Reuters

Strauss and Cook in strong start

Updated 20.00 Fri May 16 2008

Keywords: ryan sidebottom, james anderson, lord's, england cricket, new zealand cricket, first test, sport, cricket

Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook forged an unbeaten opening partnership to swing the first test against New Zealand in England's favour.

When bad light stopped play for the fifth and final time on the second day at Lord's, the pair had taken their side to 68 without loss in reply to New Zealand's 277.

Ryan Sidebottom earlier dismissed New Zealand after taking four for five from 10.1 overs and four for 55 for the innings. His last three victims were all clean bowled

Cook reached 43 while Strauss was on 24, with the two left-handers putting on 30 in five overs after tea.

Ryan Sidebottom earlier dismissed New Zealand after taking four for five from 10.1 overs and four for 55 for the innings. His last three victims were all clean bowled.

The visitors added just 52 in the morning session with captain Daniel Vettori hitting the only two boundaries.

Jacob Oram was caught at first slip by Strauss off Sidebottom for 28 in 144 minutes and Kyle Mills was bowled by the same bowler for 10 after more than an hour at the crease.

Tim Southee was bowled for one while Vettori was the last to go for 48 when Sidebottom finally breached his defences.

The weather remained overcast but the New Zealand pacemen found little movement in the air or off the pitch and may be in for a hard day when play resumes on Saturday.