Southampton

(Day two of four, England Lions won toss)

England Lions 280; New Zealanders 261 for nine (AJ Redmond 139 not out, BB McCullum 47, MJ Hoggard 3 for 41, CT Tremlett 3 for 57).

Lunch

Matthew Hoggard was hoping to convince the England selectors that he should be recalled for the first npower Test at Lord’s next week but it was Chris Tremlett who caught the eye as the New Zealanders struggled against the England Lions seamers.

The New Zealanders, fielding their probably Test batting line-up, made a poor start when Graham Onions had Jamie How leg before with his third ball but Aaron Redmond and James Marshall put on 33 before Tremlett struck twice in quick succession.

Marshall, who always looked vulnerable to the short ball, fended him off into the hands of short leg and Ross Taylor was also undone by Tremlett’s bounce as he tried to drive.

Tea

Redmond continued to bat at his own pace in preparation for his Test debut, reaching 50 off 120 balls with eight fours, but Brendon McCullum, captaining the New Zealanders because Daniel Vettori is nursing a split spinning finger, was quick to give the innings some much-needed momentum.

McCullum, fresh from his exploits in the Indian Premier League, plundered 47 off 43 balls with seven fours and did not disguise his dismay when he was run out in a mix-up with Redmond.

The fourth wicket had added 77 in only 16 overs when Redmond played Hoggard into the legside. McCullum charged down the pitch but Redmond sent him back and he was stranded as Michael Carberry ran in to hit the stumps with a swift pick-up and throw.

Close

Daniel Flynn, another batsman who is expected to make his Test debut at Lord’s, did not get very far before Onions had him lbw but Redmond would not be denied.

He was felled by a short ball from Onions that hit him on the side of the head when he had made 85 and was dropped at first slip off Onions on 97 but he kept his concentration to complete his century in 295 minutes off 217 balls with 17 fours.

Tremlett picked up his third wicket when Jacob Oram was caught behind and Hoggard finally got into the act with three quick wickets but the day belonged to Redmond, who finished unbeaten on 139.

He was into his 18th over by the time he had Jeetan Patel caught at second slip but he went on to have Tim Southee caught at first slip and trap Iain O’Brien leg before to finish with figures of three for 41 and a sheepish look. Now he faces an anxious wait to find out whether he bowled well enough to impress James Whitaker, the watching selector.

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