They are unbeaten in their last six test series, they took 20 wickets at Lord's, they scored 743 runs, yet a win or a draw was beyond New Zealand's grasp.

It is only right to recognise the Lord's test for what it was: an epic meltdown by the Black Caps, writes Dylan Cleaver.

Brendon McCullum is adamant his team is still playing good cricket and they'll avoid a "kneejerk reaction" to today's defeat.

The Black Caps have lost the opening test of their two-test series against England by 124 runs.

English media lavishes praise on their side, saying victory over Black Caps heralds a new era for test cricket.

Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum reflects on their defeat at Lord's.

Some fascinating statistics following England's 124-run win over the Black Caps at Lord’s.

When put under pressure at Lord's, England made a fight of it and got back in the game. New Zealand failed to do so, writes Andrew Alderson.

If the Black Caps want to acheive a rare win at Lord's tonight, they might have to take a very aggresive approach.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee are a magnificent sight, giving us swing bowling to savour from both ends. This is better than watching Hadlee, writes Chris Rattue.

Andrew Alderson and Willy Nicholls review day four of the opening test at Lord's.

The intensity of the two-test series between New Zealand and England reached frenetic levels at Lord's overnight.

Australia captain Michael Clarke has stuck to his mantra of ignoring any Ashes speculation.

New Zealand exerted further dominance overnight in pursuit of a second test victory over England in 17 attempts at Lord's.

Herald cricket writer Andrew Alderson provides three observations from the third day of the first test between New Zealand and England.

A few things surprise me but hearing that Kane Williamson was 92 not out yesterday morning was not one of them, writes Mark Richardson.

Martin Guptill made it count on the second day of the first test against England at Lord's yesterday.

Join us for live coverage of day three of the cricket test between New Zealand and England from Lord's.

Martin Guptill had to wait 722 days and 16 matches to get another test cricket opportunity. He made it count on the second day of the first test against England.

Two century partnerships rekindled New Zealand's dominance over England on the second day of the first test at Lord's. The visitors are 303 for two at stumps, 86 runs behind. A 148-run stand between openers Tom Latham (59) and Martin Guptill (70) was halted by their dismissals within three balls but Kane Williamson (92) and Ross Taylor (47) sustained the impetus, making 155 in an unbeaten third wicket partnership.

Herald cricket writer Andrew Alderson provides three observations from the second day of the first test between New Zealand and England.