England were facing a new crisis yesterday after another first-innings batting slump at Old Trafford in Manchester in the third Test against New Zealand.
The top order, which failed to fire in the nine-wicket defeat at Lord's, struggled again as England, who opted to bat, finished a rain-affected day on 108 for 5. The Old Trafford pitch, however, did not help.
England manager David Graveney said: "There's been lots of debate about the wicket.
"They bowled well and we must do the same thing, and make sure we get the ball in the business area and exploit the bounce with the hardness of the new ball," Graveney said. From the moment play finally began, an hour late after early-morning rain, it was clear the wicket was suspect.
New captain Mark Butcher lasted just 20 minutes before edging a lifting delivery from Chris Cairns low to Stephen Fleming at slip.
Alec Stewart looked equally uncomfortable, making 23 in almost an hour-and-a-half before edging Cairns behind to make it 54 for 2. Four overs later a heavy downpour suspended play for a further two hours.
Michael Atherton, recalled to the team following injury, battled for over two hours for his 11.
Atherton's departure saw the return of the enigmatic Graeme Hick to international cricket. He soon left for 12, leg before as the wickets continued to fall. Graham Thorpe was the last front-line batsman to go. He made 21.
