McCullum urges NZ to press ahead

McCullum fell short of a century at Lord's for the second time

Wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum believes New Zealand are still in the first Test against England, despite being reduced to 208-6 on the first day at Lord's.

The 25-year-old fired a rapid 97 before falling to Monty Panesar to give the tourists hope for the rest of the Test.

"From 104-5, it looked like we might be rolled over so to get to 208-6 makes it not a bad day for us," he said.

"It was tough in those conditions but hopefully Jacob Oram and Daniel Vettori can forge on to get us to 300-350."

McCullum's knock came at a crucial time for the Black Caps and vindicated the selectors' decision to push him up the order to number five.

"I enjoy the fact I've got the opportunity to bat higher in the order rather than having to counter-attack down the order, and I'm enjoying the responsibility that comes with it," he said.

606: DEBATE An interesting day's play. England exploited the conditions very well DB

"I'm very, very disappointed not to have got the hundred but there's a long way to go in this game and hopefully I'll get another opportunity."

Prior to McCullum's arrival at the crease, a James Anderson-led bowling attack made the most of the swinging conditions.

The Lancashire seamer took 3-42 and said: "I felt good. I've started the season pretty well and continued that rhythm here.

"All England's bowlers have had a good spell for their counties and that stands you in good stead for such an important series."

And he added he had enjoyed proving that the England attack is not reliant on player-of-the-year Ryan Sidebottom but who went wicketless on day one.

We're happy going into Friday James Anderson

"Ryan's done fantastically well over the last few months, but it was nice to see some of the other lads get some wickets today," said Anderson.

"I think my action's pretty good to be honest, I'm happy with where it's at, and it's the other areas of my game, maybe the mental side, that I've got to have a look at and work on.

"We're happy going into Friday. Our lengths could have been a little bit fuller and hopefully we can put things right."