A draw seems the most likely conclusion to the opening cricket test between New Zealand and England due to the abandoned third day, but all is not lost for the tourists.
The odds are long at contesting for a second Lord's win from 18 attempts, but advantages remain if the match is viewed through the lens of world championship final preparation.
The bowlers earned an unintentional rest and avoided an overbearing workload across 101.2 overs to dismiss the hosts. Similarly, with a first innings lead of 103 extending to 165 by stumps, the batsmen have the opportunity to further adapt to English conditions on the final day. Depending on their acceleration before lunch, New Zealand's ambitions might extend to pressing for a victorious chapter to complement the halcyon days of 1999.
The Black Caps applied immediate pressure to England after relinquishing their grip before the rain. Rory Burns and Joe Root eked out 93 for the third wicket but Kyle Jamieson found the edge of Root's bat to first slip from the first ball of the fourth day. Jamieson finished with figures of three for 85 from 26 overs and, having also secured the wicket of opener Dom Sibley for a duck, suggested he was new-ball capable.
That narrative played out as Trent Boult joined the team after his self-imposed delay so he could spend time with his family after the Indian Premier League quarantine. He trained at the adjacent Nursery ground which, presuming there are no pre-conceived plans, could place him in contention for an Edgbaston start. Such a move would ensure he enters the Southampton showpiece against India buoyed by test match intensity.