vaughan at cover point prevents the runs from being taken
   3.4 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, steered straight to Vaughan this time
        around
   3.5 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, outside the off, left alone
   3.6 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, full and on the off, driven to mid off

End of over 4 (maiden) Zimbabwe 19/0 (trail by 453 runs)
JM Anderson 2-1-17-0 (2nb) - Nursery End
MA Vermeulen 0* (7b) DD Ebrahim 16* (19b 3x4)

   4.1 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run, short ball, left alone by Vermeulen
   4.2 Hoggard to Vermeulen, no run
   4.3 Hoggard to Vermeulen, one run, full and Vermeulen strides forward
        and gets an inside edge that Chinese-cuts the ball away to fine
        leg to get him off the mark in streaky fashion
   4.4 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run
   4.5 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, on the middle and leg, worked to the
        onside, just wide of the short midwicket fielder
   4.6 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, that one goes through Ebrahim, the
        batsman late on the defensive stroke and the ball whizzing past
        before bat is in place

End of over 5 (1 run) Zimbabwe 20/0 (trail by 452 runs)
MJ Hoggard 3-1-2-0 - Pavilion End
MA Vermeulen 1* (10b) DD Ebrahim 16* (22b 3x4)

   5.1 Anderson to Vermeulen, no run, back of a length, and Vermeulen lets
        it go past as Anderson looks to have settled down after a ragged
        first over
   5.2 Anderson to Vermeulen, no run, outside the off again, much too wide
        to tempt Vermeulen into the stroke
   5.3 Anderson to Vermeulen, no run, slashed away off the back foot,
        straight to Vaughan at point
   5.4 Anderson to Vermeulen, no run
   5.5 Anderson to Vermeulen, no run, on middle and leg, defended solidly
        back to Anderson
   5.6 Anderson to Vermeulen, OUT: and Anderson gets his first Test scalp!
        full and fast, straight delivery really to which  Vermeulen plays
        inside the line, only for th eball to clip off stump

       Zimbabwe 20/1, Partnership of 20
       MA Vermeulen  b Anderson  1 (16b 0x4 0x6)

End of over 6 (maiden) Zimbabwe 20/1 (trail by 452 runs)
JM Anderson 3-2-17-1 (2nb) - Nursery End
DD Ebrahim 16* (22b 3x4) 

   6.1 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, outside the off, and Ebrahim lets that
        bounce past
   6.2 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run
   6.3 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, past the outside edge, Ebrahim probing
        forward and Hoggard pitching this fuller than the previous two
        deliveries
   6.4 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, defended into the offside rather
        tentatively
   6.5 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, better looking stroke this time, on the
        back foot, defended into the covers
   6.6 Hoggard to Ebrahim, two runs, streakily worked into the onside,
        behind square, and Ebrahim comes back for two

End of over 7 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 22/1 (trail by 450 runs)
MJ Hoggard 4-1-4-0 - Pavilion End
SV Carlisle 0* (0b) DD Ebrahim 18* (28b 3x4)

   7.1 Anderson to Carlisle, no run, outside the off, short of a length,
        and Carlisle shoulders arms
   7.2 Anderson to Carlisle, no run
   7.3 Anderson to Carlisle, no run, short of a length, punched square of
        the wicket on the back foot
   7.4 Anderson to Carlisle, no run
   7.5 Anderson to Carlisle, no run, pushed into the offside
   7.6 Anderson to Carlisle, no run, Carlisle strides forward and lets
        that one go past too, giving Anderson his third maiden after a
        rather nightmarish first over

End of over 8 (maiden) Zimbabwe 22/1 (trail by 450 runs)
JM Anderson 4-3-17-1 (2nb) - Nursery End
DD Ebrahim 18* (28b 3x4) SV Carlisle 0* (6b)

   8.1 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, short of a length, and Ebrahim is
        almost lured into edging that behind the stumps, the extra bounce
        defeating the stroke
   8.2 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, outside the off, left alone this time
   8.3 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, again Ebrahim fends at the ball, plays
        and misses, Hoggard getting his line on target here
   8.4 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run
   8.5 Hoggard to Ebrahim, one run, drifting on leg stump, clipped away
        wide of short midwicket for one
   8.6 Hoggard to Carlisle, no run

End of over 9 (1 run) Zimbabwe 23/1 (trail by 449 runs)
MJ Hoggard 5-1-5-0 - Pavilion End
DD Ebrahim 19* (33b 3x4) SV Carlisle 0* (7b)

   9.1 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, full and outside the off, Ebrahim has
        a wild drive at that, top hand coming off the bat as th eball
        speeds to point
   9.2 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run
   9.3 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, outside the off stump and Ebrahim lets
        that sail past to Stewart
   9.4 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, pushed to cover
   9.5 Anderson to Ebrahim, three runs, Ebrahim guides this one nicely
        with firm wrists just behind point, keeping it along the carpet
        all the way to deep point and getting three
   9.6 Anderson to Carlisle, no run

End of over 10 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 26/1 (trail by 446 runs)
JM Anderson 5-3-20-1 (2nb) - Nursery End
DD Ebrahim 22* (38b 3x4) SV Carlisle 0* (8b)

  10.1 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, short of a length, worked defensively
        off the pitch
  10.2 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run
  10.3 Hoggard to Ebrahim, two runs, full and quite a long way outside the
        off, Ebrahim has to stretch for that as he drives it past Hussain
        at cover for a couple
  10.4 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run
  10.5 Hoggard to Ebrahim, three runs, drifting on the pads, and Ebrahim
        would have had four more to fine leg had Anderson not thrown
        himself at the ball and saved one
  10.6 Hoggard to Carlisle, no run, outside the off, Carlisle gets his bat
        high over his head and lets it pass

End of over 11 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 31/1 (trail by 441 runs)
MJ Hoggard 6-1-10-0 - Pavilion End
DD Ebrahim 27* (43b 3x4) SV Carlisle 0* (9b)

       Steve Harmison brought in from the Nursery End
  11.1 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run, short of a length, right in line with
        the stumps, and that goes through Ebrahim and just above the
        stumps
  11.2 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run, short ball, rising sharply down the
        legside, and Stewart forced to leap in the air to collect that one
  11.3 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run
  11.4 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run, trying to work it to leg, and Harmison
        gets this to rise off the pitch and rap Ebrahim gently on the
        fingers
  11.5 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run
  11.6 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run, nice carry from Harmison, which is
        well appreciated by the crowd, and Stewart as well

End of over 12 (maiden) Zimbabwe 31/1 (trail by 441 runs)
SJ Harmison 1-1-0-0 - Nursery End
SV Carlisle 0* (9b) DD Ebrahim 27* (49b 3x4)

  12.1 Hoggard to Carlisle, no run, outside the off stump, Hoggard getting
        a couple to rise sharply as well
  12.2 Hoggard to Carlisle, no run, vociferous appeal for leg before, as
        Carlisle prods forward and is rapped on the pads, umpire Orchard
        right away turns it down
  12.3 Hoggard to Carlisle, no run
  12.4 Hoggard to Carlisle, no run, outside the off, and Carlisle has a
        wild waft at that and misses
  12.5 Hoggard to Carlisle, no run
  12.6 Hoggard to Carlisle, no run, pushe dinto the covers in defence

End of over 13 (maiden) Zimbabwe 31/1 (trail by 441 runs)
MJ Hoggard 7-2-10-0 - Pavilion End
DD Ebrahim 27* (49b 3x4) SV Carlisle 0* (15b)

  13.1 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run, awkward height for Ebrahim, the ball
        coming back into him, and the ball worked to square leg
  13.2 Harmison to Ebrahim, two runs, on middle and leg, and Ebrahim
        flicks that away to square leg for two
  13.3 Harmison to Ebrahim, three runs, full and on the legs, and Ebrahim
        drives it wide of mid on and times it well, getting three and
        giving the strike to Carlisle, yet to get off the mark
  13.4 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, outside the off, left alone
  13.5 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, short ball, and Carlisle sways away
        from the line towards square leg
  13.6 Harmison to Carlisle, no run

End of over 14 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 36/1 (trail by 436 runs)
SJ Harmison 2-1-5-0 - Nursery End
DD Ebrahim 32* (52b 3x4) SV Carlisle 0* (18b)

  14.1 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, pushed back down the track towards
        Hoggard
  14.2 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run
  14.3 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, an appeal from Stewart for both leg
        before and caught behind, the ball finally flicking thigh and
        going over the top of the stumps
  14.4 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run
  14.5 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, glided to the point region
  14.6 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run

End of over 15 (maiden) Zimbabwe 36/1 (trail by 436 runs)
MJ Hoggard 8-3-10-0 - Pavilion End
SV Carlisle 0* (18b) DD Ebrahim 32* (58b 3x4)

  15.1 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, short ball, outside the off, left
        alone by Carlisle
  15.2 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, and again, short but too far outside
        the off to make Carlisle play
  15.3 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, outside the off stump, and Carlisle,
        not having scored off 20 balls, has a wild attempt at a cut and
        misses
  15.4 Harmison to Carlisle, no run
  15.5 Harmison to Carlisle, no run
  15.6 Harmison to Carlisle, FOUR, and Carlisle finally gets off the mark,
        slashing that one backward of point for four

End of over 16 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 40/1 (trail by 432 runs)
SJ Harmison 3-1-9-0 - Nursery End
DD Ebrahim 32* (58b 3x4) SV Carlisle 4* (24b 1x4)

       Anderson back into the attack, this time from the Pavilion End
  16.1 Anderson to Ebrahim, FOUR, outside the off, and Ebrahim strides
        forward and carves that through the offside to the deep point
        fence for four
  16.2 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, cut away to point
  16.3 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run, outside the off, seaming further away,
        and Ebrahim still tries to reach for it!
  16.4 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run
  16.5 Anderson to Ebrahim, FOUR, dabbed into the covers, and Ebrahim sets
        off for the single but scrambles back as Hussain tries for the run
        out, the throw misses and Ebrahim gets overthrows
  16.6 Anderson to Ebrahim, no run

End of over 17 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 48/1 (trail by 424 runs)
JM Anderson 6-3-28-1 (2nb) - Pavilion End
SV Carlisle 4* (24b 1x4) DD Ebrahim 40* (64b 5x4)

       The umpires check the light now, and then offer it to the batsmen,
        who are glad to take it and walk off the field promptly.
       So England, after batting almost the entire day, reached 472 - a
        very strong first-innings position indeed.
       Zimbabwe had to bat out a few nervy overs before the close of play,
        losing Mark Vermeulen but reaching a stable 48 for one.
       Join us tomorrow for the third day's play, when we will hopefully
        get as much play as we did today. Till then, goodbye.

Match State: Stumps - Day 2

       Welcome to Wisden CricInfo's live coverage of the third day's play
        of the first Test between England and Zimbabwe.
       The clouds are high and the skies are sunny, and Lord's may see a
        full day's play today, with England hoping to take quick Zimbabwe
        wickets after posting a huge 472.
  17.1 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, full and on the off, swinging out
        just a touch, and Carlisle prods forward and defends
  17.2 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, outside the off, seaming away, and
        Carlisle shoulders arms
  17.3 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, this one nips off the track and takes
        inside edge onto the pad before falling at Carlisle's feet
  17.4 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, Carlisle draws away from this one,
        Harmison getting some extra bounce that carries nicely through to
        Stewart
  17.5 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, short ball, and Carlisle ducks under
        that easily enough
  17.6 Harmison to Carlisle, no run, short of a length, outside the off,
        left alone

End of over 18 (maiden) Zimbabwe 48/1 (trail by 424 runs)
SJ Harmison 4-2-9-0 - Nursery End
DD Ebrahim 40* (64b 5x4) SV Carlisle 4* (30b 1x4)

       Hoggard to take the ball with Harmison this morning
  18.1 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, on middle and off, and Ebrahim strides
        forward, places pad and bat adjacent to each other, and works the
        ball just off the square into the onside
  18.2 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, outside the off, seaming away from
        Ebrahim, far too wide to tempt the batsman into the stroke
  18.3 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, full and wide, swinging away nicely
        from Ebrahim, the batsman has a lazy drive at it and almost ends
        up edging it through to Stewart
  18.4 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, more solid this time, on the front foot
        and pushed into the offside
  18.5 Hoggard to Ebrahim, no run, full and on the off, pushed back to
        Hoggard
  18.6 Hoggard to Ebrahim, three runs, first runs for Zimbabwe and Ebrahim
        this morning streakily steered away through the cordon just wide
        of gully for three to third man

End of over 19 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 51/1 (trail by 421 runs)
MJ Hoggard 9-3-13-0 - Pavilion End
DD Ebrahim 43* (70b 5x4) SV Carlisle 4* (30b 1x4)

  19.1 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run, rising delivery outside the off, and
        Ebrahim looks to slash that over the slip cordon and misses
  19.2 Harmison to Ebrahim, (noball) no run, Harmison oversteps, but he
        does get some prodigious bounce that squares Ebrahim up and flies
        away into the offside, just short of gully
  19.2 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run, drifting down the legside, collected
        easily by Stewart
  19.3 Harmison to Ebrahim, one run, pushed into the covers wide of the
        fielder stationed there for one
  19.4 Harmison to Carlisle, one run, pushed back down the track, and the
        ball clips Harmison's fingers and rushes just past the nonstriker,
        so the batsmen take the single quickly
  19.5 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run, outside the off, short of a length,
        left alone
  19.6 Harmison to Ebrahim, no run

End of over 20 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 54/1 (trail by 418 runs)
SJ Harmison 5-2-12-0 (1nb) - Nursery End
SV Ca