England settle for draw

Giant left-hander Oram came to the crease at 120 for four with England scenting the chance of victory - after Brendon McCullum retired hurt - and hit a 120-ball century as New Zealand hurtled out of range.

He was eventually bowled by Ryan Sidebottom in the third over with the second new ball, but the fifth stalemate in a row at the home of cricket - although this one has been heavily influenced by bad weather - stretching back to 2006 was confirmed shortly after 5pm with the Kiwis 269 for six.

It was a brilliant innings that bristled with aggression and allowed New Zealand to successfully secure a draw and the opportunity to regroup before the resumption of the three-match npower series at Old Trafford on Friday.

He hit two sixes and 15 fours during his stay at the crease and dominated a 132-run partnership, during which 23-year-old debutant Daniel Flynn contributed only 22 runs, and such was his impact the two teams shook hands on a draw with New Zealand on 269 for six only four overs after his dismissal.

He had his fair share of good fortune, including flashing over the top of Paul Collingwood at second slip on 28 after mis-timing an attempted drive facing Sidebottom, while several other shots fell between fielders.

The intent and determination he showed, however, was sufficient to withstand England's efforts to force a positive result as the series moves onto Manchester and Trent Bridge.

The tourists' hopes of securing a draw had been seriously undermined when they resumed two runs adrift on 40 without loss and lost two wickets inside the first eight overs of the day.

James Anderson made the first breakthrough to remove opener Aaron Redmond with extra bounce, causing him to edge to Andrew Strauss at slip and, after England had persuaded the umpires to change the mis-shaped ball, Sidebottom struck immediately with a swinging delivery that trapped James Marshall lbw.

England's efforts would have been better rewarded, however, had Strauss taken the crucial catch to remove opener Jamie How seven overs later after he had progressed to a determined 46.