England tail falters against New Zealand

Hamilton, Feb 17 (AFP) England's carefully crafted start to their innings against New Zealand in the opening one-day international in Hamilton today came unstuck in the closing stages with a dramatic collapse. After reaching 220 for four in the 44th over, England were all out for 258 with three balls remaining in their 50 overs. Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root, who all missed the recently concluded Twenty20 series won by England 2-1, were the chief architects of the solid start only for the final six wickets to fall for just 38. However, New Zealand's celebrations were tempered by concerns for leading bowler Mitchell McClenaghan. McClenaghan, who took four for 56, was unable to complete his final over and limped from the field after delivering a short ball to claim the penultimate wicket when Steven Finn top-edged to Martin Guptill. After losing the toss, England were sent into bat and set about accumulating runs with the intent of establishing the foundations for a late onslaught. After the early departure of Alastair Cook, Bell and Trott put on 84 for the second wicket in their first innings of the tour. Bell survived a chance on 28 when BJ Watling spilled a catch and posted his 50 when he blasted Andrew Ellis for a six and four in quick succession. He reached 64 before becoming the second wicket to fall when he edged all-rounder James Franklin and gave wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum a regulation catch behind the stumps. Trott and Root added 89 for the third wicket when Trott was bowled by Kyle Mills for 68, putting England at 184 for three with 11.1 overs in hand. Root went on to make 56, but as England began to fold rapidly the only other players to reach double figures were Jos Buttler (21), Chris Woakes (17) and Graeme Swann (16). Franklin finished with the second best return of the New Zealand bowlers with three for 38 while Mills took two for 32. AFP SSC SSC 02171127 NNNN