England in go-slow as Lions slumber

The Lions, regarded as England's next best set of cricketers behind the senior squad, were given strict instructions to try and undermine the tourists' preparations for next week's opening npower Test at Lord's.

But after winning the toss and deciding to bat first, the Lions reverted to cricket not seen for years with a cautious go-slow in the opening session to reach 49 without loss after 29 overs at lunch on the opening day.

Playing in front of watching national selector Geoff Miller, every member of the Lions line-up knew that an impressive performance in this match would enhance their claims of being included in the senior England squad.

Fielding a side including eight players with senior international experience - Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry, Yorkshire all-rounder Adil Rashid and Durham seamer Graham Onions are the exceptions - they were all hoping of making a statement against the tourists.

Instead captain Rob Key, who is pushing for a recall to England's top order, and Carberry embarked on a first session go-slow on a bouncy but true pitch.

It took England eight overs to register their first boundary, Key clipping 19-year-old seamer Tim Southee off his legs for four and followed up four overs later by driving Iain O'Brien through mid-wicket for another four.

But Carberry, one of the stars of the Lions' tour to India this winter, struggled to break loose of the economic line and lengths provided by New Zealand's attack.

All-rounder Jacob Oram delivered five successive maidens before Key claimed the first run off him, a clip to fine leg off his 33rd ball.

Carberry finally broke loose in the 24th over of the day, hitting his first four off his 65th delivery and then followed up with another off the next ball from off-spinner Jeetan Patel.