Cricket: Missed chances costly for NZ

1.00am

BRISTOL - New Zealand were made to rue some fielding blunders as England looked poised for a healthy total in the tri-series cricket match here today.

After New Zealand's bowlers reduced England to 57 for three, Andrew Strauss and Andrew Flintoff rode their luck to plunder an unbroken century partnership for the fourth wicket.

After 40 overs, having been sent in to bat, England were 163 for three.

New Zealand, fresh from their five-wicket win over West Indies, made a flying start when Ian Butler ran out Marcus Trescothick for one from third man in the fourth over.

Jacob Oram bowled another excellent opening spell of one for 18 off eight overs with the new ball, including the wicket of captain Michael Vaughan caught at cover for 12.

When Scott Styris removed Robert Key caught behind off his first ball, New Zealand were well on top.

Both Strauss and Flintoff should have been removed for a combined total of one, with New Zealand's best fielder Hamish Marshall the culprit both times.

On one, Strauss cut Jacob Oram to backward point where Marshall put down a sharp low chance.

Then, with Flintoff yet to score and the total 57 for three, Marshall watched an easier chance fly through his hands in the same position.

Butler bowled a sharp opening spell and was unlucky not to take a wicket, also cracking Flintoff a nasty blow on the helmet.

The agony also continued for Chris Harris, recalled for his 242nd match after yesterday's standout Chris Cairns was rested with a minor ankle injury.

Having been poised on 199 one-day wickets for five matches since last November against India in Hyderabad, he was unlucky not to remove Flintoff in his second over.

Flintoff, on 23, appeared to edge a catch to wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins, and despite a huge appeal from bowler and gloveman, Australian umpire Daryl Harper gave it not out.

Flintoff made the tourists pay, reaching 50 off 80 balls with six fours and a six, over square leg off Harris who was spelled after bowling eight overs for 37.

Strauss brought up 50 three overs later, also off 80 balls.

- NZPA