Joe Root leads England to draw in first New Zealand test as Yorkshire leave it late for dramatic win

Joe Root’s England erred on the side of caution after being invited to chase down 273 in 75 overs against New Zealand, deciding against pursuing the win as the first Test at Lord’s ended in a draw.
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New Zealand had set the game up on the final day by advancing their overnight 62 for two to 169 for six for a lead of 272, with Kane Williamson hopeful of tempting England in the final two sessions by declaring during lunch.

But a grandstand finish failed to materialise, with England defending resolutely in the face of some challenging bowling from New Zealand’s seamers on Sunday afternoon, meaning the teams head to Edgbaston next week all square.

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Root had been eyeing a clean sweep in this summer’s seven Tests – two against the Kiwis and five versus India – but his knock of 40 in an important 80-run stand with Dom Sibley went a long way to guaranteeing a stalemate.

England's Joe Root (L) plays a shot on the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between England and New Zealand at Lord's.England's Joe Root (L) plays a shot on the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between England and New Zealand at Lord's.
England's Joe Root (L) plays a shot on the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between England and New Zealand at Lord's.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire took six wickets after tea on day four to seal a dramatic LV= Insurance County Championship win over Sussex with 32 balls remaining at Emerald Headingley.

Opener Ali Orr’s debut 67, supplemented by 52 from Aaron Thomason, looked set to give inexperienced Sussex a notable draw as they reached tea at 165 for four in their second innings, still 80 adrift.

But five wickets from Dom Bess and David Willey triggered a remarkable collapse as Yorkshire moved within four points of Group Three leaders Lancashire with their fourth win, this one by an innings and 29 runs.