This was a tale of cut and dislocated fingers. Daniel Vettori, the captain of New Zealand, was taken to hospital in Chelmsford yesterday, having cut the spinning finger on his left hand. He had two stitches inserted and will miss the match against England’s Lions this week, but there should not be any concern over his appearance in the first Test at Lord’s, which does not start until May 15.

Alastair Cook, the England batsman, was fit enough to open the innings for Essex, the little finger of his right hand having been dislocated but not broken in the field on Friday. No matter that he was dismissed for 15, fencing uncomfortably outside off-stump at Michael Mason, who in working up some pace did what he could to gain a place at Lord’s.

The best cricket was played by Ravi Bopara, who is 23 today. On the six occasions he has batted this season, he has struck a half-century or more. His 66 included nine fours and he will have a further chance against these New Zealanders when he plays for England’s Lions. There were some extravagant drives, one culminating in his dismissal to a catch at short cover.

The tourists were finally bowled out for 355 in the morning, Ryan ten Doeschate taking his sixth wicket. Their batting order looks settled, even though they have difficulty finding the right opening pair. Mason, who at the age of 33 has just one Test cap, will contest the last available bowling place with Iain O’Brien, who removed Bopara and then, through late in-swing, Mark Pettini. Alex Tudor made some useful runs that kept the New Zealanders in the field after tea.

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