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England win despite Astle heroics
CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealander Nathan Astle scored the fastest double century on record during the fourth day of the first Test against England, but his side still lost by 98 runs.
Astle blazed his way to 200 in just 153 balls, an extraordinary 59 balls fewer than Australian Adam Gilchrist took against South Africa in Johannesburg on February 23.
He was finally out for 222 with 28 fours and 11 sixes , including three in a row off Andrew Caddick, as New Zealand, set 550 to win, eventually succumbed for 451.
Astle's counter-attack inspired the lame Chris Cairns to come to the crease at number 11 with the total 333 for nine. Batting with a runner Cairns, who will not play against in the three-match series after injuring his right knee, played a full part with three fours and a six in his unbeaten 23.
England looked at a loss as the pair flayed the ball to all parts of the Jade Stadium but the New Zealanders' defiance had come too late after they were convincingly outplayed during the first three days.
Astle accepted his full share of the responsibility after dropping Graham Thorpe second ball on Friday. Man-of-the-match Thorpe went on to make 200 not out from 231 balls.
"I can't really explain it, it was just one of those days," Astle said."Everything seemed to find the boundary so you have got to enjoy it when you can. "But we did lose the Test match.
I was bit frustrated I suppose at dropping Thorpe on four, that was probably one of hte big turning points of the game. I had to try and go and make up for that."
Caddick was the pick of the England bowlers, taking six for 122 but the other bowlers suffered in full from the Astle onslaught. Matthew Hoggard, who took seven for 63 in the first innings, conceded 142 runs from 24.3 overs before finally capturing the wicket of Astle.
Andy Flintoff went for 94 runs off 16 overs and Ashley Giles for 73 from 28.
Caddick captured three early wickets, including opener Mark Richardson for 76, as New Zealand reached 140 for three at lunch after resuming at 28 for no wicket. The Richardson wicket appeared to contain an element of luck.
Replays showed the batsman was hit on the arm as he attempted to get out of the way of a short delivery and the ball flew to wicketkeeper James Foster.
Matthew Horne was Caddick's first victim, playing just outside off stump and edging to Foster for four and Lou Vincent lasted only three balls before he snicked Caddick to Mark Butcher in the slips.
When captain Stephen Fleming fell for 48 the match seemed all but over but Astle, who dropped England's double century maker Graham Thorpe off the second ball on Thursday, had other ideas.
"It was the cleanest (hitting) I have ever seen," said Fleming."He's a magnificent player and you saw him at his absolute best today."
England captain Nasser Hussain said his side had shown a lot of character after losing two wickets in the the opening over of the match when put in to bat on a lively new pitch.
"If you can lose a toss like that and be nought for two in the first over then go on and win a Test match it shows a lot of character in our side," he said.
"It was a great Test match. It was a Test match in reverse because usually the wicket deteriorates. That wicket just got better and better." He added.
March 16, 2002 -
Astle launches extraordinary attack
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: New Zealander Nathan Astle launched an extraordinary attack in a losing cause on Saturday when he struck the fastest double century in Test history.
Astle, whose 200 came off 153 balls, was finally out for 222 as England at last completed a 98-run win on the fourth day of the first Test.
He struck 28 fours and 11 sixes, striking the England pace bowlers to all parts of the Jade Stadium.His heroics inspired the injured Chris Cairns, who had not planned to bat, to come in at number 11 with his team 333 for nine.
Cairns played his full part, although he will not take part again in the three-match series, with three fours and a six in his 23 not out. Andy Caddick was the pick of the England bowlers, taking six for 122 but the other bowlers suffered the Astle onslaught.
Matthew Hoggard, who took seven for 63 in the first innings, conceded 142 runs from 24.3 overs before finally capturing the wicket of Astle. Andy Flintoff went for 94 runs off 16 overs and Ashley Giles for 73 from 28.
Caddick captured three early wickets, including opener Mark Richardson for 76, as New Zealand reached 140 for three at lunch after resuming at 28 for no wicket. The Richardson wicket appeared to contain an element of luck.
Replays showed the batsman was hit on the arm as he attempted to get out of the way of a short delivery and the ball flew to wicketkeeper James Foster.
Matthew Horne was Caddick's first victim, playing just outside off stump and
edging to Foster for four and Lou Vincent lasted only three balls before he snicked Caddick to Mark Butcher in the slips.
When captain Stephen Fleming fell for 48 the match seemed all but over but Astle, who dropped England's double century maker Graham Thorpe off the second ball on Thursday, had other ideas.
March 16, 2002 -
Caddick takes five as England head for victory
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Andy Caddick took five wickets in a test innings for the 11th time on Saturday as England headed for victory over New Zealand on the fourth day of the first test.
At tea New Zealand were 270 for six, with Nathan Astle on 83 and Daniel Vettori four, still 280 runs behind the victory target of 550. Caddick captured three early wickets, including opener Mark Richardson for 76, as New Zealand reached 140 for three at lunch after resuming at 28 for no wicket.
The Richardson wicket appeared to contain an element of luck. Replays showed the batsman was hit on the arm as he attempted to get out of the way of a short delivery and the ball flew to
wicketkeeper James Foster.
Matthew Horne was Caddick's first victim, playing just outside off stump and edging to Foster for four and Lou Vincent lasted only three balls before he snicked Caddick to Mark Butcher in the slips.
Butcher sustained a slight crack on his right thumb and left the field. New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was first to go in the afternoon session after a run-a-ball 70-run partnership with Nathan Astle.
Fleming (48) was out in the first over of Flintoff's second spell off an inside edge that was well taken by Foster.
Craig McMillan and Astle also scored at a run a ball with a 53-run partnership which was ended off the first ball of Caddick's third spell, McMillan recklessly driving a delivery straight back to the bowler.
Adam Parore, who got a first ball duck courtesy of Caddick, scored one this time before he shouldered arms only for the ball to catch the inside edge and clatter back into his stumps.
Astle continued to play his shots and reached his 14th test half-century off just 54 balls with 10 fours.
March 16, 2002 -
Caddick takes three early wickets
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Andy Caddick captured three early wickets, including New Zealand's obdurate opener Mark Richardson, on Saturday as England moved closer to victory on the fourth day of the first test.
Caddick dismissed Richardson for 76 as New Zealand, chasing a mammoth 550 to win, reached 140 for three at lunch with captain Stephen Fleming on 30 and Nathan Astle 13. The Richardson wicket appeared to contain an element of luck.
Replays showed the batsman was hit on the arm as he attempted to get out of the way of Caddick's short delivery and the ball travelled through to wicketkeeper James Foster.
The New Zealand left-hander had survived a chance on 70 when he got an edge to an Ashley Giles delivery, but James Foster, standing up, put the difficult catch down. Richardson also appeared lucky when he was 61 and Matthew Hoggard had a good looking lbw shout turned down by umpire Asoka de Silva of Sri Lanka.
His luck ran out when de Silva sustained Caddick's appeal for the caught behind. Richardson, who had a test average of 54.40 before this innings and has now scored nine half-centuries and two hundreds, batted with aplomb.
He charged Giles a number of times and used the sweep shot off the left-arm spinner profitably. Fleming took 25 balls to get off the mark and gave a half-chance when he was four to Nasser Hussain at first slip, a difficult
opportunity which resulted in Hussain leaving the field with a finger injury as his hand and ball hit the ground at the same time.
Matthew Horne was Caddick's first victim, playing just outside off stump and edging to Foster for four and Lou Vincent lasted only three balls before he snicked Caddick to Mark Butcher in the slips.
DAY
THREE
March 15, 2002 - 0730 GMT
Centurion Flintoff relieved to escape a pair
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: England's Andy Flintoff, who hammered a Test-best 137 against New Zealand on Friday, said his only concern at the start of the third day had been to avoid a pair.
England, resuming on 63 for two, lost three wickets in the opening hour and Flintoff, who made a duck off 14 balls in the first innings, joined Graham Thorpe at the crease with his side precariously placed at 106 for five.
"It was nice to get a decent score but, to be honest, when I went out there I was trying not to score a pair. Never did I imagine I would be scoring 130-odd," said the all-rounder after eclipsing his previous Test-best of 42.
"I managed to get into the right position and hit the ball in the middle of the bat for a change. "I'd never got to 50 in a Test before and 50 was the big mark for me. I was reasonably relaxed by the time I got into the 90s, even though I seemed to be on 96 for a long time."
In partnership with the left-handed Thorpe, who struck the third fastest double century of all time, Flintoff put on an England record sixth-wicket stand against all countries of 281.
The previous best of 240 was scored by Peter Parfitt (131 not out) and Barry Knight (125) against New Zealand at Auckland in 1963.
England eventually declared their second innings at 468 for six and New Zealand, set an improbable 550 to win, were 28 without loss when bad light ended play for the day.
Flintoff, who plundered 23 fours and three sixes from a depleted New Zealand attack, said he was determined not to make too much of a one-off innings.
"I am looking for consistency," he said. "I want to build on this and start scoring runs on a more regular basis."
Flintoff said batting with Thorpe had been a bonus. "Thorpey makes it look so easy from the other end. It rubs off on you," he said. Thorpe, who was dropped off the second ball he faced before making an unbeaten 200 from 231
balls, said afterwards his main target had been to get past his previous Test-best score 138.
"I wanted to get a big score for the team," he said. "I got 200 - 100 for each of my two children." Only Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and England's Ian Botham have reached 200 faster than Thorpe, who struck 28 fours and four sixes.
The Surrey left-hander said he was now a much happier man than when he left Ahmedabad near the end of the tour of India to attend to domestic problems back in England. "I've had terrific support from the team and the England
management," he said.
"Maybe this goes some way to pay them back." Thorpe said he had also been determined to make the most of the simple chance put down by slip Nathan Astle after the Englishman had struck a boundary from his first delivery from paceman Chris Drum.
"We all drop catches, and I was determined to benefit hugely this morning," he said. Thorpe said he knew a declaration was coming if he managed to reach 200. "I got the message when I was on about 190 that that was the target, so I was ready to come off when I got there (to 20)."
March 15, 2002 -
Thorpe hits third fastest double century
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Graham Thorpe struck the third fastest double century in Test history on Friday as England put the New Zealand attack to the sword on the third day of the first Test.
Thorpe, dropped off the second ball he faced, struck 200 not out from 231 balls as England raced to 468 for six declared in an astonishing turnaround from the first two days when the ball ruled the bat.
At the close New Zealand, set an improbable 550 to win, were 28 without loss when the shadow from the giant western stand at Jade Stadium forced the umpires to call off play with 12 overs still to bowl.
Only Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and England's Ian Botham have reached 200 faster than Thorpe, who struck 28 fours and four sixes. The Surrey left-hander also shared an England record sixth wicket stand against
all countries of 281 with Andy Flintoff (137).
The previous best of 240 was scored by Peter Parfitt (131 not out) and Barry Knight (125) against New Zealand at Auckland in 1963. Flintoff, whose recent Test form has been dire, struck with enormous power, smashing 23 fours
and three sixes against a depleted New Zealand attack. Chris Cairns, who took two wickets in the opening over on Wednesday, did not take the field on Friday after injuring his right knee.
After scoring a duck in the first innings, Flintoff was quickly in to his stride and brought up his first Test 50 from 49 balls with nine fours and a six. Thorpe, who had been dropped second ball by Nathan Astle in the slips after hitting a boundary from his first delivery from paceman Chris Drum, was equally if less spectacularly aggressive.
The afternoon's run feast was totally out of character with the previous pattern of play on a pitch that was still lively when play resumed on Friday. England, resuming on 63 for two, lost three wickets in the first hour before Thorpe and Flintoff turned the game decisively in their favour.
Captain Nasser Hussian was out early when he followed a wide delivery from fast-medium Chris Drum and snicked the ball to wicketkeeper Adam Parore.
Mark Butcher went for 34 when he stepped on to his stumps attempting to push an Ian Butler delivery from the back foot and Mark Ramprakash (11) played on to Drum. During that period Hussain was dropped by Astle, a difficult
chance, Thorpe was dropped from a straight-forward second slip catch and Ramprakash had a run-out escape when Mark Richardson missed the stumps from two metres.
That was the time New Zealand ever looked like getting back in to the match as Thorpe and Flintoff began to bat with the freedom usually seen in a one-day match. Thorpe reached his 10th Test century and his third against
New Zealand, followed closely by Flintoff and continued to accumulate runs remorselessly.
He reached his 200 in 330 minutes before Hussain decided to end New Zealand's misery and declare with more than two days during which to dismiss the home side.
March 15, 2002 -
Thorpe and Flintoff set England sixth wicket record
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Graham Thorpe and Andy Flintoff set an England sixth wicket record against all countries on Friday during the third day of the first Test against New Zealand.
The England duo bettered the previous mark of 240, also set against New Zealand by Peter Parfitt and Barry Knight at Eden Park in Auckland in 1963.
Thorpe (128 not out) and Flintoff (123 not out) were still together close to the tea interval after adding 250 runs from 270 deliveries to bring the England second innings total to 356, an overall lead of 437.
March 15, 2002 -
Thorpe and Flintoff destroy New Zealand
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: England pair Graham Thorpe and Andy Flintoff destroyed New Zealand's victory hopes on the third day of the first Test on Friday with an unbeaten double century partnership.
Midway through the afternoon session the duo had taken England from 106 for five in their second innings to 329 for five, a lead of 410.
Thorpe was on 114, his 10th Test century and his third against New Zealand, while Flintoff (109 not out) had brought up his first Test century at an astonishing rate for a Test match.
Flintoff struck 19 fours and two sixes, reaching his century from 114 balls. Thorpe, equally effective if not as spectacular, struck 17 boundaries and a six. After a run of dismal form in Test matches, including a duck in the
first innings, Flintoff was quickly in to his stride and brought up his first Test 50 from 49 balls with nine fours and a six.
Thorpe was dropped second ball by Nathan Astle in the slips after hitting a boundary from his first delivery from paceman Chris Drum. England, resuming the day at 63 for two, lost three wickets in the first hour before Thorpe
and Flintoff turned the game decisively in their favour.
Flintoff hit five fours from the first seven balls he faced, all off Ian Butler, and in the next over from Butler hit a four and a six to reach 27 off just 10 balls.
Thorpe was similarly aggressive and the pair brought up the 50 partnership in just 39 balls with Thorpe's 30th Test half-century arriving shortly afterwards from 51 deliveries.
Earlier England had lost captain Nasser Hussain for 11 when he followed a wide one from Drum and got a nick to wicketkeeper Adam Parore.
Mark Butcher (34), who was looking imperious in the morning, went when he trod on his stumps attempting to push a Butler delivery from the back foot and Mark Ramprakash (11) played on to Drum.
During that period Hussain was dropped by Astle, a difficult chance, Thorpe was dropped from a straight-forward second slip catch and Ramprakash had a run-out escape when Mark Richardson missed the stumps from two metres.
Debutant Butler, who had picked up five wickets in the match, was brought back for his second spell of the morning when England lost their fifth wicket. But his arrival back at the crease coincided with the arrival of Flintoff, who took 28 runs off the two overs of his comeback spell.
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming's woes began before the day began when it was confirmed that all-rounder Chris Cairns would not bowl or field again in the match after injuring a tendon in his right knee.
March 15, 2002 -
Flintoff strikes first Test century
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: England all-rounder Andy Flintoff struck his first Test century on Friday with an unbeaten 101 against New Zealand on the third day of the first Test.
Flintoff, who also scored his first Test 50 from 49 balls in the morning session, hit 19 fours and two sixes, bringing up his 100 off 114 balls.
Midway through the afternoon session, England were 315 for five in their second innings, a lead of 396, with Graham Thorpe on 110, his 10th century in Tests and his third against New Zealand.
March 15, 2002 -
Thorpe and Flintoff put England in charge
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Graham Thorpe and Andy Flintoff shared an unbeaten century stand on Friday to put England firmly of control of the first Test against New Zealand.
At lunch on the third day, England were 212 for five, a lead of 293, with Thorpe on 62 and Flintoff on 55. The pair brought up their 100 partnership off just 114 balls five minutes before lunch.Flintoff, who has been in dismal form with the bat and made a 14-ball duck in the first innings, brought up his first Test match 50 from 49 balls with nine fours and a six.
Thorpe was dropped second ball by Nathan Astle in the slips after hitting a boundary from his first delivery from paceman Chris Drum. England, resuming at 63 for two, lost three wickets in the first hour before Thorpe and
Flintoff turned the game decisively in their favour.
Flintoff hit five fours from the first seven balls he faced, all off Ian Butler, and in the next over from Butler hit a four and a six to reach 27 off just 10 balls.
Thorpe was similarly aggressive and the pair brought up the 50 partnership in just 39 balls with Thorpe's 30th Test half-century arriving shortly afterwards from 51 deliveries.
Earlier England had lost captain Nasser Hussain for 11 when he followed a wide one from Drum and got a nick to wicketkeeper Adam Parore. Mark Butcher (34), who was looking imperious in the morning, went when he trod on
his stumps attempting to push a Butler delivery from the back foot and Mark Ramprakash (11) played on to Drum.
During that period Hussain was dropped by Astle, a difficult chance, Thorpe was dropped from a straight-forward second slip catch and Ramprakash had a run-out escape when Mark Richardson missed the stumps from two metres.
Debutant Butler, who has picked up five wickets in the match, was brought back for his second spell of the morning when England lost their fifth wicket. But his arrival back at the crease coincided with the arrival of Flintoff, who took 28 runs off the two overs of his comeback spell.
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming's woes began before the day began when it was confirmed that all-rounder Chris Cairns would not bowl or field again in the match after injuring a tendon in his right knee.
March 15, 2002 -
Wickets continue to tumble in NZ-England Test
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Wickets continued to tumble in the first Test between New Zealand and England on Friday with three falling in the first hour of the third day.
Halfway through the opening session England had taken their overnight score of 63 for two to 111 for five with Graham Thorpe on 14 and Andy Flintoff on four.
England now lead by 192 on a pitch still providing plenty of assistance to the seam bowlers. Captain Nasser Hussain, who scored 106 in England's first innings 228, was the first to depart when he followed a ball outside the off-stump from Chris Drum and got an edge to Adam Parore behind the stumps.
Hussain, who had been dropped by Nathan Astle at second slip while on seven, had added only four more runs. Astle also dropped the new batsman Graham Thorpe from the second ball he faced from Drum.
Thorpe drove his first delivery through the covers for four, and then sparred at the next. The ball flew at a comfortable height to Astle who spilled the chance. In the next over from Ian Butler, Mark Butcher (34) trod on his stumps trying to push a short ball off his back foot.
Mark Ramprakash had a lucky let-off when Mark Richardson again blew a run-out chance. In the final stages of the day on Thursday Richardson dropped a return from Chris Cairns that had Butcher well short of his ground, and this time, while he caught the return from Craig McMillan, he missed the stumps, side-on, from about two metres and Ramprakash dived hom safely.
There was another run-out chance in McMillan's first over when Thorpe hit the ball straight back to the bowler and McMillan threw the stumps down. The third umpire had a look and gave the green light as the video replay showed
Thorpe had stepped back into his crease.
Ramprakash did not benefit from his left-off, chopping a delivery from Drum on to his stumps after scoring 11.
DAY
TWO
March 14, 2002 - 0545 GMT
Bad light interrupts play
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Bad light interrupted play for 35 minutes in the final session of the second day of the first Test between New Zealand and England on Thursday.
Play resumed after the floodlights at the Jade Stadium were turned on.
March 14, 2002 -
Hoggard captures seven wickets
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: England pace bowler Matthew Hoggard captured seven for 63 on Thursday as England took a useful first innings lead of 81 on the second day of the first Test.
Hoggard took each of the first five wickets to fall as New Zealand, nine for one overnight, succumbed for 147 in reply to England's first innings 228 after rain had delayed play for 75 minutes.
Hoggard dismissed opener Matthew Horne for 14, well caught by Graham Thorpe at third slip, then had nightwatchman Daniel Vettori caught behind for 42 after some bold drives.
Lou Vincent survived dropped chances by Thorpe, a difficult chance to his right, and Mark Butcher who grassed an easier catch at second slip before he was bowled by Hoggard for 12.
Hoggard then trapped Nathan Astle lbw for 10 before captain Stephen Fleming and Craig McMillan briefly steadied the innings. Fleming's dismissal caught at gully off Andy Caddick for 12 led to a New Zealand collapse with Chris
Cairns and Adam Parore both falling in the same over for ducks.
McMillan, who survived a chance to replacement fielder Craig White at third man, struck Caddick for four through mid-on then pulled a six off the same bowler. He was caught in the deep by Michael Vaughan for 40 attempting
another big hit and Hoggard quickly wrapped up the innings.
March 14, 2002 -
Rain delays play in NZ-England Test
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Rain delayed the start of play on the second day of the first Test between New Zealand and England on Thursday.
After early morning drizzle had cleared, play was scheduled to begin at 11.45 a.m. (2245GMT Wednesday). New Zealand were nine for one in reply to England's first innings 228.
DAY
ONE
March 13, 2002 -
Hussain leads from front with defiant century
CHRISTCHURCH New Zealand: England skipper Nasser Hussain led from the front on Wednesday with a splendid century after his side had lost two wickets in the opening over of the first Test against New Zealand.
Hussain, blending patience with aggression, scored 106 out of an England total of 228. He reached his 10th Test century with a classic cover-drive off debutant Ian Butler and immediately raised his arms in triumph. His vintage captain's innings had taken 325 minutes and came off 233 balls with 14 boundaries.
New Zealand, who faced six overs before the close, lost opener Mark Richardson lbw to Matthew Hoggard for two to
finish the day nine for one as the ball continued to move extravagantly off the seam.
Chris Cairns, New Zealand's key player, fully vindicated Stephen Fleming's decision to ask England to bat on the imported pitch at Jade Stadium when he beat Marcus Trescothick with his first two deliverie Two balls later he had Mark Butcher caught by ebutant Ian Butler running in from mid-off and then ended a promising innings from Michael Vaughan, who had hooked two ixes in an enterprising 27.
But Butler and Chris Drum were unable to exert similar control and Fleming was forced to turn to the gentle medium pace of Nathan Astle before lunch, which was taken with England on 89 for four.
Astle made the breakthrough after lunch with the aid of a dubious umpiring decision from Sri Lanka's Asoka de Silva. The umpire, who was appointed to the International Cricket Council's panel of eight elite umpires, gave Mark amprakash out caught behind when the ball appeared to go between the bat and the flap of his pad.
Hussain and Ramprakash had put on 56 for the fifth wicket, with the Surrey batsman playing some attractive
strokes, hitting six fours in his fluent 31.
England then received a boost when the normally reliable Fleming spilled a chance off Hussain at first slip when the England captain had scored 52. New Zealand did have the consolation of Andy Flintoff's wicket, lbw to Astle without scoring shuffling forward but they found wicketkeeper James Foster harder to shift.
Foster scored a determined 19, including a glorious straight drive for four off Cairns in the final over before the tea interval.
Butler went some way to compensating for his earlier inaccuracy when he took two late wickets. although an lbw decision against Andy Caddick appeared to be missing all three stumps.
Cairns, who was used sparingly after appearing to be suffering from a back injury, took his Test tally to 197 with three for 58 while Drum captured three for 36.
March 13, 2002 -
Hussain hits splendid century
CHRISTCHURCH New Zealand: England skipper Nasser Hussain led from the front on Wednesday with a splendid century after his side had lost two wickets without a run on the board in the opening over of the first Test against New Zealand.
Hussain, driving and pulling vigorously on a lively pitch, scored 106 out of an England total of 228. His 10th Test
century took 233 balls and contained 14 boundaries.
Chris Cairns, New Zealand's key player, fully vindicated Stephen Fleming's decision to ask England to bat on the imported pitch at Jade Stadium when he beat Marcus Trescothick with his first two deliveries before forcing an involuntary edge from the Somerset left-hander.
Two balls later he had Mark Butcher caught by debutant Ian Butler running in from mid-off and then ended a promising innings from Michael Vaughan, who had hooked two sixes in an
enterprising 27.
But Butler and Chris Drum were unable to exert similar control and Fleming was forced to turn to the gentle medium pace of Nathan Astle before lunch, which was taken with England on 89 for four.
Astle made the breakthrough after lunch with the aid of a dubious umpiring decision from Sri Lanka's Asoka de Silva.
The umpire, who was appointed to the International Cricket Council's panel of eight elite umpires, gave Mark Ramprakash out caught behind when the ball appeared to go between the bat and the flap of his pad.
Hussain and Ramprakash had put on 56 for the fifth wicket, with the Surrey batsman playing some attractive strokes, hitting six fours in his fluent 31.
England then received a boost when the normally reliable Fleming spilled a chance off Hussain at first slip when the
England captain had scored 52.
New Zealand did have the consolation of Andy Flintoff's wicket, lbw to Astle without scoring shuffling forward but they found wicketkeeper James Foster harder to shift. Foster scored a determined 19, including a glorious straight drive for four off Cairns in the final over before the tea interval.
Butler went some way to compensating for his earlier inaccuracy when he took two late wickets and Drum ended the innings when he rapped Hussain lbw.
March 13, 2002 -
Hussain leads spirited England counter-attack
CHRISTCHURCH New Zealand: England skipper Nasser Hussain led a spirited counter-attack on Wednesday after
his side had lost two wickets without a run on the board in the opening over of the first Test against New Zealand.
Hussain, driving and pulling vigorously, had reached 70 not out at tea which was taken with England on 176 for six on a green and lively pitch. His 20th Test half-century took 113 balls after he was stuck on 49 for 19 balls.
Chris Cairns, New Zealand's key player, fully vindicated Stephen Fleming's decision to ask England to bat on the imported pitch at Jade Stadium when he beat Marcus Trescothick with his first two deliveries before forcing an involuntary edge from the Somerset left-hander.
Two balls later he had Mark Butcher caught by debutant Ian Butler running in from mid-off and then ended a promising innings from Michael Vaughan, who had hooked two sixes in an enterprising 27. But Butler and Chris Drum were unable to exert similar control and Fleming was forced to turn to the gentle medium pace of Nathan Astle before lunch, which was taken with England on 89 for four.
Astle made the breakthrough after lunch with the aid of a dubious umpiring decision from Sri Lanka's Asoka de Silva.
The umpire, who was appointed to the International Cricket Council's panel of eight elite umpires, gave Mark amprakash out caught behind when the ball appeared to go between the bat and the flap of his pad.
Hussain and Ramprakash had put on 56 for the fifth wicket, with the Surrey batsman playing some attractive strokes, hitting six fours in his fluent 31.
England then received a boost when the normally reliable Fleming spilled a chance off Hussain at first slip when the England captain had scored 52.
New Zealand did had the consolation of Andy Flintoff's wicket, lbw to Astle without scoring shuffling forward but they found wicketkeeper James Foster harder to shift.
At tea Foster was on 15, including a glorious straight drive for four off Cairns in the final over before the break.
March 13, 2002 -
Cairns captures two wickets in first over
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Chris Cairns took two wickets in the opening over of the first Test against England
on Wednesday before the visitors rallied on a pitch giving plenty of assistance to the seam bowlers. After an hour's play England were 51 for three with captain Nasser Hussain on 14 and Graham Thorpe on four.
Cairns, the key bowler in an inexperienced New Zealand attack, beat Marcus Trescothick outside the off-stump with his first two deliveries after Stephen Fleming had won the toss and asked England to bat. Trescothick then pushed
forward to the third ball and edged the ball to Adam Parore behind the stumps.
Mark Butcher attempted to turn the second ball he received from Cairns behind square but got a leading edge which was caught by debutant Ian Butler running in from mid-off.
Michael Vaughan, promoted to opener, hooked two sixes in a bold counter-attack before he was caught behind off Cairns for 27.
England opted to play Mark Ramprakash in his 50th Test ahead of all-rounder Craig White while New Zealand omitted fast bowler Chris Martin from their line-up
March 13, 2002 - 2200 GMT
New Zealand elect to field v England
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming won the toss and elected to field in the first Test against England on Wednesday.
England opted to play Mark Ramprakash in his 50th Test ahead of all-rounder Craig White while New Zealand omitted fast bowler Chris Martin from line-up.
New Zealand : Stephen Fleming (captain), Mark Richardson, Matthew Horne, Lou Vincent, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Adam Parore, Daniel Vettori, Chris Drum, Ian Butler.
England : Nasser Hussain (captain), Mark Butcher, Marcus Trescothick, Graham Thorpe, Michael Vaughan, Mark
Ramprakash, Andy Flintoff, James Foster, Ashley Giles, Andy Caddick, Matthew Hoggard.
Umpires: BF Bowden and EAR de Silva (SL)
Match Referee: JL Hendriks (WI)
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