England batted their way to a draw in first test against New Zealand on Sunday, reaching 421 for six when play was called off early on the final day when both captains agreed a result was not likely.

The tourists had established a 128-run lead with Ian Bell on 26 and wicketkeeper Matt Prior on 23. A minimum of 15 overs remained to be bowled in the first match of the three-test series.

New Zealand had an outside sniff of victory shortly after the tea break when nightwatchman Steven Finn was trapped in front by left arm spinner Bruce Martin for 56, while Joe Root was run out for a duck.

Root's dismissal had left England on 390 for six, a lead of 97 runs with a minimum 31 overs remaining, but Bell and Prior snuffed out any chance of what would have been a stunning home victory.