Sidebottom torments New Zealand at Lord's
Ryan Sidebottom tormented New Zealand once again as England wrestled for control of the opening npower Test. The shaggy haired left-armer picked up 24 wickets to power the Three Lions to a 2-1 series victory back in March. He was back to his old tricks on day two of the first Test of this series as he mopped up the Black Caps tail at Lord's.
After a rare off day on Thursday, Sidebottom rediscovered his radar today to knock over the Kiwis for 277.
Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss then set about building a big first innings total for England before bad light ended play early.
England finished the day 209 runs behind and will be hoping the clouds lift as they go in search of a first innings lead today.
Sidebottom was singled out by Kiwi legend Sir Richard Hadlee at the start of the series as England's most potent attacking weapon.
He showed why yesterday by swinging the ball around corners to finish with four for 55 from 28.2 overs.
The visitors resumed on 208 for six and Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram looked intent on grounding England into submission.
But Sidebottom tempted Oram into flicking across the line and Strauss snaffled a simple catch at the second attempt.
Kyle Mills hung around for 59 balls before the Nottinghamshire paceman removed him with a big inswinger after taking the new ball.
Tim Southee, who smashed England to all parts in the last Test at Napier, had no answer to another booming Sidebottom inswinger and was bowled for one.
Vettori was the last man out, made to look foolish as Sidebottom got one to straighten with the Kiwi skipper shouldering arms.
When England's turn came to bat on another gloomy day at HQ, Strauss and Cook looked in control to put on 68 before the close.
Cook in particular looked in superb touch, crashing three fours in three consecutive Tim Southee deliveries.
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