LONDON (AP):

BRENDON MCCULLUM launched a brutal counterattack at Lord's yesterday to rescue New Zealand from a precarious position on the first day of the first Test against England.

When bad light stopped play midway through the evening session, New Zealand had moved to 208 for six wickets from 52.1 overs, with McCullum contributing 97 runs from as many balls.

After the opening session was washed out, England bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad took full advantage of the overcast conditions to reduce New Zealand to 104-5 shortly before tea. Anderson ended the first day with three for 42 while Broad took two for 70.

Jacob Oram will resume today on 23 and skipper Daniel Vettori on five.