Mixed feelings for McCullum

Wicketkeeper-batsman happy with his new role at number five

Last updated: 16th May 2008

Brendon McCullum New Zealand batting at Lords

McCullum: Fought a lone hand for the Kiwis on day one

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Brendon McCullum admitted to having mixed feelings over his innings of 97 on the opening day of the first Test against England.

New Zealand's wicketkeeper-batsman agonisingly missed out on a deserved century at Lord's when he was bowled by Monty Panesar in the final session.

It is the second time he has fallen within one blow of reaching three figures at the home of cricket after making 96 on the previous tour four years ago.

The 26-year-old, whose run-a-ball innings included 13 fours and two sixes, couldn't help but be disappointed at missing out again even if he had played so well, helping the tourists scrap up to 208-6 at the close.

Tough

"I feel like I've been here before!" He told Sky Sports at the end of the day's play.

"Obviously I'm quite pleased to have made a contribution on a tough batting surface and with conditions as they were, but I'm disappointed not to have got the hundred.

"It was very tough. The ball was always going to go past the bat and there were going to be times when you didn't feel comfortable.

"There's a long way to go in this game and hopefully I'll get another opportunity later on."

Had it not been for McCullum the situation for the Black Caps could have been even worse after they had been put into bat by England skipper Michael Vaughan.

He tempered his natural instincts to go after the bowling in the early stages of his innings before eventually attacking after tea, scoring 61 runs off just 42 deliveries.

New role

Not only did his heroics spare the Kiwis from a first-innings collapse but it also justified the selectors' decision to move him up the order to number five.

When asked if he was comfortable in his new position, he quipped;" Not at 41-3!"

"I enjoy the fact that I've got an opportunity to bat higher up the order and make a bigger contribtuion rather than coming out and having to counter-attack lower down.

"Obviously it's one game into it but I'm certainly enjoying the added responsibility that comes with it."