Cricket: Jacob Oram typified New Zealand's determination to prevent England seizing victory with a defiant century to secure a battling draw in the opening Test at Lord's.
Having just witnessed wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum retire hurt on the final day of the rain-hit contest after being hit on an unprotected forearm, Oram walked out to bat with his side in a precarious position only 78 runs ahead with a minimum of 65 overs remaining in the day.
But by the time he had his off-stump knocked back with the second new ball by Ryan Sidebottom for a superb 101, Oram had all but made the game safe by extending New Zealand's lead to 210 runs with only 30 overs remaining.
It was a brilliant innings that bristled with aggression and allowed New Zealand to successfully secure a draw and the opportunity to regroup before the resumption of the three-match npower series at Old Trafford on Friday.
He hit two sixes and 15 fours during his stay at the crease and dominated a 132-run partnership, during which 23-year-old debutant Daniel Flynn contributed only 22 runs, and such was his impact the two teams shook hands on a draw with New Zealand on 269 for six only four overs after his dismissal.