1740: That's it for the day - they'll resume tomorrow morning at 1100, when the eagle-eyed Sam Lyon will be on live text duty. Enjoy the rest of your Friday, thanks for all your e-mails (even the unprintable ones) and make sure you're back to join Sam and the team tomorrow.
1732: Still nothing from Old Trafford - we're basically waiting for them to call it off for the day. In the meantime, take a look at the TMS Blog, where Graham Gooch remembers when Malcolm Marshall rearranged Mike Gatting's face... TMS BLOG: Gooch's view from Old Trafford
"I think today's play is a microcosm of England in Test cricket just now - promising so much in patches, but not being able to sustain it to deliver the killer blow. A great effort to take it from 80-0 to 123-4, but a truly world-class team would then have gone for the jugular. Until they become more clinical in these sorts of positions, they can't seriously be classed as a contender for Australia's crown" AesopPorter on 606 Join the debate on 606
1659: Well, Aggers and the TMS crew are going off the air - clearly they don't think there's any chance of the players returning this evening. I'll stick with you here, just in case they return - if they call it off for the day, I'll let you know ASAP. And of course, in the unlikely event they do return, I'll let you know ASAP as well!
"In answer to the query about the dislodged toupee [see 1610 entry], I think that would have to be an issue for umpire Hair to deal with" Matt, via text on 81111
1644: The light is still bad. Over on the subcontinent, apparently Adam Gilchrist has just been clean bowled while aiming a big hit for the Deccan Chargers against the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL.
"The picture you are using of Neil Bainton looks suspisciously like Arnold Schwarzenegger in the film 'The 6th Day'? Is he his stunt double?" Johnny O'G, Sutton, in the TMS inbox
"It's not good news - I've just spoken to the umpires and the light has got worse since the players went off. Simon Taufel wasn't looking too optimistic. There are a few superheroes at the Brian Statham End - Batman, Superman and even Bananaman, but I don't think even they can magic up some extra light" TMS's pitchside reporter Alison Mitchell
1625: In other cricket news today, South Africa have named their squad for the forthcoming tour of England (recalling Andre Nel), with only one of the two Morkels selected. Meanwhile, Yorkshire have been given a £600,000 ECB grant to put new drainage into their outfield at Headingley. South Africa recall Nel for England tour Headingley gets £600,000 facelift
"Can anyone explain to me why having just hit 19 runs off the last two overs the batsmen would go off for light? Simon, Norwich, via text on 81111
1619: The umpires send out fourth umpire Neil Bainton, who's becoming a bit of a cult hero in today's live text, to the middle with his light meter. He examines it and radios back to his colleagues.
1610: The umpires (who had stayed out in the middle) are now returning to the pavilion. It remains dark, and the covers remain on.
"So, if a New Zealand batsmen was to be hit by a demon Jimmy Anderson ball and his arm was severed from his torso and in the process of doing so, fell and hit the stumps, that would not be considered out?" Simon, Horsham, in the TMS inbox [Someone in the office here has mischievously asked whether a dislodged toupee which knocked the bails off would be considered part of a batsman's person or equipment - MM]
"Don't know if this helps Gina [1150 entry] but I was on a night out in Keswick the other week and a group of women came in the pub dressed as 1920s golfers, plus fours, silly socks, hats, clubs, the lot. No-one gave them a second glance. Mind you, there was a man in the street riding a horse the way Bernie Clifton rode his ostrich" Paul, Preston, in the TMS inbox
1559 - BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY - NZ 202-4 (54 overs) Oram powers a couple of fours through the covers off a couple of loose deliveries from Panesar, then a single brings up the Kiwi 200. But after Taylor turns the last ball away for a couple, the umpires offer the light, it's taken and they bring the huge, hovercraft-like pitch cover on as well.
1555 - NZ 191-4 (53 overs) Taylor nudges a single past short leg, Oram guides another through mid-on. A two from Taylor then brings up the fifty partnership, and a handsome straight-drive brings four (and takes his score to 65). An expensive over from Broad.
Meanwhile, the second day of the first Test between West Indies and Australia is starting soon - you may wish to keep half an eye on the scorecard from Jamaica. Will the exquisitely-named Amit Jaggernauth get more wickets? "Beware the Jaggernauth my son, the jaws that bite, the claws that catch!" West Indies v Australia - live scorecard
1551 - NZ 183-4 (52 overs) With plenty of short stuff being bowled from the other end, will Oram and Taylor hit out against the Montster? Oram runs an easy single to mid-on, Taylor steers another to keep the strike.
1547 - NZ 181-4 (51 overs) Broad's first ball after the break is a lifter to Oram, who sways away. England have a man out on the hook, and a helmeted short gully. Oram knocks a single down to KP on the square leg boundary, and the last ball just has Taylor reaching outside off stump.
"With regards to Vic Marks' last query on TMS: If Daniel Flynn's tooth had enough impetus to dislodge a bail I'd be more worried about the size and genetic make-up of gnashers produced in New Zealand than upholding the laws of cricket!" Alex in the TMS inbox
1542: Right, players are coming out. Back on in a mo.
1540: A few more suggestions for the proposed Monty Panesar TV series [see 1332 and 1225]:
Michael Johnson: "How about 'Monty's Flying Circus Python' - Monty would rescue a python from a circus, then take it to various far flung corners of the globe and report back on what he finds. It's got everything - animal rescue, travel, hard-edged documentary... hang on, I might try and keep this idea for myself" Justin, Nottingham: "Re: Around the World in 80 runs, it would probably be quicker for Monty to run 80 marathons than make 80 runs batting" Ed: "The sun is blazing down in this part of Russia. I am not far from where Rasputin, one of the world's most famous beards, met his end, making a visit here an absolute must on Monty's Beardologue. Coincidentally it was Rasputin, a demon left arm seamer, who taught Sidebottom the secret of his glare"
1539: The players are hanging around on the balconies - no sign of a resumption just yet.
"Suggestion for Gina [see 1150] what about you all coming along as different Eurovision acts?" Mark, Northampton, in the TMS inbox
"Are you still playing?" Angus Fraser accosts erstwhile England team-mate Dominic Cork in the TMS box
1528: In response to the large numbers of you e-mailing in asking why Flynn would not have been given out if his tooth had dislodged a bail, while KP was out hit wicket when his chinstrap broke and his helmet fell on the stumps, I can refer you to the Laws of Cricket that state that a player's "person" (his physical flesh and blood) is different to his "equipment". The tooth ceased to be part of his "person" when it parted company with his mouth, while his helmet remains part of his "equipment" even when it falls off his head! INTERNET LINK: The Laws of Cricket
"There are six men in black tie, with emu costumes on - take a look on the TMS Flickr photostream. They've run for cover in the rain" TMS's pitchside reporter Alison Mitchell INTERNET LINK: TMS's Emu pictures on Flickr
1519: Simon Mann on TMS reveals that an early tea is being taken. It's raining steadily, but not hard.
"Should Flynn put his tooth under his pillow for the tooth fairy or would he get more for it on e-bay?" John in the TMS inbox
1516 - RAIN STOPS PLAY - NZ 180-4 (50 overs) With just over 25 minutes until tea, Panesar rejoins the attack in place of Sidebottom. Taylor is struck on the pad as the ball balloons away to safety. It's drizzling again, and Taylor knocks one off his legs to fine leg for two, as the umpires consult about the rain. They look at the batsmen, and unsurprisingly the batsmen walk off.
1513 - NZ 178-4 (49 overs) Oram weaves out of the way as Broad sends down a first-ball bouncer. He's then rapped on the gloves, and when Broad goes round the wicket for the last ball, Oram tries a one-day "tickle to third man" shot but misses. A maiden over, as former England seamer Dominic Cork makes a guest appearance in the TMS box.
"What? No fancy graphic for a batsman retired hurt? I'd say that needs to be rectified pretty sharpish. Otherwise, what do I pay my licence fee for?" Stuart Thomas in the TMS inbox [I'll put the idea to our designers! MM]
1508 - NZ 178-4 (48 overs) It's still Sidey for the fourth over of his third spell. Taylor prods a single into the off side, and a sprawling pick-up-and-throw by Vaughan, not exactly the quickest in the field, prevents a second run. Just that one from the over, but the TMS crew reckon Sidey may take a break now.
"Mark - is the lack of suggestions for our outfits tomorrow [see 1150] a reflection of PC Britain? Being northern lasses us all we like a bit of straight talking and therefore will not be offended... I think! Wanted something different to the usual maids, nuns, cheerleaders etc, but maybe that is all we are left with? Grannies is not an option - not nice and not naughty! PS Mr Aubergine - thank you - if we fancy a sandwich, we'll be over. My preference is cheese" Gina in Runcorn in the TMS inbox [I had to censor a number of suggestions which were not suitable for a family audience - MM]
1503 - NZ 177-4 (47 overs) A change at the Brian Statham End as Anderson takes a break. Broad takes up the attack and immediately fizzes one past Taylor's outside edge. He steers a well-run two past backward point, but is otherwise untroubled.
"2.30pm... what an amazing time to lose a tooth (tooth hurty)! I'll get my coat and will stay anonymous" Anon, via text on 81111
1459 - NZ 175-4 (46 overs) Oram is staying in his crease against Sidey, but gets forward well to guide one off leg stump through midwicket for four. Cook is brought in under the helmet at bat-pad, but Oram sees off the rest of the over.
"Just wondering, are all professional Test Match bloggers incredibly fast typists, or are you just dictating into a microphone for your secretary to type?" Michael Powell, Sheffield, in the TMS inbox [A secretary? Chance would be a fine thing! MM]
1455 - NZ 171-4 (45 overs) Taylor takes his score to 49 with another punched four through the covers off Anderson. "He's timing the ball well", says Vic Marks, although true to form, he then plays and misses at the very next delivery! Then, a flashing square-cut brings another four and Taylor's fourth Test half-century.
"What's more embarrassing: losing a tooth to a Jimmy Anderson delivery, or losing a tooth to a packet of Jolly Ranchers?" Chris C, via text on 81111
1451 - NZ 163-4 (44 overs) Oram looks a little tentative against Sidebottom and sees off a maiden over. Bill Frindall tells Vic Marks (below) that Flynn would not have been given out if his tooth had dislodged a bail, as it would not be considered part of the striker's "person" if it was no longer attached to him. Ouch...
"If the tooth had come out of his mouth and hit the bail with sufficient impetus to dislodge it, would he be out hit wicket?" Vic Marks on TMS
"Daniel Flynn has lost a tooth, but he will bat. They're not sure where the tooth is, he will visit the dentist but he'll go out to bat first" TMS's pitchside reporter Alison Mitchell
1444 - NZ 163-4 (43 overs) Taylor crashes Anderson through the off side for four, before nudging a single to leg. Anderson comes round the wicket to Oram, who adds a single of his own, then Taylor sweetly hooks a short ball and it sails over Pietersen's head on the square leg boundary for six. KP had been in a few yards, and is now right back on the rope. Taylor, quick between the wickets, then steers a two to third man. Drinks are brought on.
And we've scoured our photo files for Neil Bainton the fourth umpire, but we can only find one of him having his eyes tested before the start of the season. That is him, honestly...
1439 - NZ 149-4 (42 overs) Vaughan looks to turn the screw, recalling Sidey in place of Monty, but Mr Panesar is needed in the field as Taylor turns one off his legs for two to fine leg. Aggers says Flynn's tooth-loss has been confirmed, but apparently he's keen to bat again. Taylor dabs a two and then a single to bring Oram on strike, with Sidey switching to bowl over the wicket against the lanky left-hander.
1434 - NZ 144-4 (41 overs) Just as he did at Lord's after McCullum was hurt, Jacob Oram has come out to replace an injured batsman. He's off the mark as he trundles one down past the slips for four. And the Barmy Army trumpeter is back in action. Suddenly, it's all going Sabina Park as this time Oram is hit on the top of the helmet by another Anderson bouncer, and disappears for four leg byes (effectively helmet byes).
1430 - RETIRED HURT - Flynn retired hurt 4 - NZ 136-4 (40.3 overs) One or two umbrellas are raised and even the umpires are looking a little twitchy. "Steady drizzle" now, says Aggers. The left-handed Flynn is taking no chances, so Jimmy goes around the wicket to alter the angle of attack. Flynn tries a hook and the ball smacks straight into the grille of his helmet, drawing blood. Not a pretty sight, and it even looks as though he may have lost a tooth. The physio comes on to have a look, and Flynn's going to retire hurt.
1426 - NZ 136-4 (40 overs) Aggers on TMS says "light rain is falling", but Monty continues with three close catchers - although a few spectators are donning their waterproofs, there aren't any brollies up yet. Taylor square-cuts Monty for four but defends the rest of the over.
"Honestly Mark, it's comments like Mr Aubergine's (1302) that gives cricket fans a bad name. Gina, I'm sure a soiree black number will do the trick or, better still, stick on some vintage swimming outfits. That'll make even the bacon-and-egg tie brigade happy and might even start a new fashion trend. And then I am sure Mr Aubergine will gladly replace the menu he had prepared for his friends, for a magnum of Dom Perignon, Harrods' finest salmon sandwiches and a personal manucurist just for you girls. Right, Mr Aubergine? I mean, pretzels and cocktail sausages... Please!" Ramsey from Beirut in the TMS inbox
1422 - NZ 132-4 (39 overs) The two Aussie umps have a look at the ball, and aren't happy, so our friend Neil Bainton the fourth umpire (see earlier) runs on with his box of replacement balls. The replacement ball gets a big shine from several fielders, notably Colly, and then Jimmy gets one to nip back to Taylor as he shoulders arms, but it hits his right thigh and rebounds to the slips. Taylor turns a quick single to leg, and there's definitely a feeling of rain in the air.
"My wife has bought me and her tickets for the 4th day of next week's Test at Trent Bridge. At first I thought what a charming surprise this was. Then I realised as part of the deal I have to watch Eurovision tomorrow evening. Women are cruel geniuses" Reverend Theobald, Notts, in the TMS inbox
1417 - NZ 131-4 (38 overs) Flynn is off the mark as he chops a loose delivery from Monty to third man for four. But that's the only scoring stroke in a rapid over.
"With the ball doing as much as it is for Panesar, it may be a good thing that New Zealand have three left-handers now in Flynn, Oram and Vettori" Jeremy Coney on TMS
Throw like Paul Collingwood
1414 - NZ 127-4 (37 overs) A lovely straight drive from Taylor brings up another four off Jimmy. The Burnley Express tries a bouncer, but Taylor carefully weaves out of the way as it sails past his helmet.
Having taken that catch in the last over, we all know how good a fielder Paul Collingwood is - and website users can take a look at some fielding advice from the man himself.
1410 - NZ 123-4 (36 overs) New batsman Daniel Flynn, who played very well in the second innings at Lord's, defends his first ball from the grinning Mr Panesar.
1408 - WICKET - McCullum c Collingwood b Panesar 11 - NZ 123-4 (35.5 overs) McCullum's first boundary as he chops Monty through the covers. He then has a big slog-swept heave over midwicket which lands among the hospitality contingent, some of whom still appear to be having lunch. Six runs! Then, McCullum has a flash outside off stump, gets a thin edge, it passes through Ambrose's glove and Paul Collingwood pouches the catch at slip! An entertaining cameo by McCullum, but he's back in the hutch.
"I was intrigued by the 'something different, naughty, and nice!' comment by Gina. I was reminded of a story from the annals of the Nobel Prize Awards. A British Nobel Laureate once escorted three women (his present and two former wives) to the Nobel Prize awards ceremony and banquet. This elicited a quip from the chairman of the Awards Committee that 'In addition to the Nobel in Chemistry, we should have awarded him a Nobel Prize for Peace'" Mukund S. Chorghade in the TMS inbox
1405 - NZ 113-3 (35 overs) Taylor drives Jimmy down the ground, it falls past the despairing dive of Sidey at mid-off and goes for four. The next ball is hit into the next gap round, between mid-off and cover, and that's another four for Taylor.
1401 - NZ 105-3 (34 overs) Sidey off, Monty on to face the two big-hitters. Taylor turns a single off his legs, and the field changes with a very straight long-on placed almost directly behind the bowler for McCullum. The Kiwi keeper finds that very fielder with his first ball from Panesar, but the lofted drive is safe for a single. Taylor rotates the strike, then McCullum is struck on the pad while making an unconvincing shot to leg - Monty appeals but Taufel is unmoved.
1357 - NZ 102-3 (33 overs) Brendon McCullum comes out to join Taylor - NZ's two most destructive batsmen together, now we might see some fireworks. McCullum doesn't have to play at either of his first two deliveries, and althought Michael Vaughan doesn't seem happy with the condition of the ball, Taufel throws it back to him as McCullum shoulders arms to the final delivery.
"That was Darrell Hair's first wicket back, as How stood his ground" Angus Fraser on TMS
1353 - WICKET - How c Ambrose b Anderson 64 - NZ 101-3 (32.3 overs) Anderson polishes the ball before sending it down to Taylor, who slides one through the covers for a single. But when How prods forward to the next one, it moves away from him, just finds the edge and Tiny Tim behind the stumps snaffles the catch.
"What about the Proteas' batting supremo Hashim Alma as a bearded god?!" Stuart Pritchard, Alresford, Hampshire, via text on 81111
1351 - NZ 101-2 (32 overs) After England physio Kirk Russell makes a brief on-field appearance to apply some tape to one of Alastair Cook's fingers, Taylor knocks Sidey away dismissively for a single, then a handsome cover drive from How to a wide one outside off stump is four all the way. Three figures up for the Kiwis.
"Don't you think that your little graphic for a duck looks a lot like the big yellow bird from that classic BBC micro game, Chuckie Egg?" Hugh, Nottingham, in the TMS inbox
1347 - NZ 96-2 (31 overs) After a forgettable and expensive four-over spell with the new ball, James Anderson returns, and Taylor takes a single. Then, How off-drives and some very slow and half-hearted fielding from Sidey at deep extra cover allows them to run one and then trot back for an undeserved second. Considering the "Sidey stare" he normally gives whenever a catch is dropped off his bowling, the least he could do would be to chase the ball a little quicker.
1343 - NZ 93-2 (30 overs) Taylor gets the Black Caps under way with a single off Sidebottom's first ball, while several fans in the crowd wave Monty Panesar masks, downloaded from the BBC Sport website. Download our Monty masks
"Can we assume that Redmond suffers badly from allergies? A cat appears on the playing surface [13th over] and he offers no stroke. Sorry" Anthony Blandford in the TMS inbox
1332: We're nearly back on, but Jon Gee's idea for a Monty Panesar-fronted "Around the World in 80 Beards" TV series [see 1235 entry] has provoked a number of interesting responses:
Rob, Bristol: "Surely Monty would have to investigate the beard that converted the mediocre batsman Yousuf Youhana into the run-scoring machine Mohammad Yousuf. Maybe it possesses the wearer with the spirit of WG Grace. Buster Merryfield's beard was also ace!" Jordan Owen, Michigan: "No doubt Monty would travel to Texas to meet the bearded rockers of ZZ Top" Neil, Suffolk: "They should be beards of a sporting nature. One of my favourites was Alan Cork's effort. He refused to shave while his team, Sheffield United remained in the FA Cup. They reached the semi-final and eventually lost to arch rivals Wednesday" Steve Miller: "How about 'Around the World in 80 Runs' where Monty would take part in various marathons, fun runs etc. in a different country each time. I'm sure The Bearded One will be all too eager too accept! Or maybe '80 Extras' whereby Monty would appear in the background of a popular TV show in each country" [Would your band also offer to provide the music, Steve? MM]
1302: The pitch is being covered during the interval - the TMS team think as a precaution, although there's still some drizzle in the air. Keep listening to TMS if you want to hear Aggers speaking to Baroness Amos, but I'm off for a sandwich - back soon.
"Mark, I too would never dream of giving fashion advice to a female. I would, however, like to offer Gina in Runcorn [1150 entry] me and my companions' seat numbers for tomorrow. We're in Row 6 of Stand D and will have pretzels, cocktail sausages and an abundance of sandwiches on offer!" Mr Aubergine, Manchester, in the TMS inbox
LUNCH INTERVAL
"I think if you'd offered New Zealand 92-2 at 1100, they'd have taken it. But they'll be disappointed to have lost two wickets in the last half-hour. Sidebottom maintained his control well, and so England go in with relief" Vic Marks on TMS
1300 - NZ 92-2 (29 overs) The Montster has changed ends and will have another trundle in the last over before lunch. How sneaks a single past the four close catchers, then Taylor leans to leg and pushes a single of his own. How defends the last ball, and umpire Hair says that's lunch.
"Am sitting in school office trying to look very busy whilst sneaking updates of the cricket. This is a little easier as the Head is having to teach today - whoops, just had to disguise you as the attendance register as he's dived back into his office to make a phone call. Looking out on daisy covered fields and swaying trees in the sunshine, lovely" Barb, Hythe, Kent, in the TMS inbox
1257 - NZ 90-2 (28 overs) Sidey goes around the wicket to Taylor, who withdraws the bat at the last minute to his first ball. He then plays defensively off the back foot and there's a half-hearted appeal for a catch behind as the ball just evades his outside edge. Sidey goes over the wicket again - switching between angles of attack successfully in the way Zaheer Khan does for India. Taylor's off the mark when he guides Sidey away for three, then How pinches the strike with a single.
"Typical! Manchester really has had sunny weather and clear skies pretty much every day for the last two weeks, including all the Lord's Test. Bring the cricket here and look what happens. It's a southern conspiracy to maintain the myth that it's Grim Up North" Glyn in Manchester in the TMS inbox
1253 - NZ 86-2 (27 overs) Ross Taylor joins How, and Broad comes down the track to have a little word with the Kiwi opener after he plays and misses. A maiden for Broad.
1249 - WICKET - Marshall lbw b Sidebottom 0 - NZ 86-2 (26 overs) Marshall fends off his first couple of balls from Sidey, who then moves back over the wicket. But switching back to around the wicket for the final delivery of the over, he gets one to jag back in against Marshall who's cautiously half-forward, Simon Taufel raises his finger and that's a second successive duck for the curly-haired Marshall.
"It's good to see Iain O'Brien getting the nod for this Test. This time last year he was playing in Division 2 of the Derbyshire County League and now he's bowling against England's finest (there's hope for us all yet). Can you mention that he bowls at 'Rats Pace'" Dave in the TMS inbox
1244 - NZ 86-1 (25 overs) The weather's still a bit grey and cobwebby, but England will have brushed away a few of the cobwebs with that wicket. New batsman James Marshall is at the non-striker's end as How bends his knees to avoid a Broad bouncer. How gets a leading edge and they run two through the covers, then the sixth boundary of his innings comes through another edge down past third man.
1239 - WICKET - Redmond b Sidebottom 28 - NZ 80-1 (24 overs) Michael Vaughan is off the field for a quick break, while Sidey continues bowling to Redmond, who has worked his way to 28. Then, he gets one to move back a long way, and while Sidey raises both hands in an lbw appeal, he doesn't realise the ball had flicked the off bail, and so Redmond's gone!
"The fact that Sidebottom's bowling around the wicket suggests there's no conventional swing" Vic Marks on TMS
1235 - NZ 80-0 (23 overs) Broad fires a wild one down the leg side and it's parried by Ambrose down towards the Montster at fine leg, so they run a leg bye. Meanwhile, Vic Marks tells Aggers about his adventures on South Island in New Zealand.
"Whilst recently enjoying Monty Don's BBC series "Around the World in 80 Gardens", I began to wonder about a spin-off Monty-related series presented by bearded spinner Mr Panesar. My suggestion was "Around the World in 80 Beards", (which would clearly have to include WG Grace and Brian Blessed) but I'm not sure. Any other suggestions?" Jon Gee in the TMS inbox [Our best wishes go to Monty Don, who is standing down from his TV presenting duties after suffering a stroke - MM] TV gardener Monty Don has stroke
1231 - NZ 79-0 (22 overs) Sidey still bowling around the wicket, and Redmond works him off his legs for a single. How then reaches his third Test fifty with a signature nudge-to-leg for two.
"I can't believe England persist with Jimmy Anderson. He's far too expensive and doesn't take enough wickets. If he plays against the Aussies next summer, we're going to get hammered. Hopefully Freddie will be back..." JC in the TMS inbox [As I mentioned in the last Test, I think it depends on whether Good Jimmy, who swings the ball well and takes wickets, or Bad Jimmy, who can spray it all over the place, turns up - MM]
1226 - NZ 76-0 (21 overs) Broad still on for his sixth over - How tries a horrid slog but takes his eye off the ball and misses it completely. He then tries a bizarre shot, described as a "shovel" by Aggers, which sails over backward point and past third man for two. He's on 48 now.
"Some say that if you look directly into Sidebottom's eyes, you turn to stone" Marc, Deepest Darkest Devon, in the TMS inbox
1223 - NZ 74-0 (20 overs) A change of bowling as Sidey replaces Monty (0-24 from five overs), and he decides to bowl around the wicket. How works him through midwicket, and the chasing Kevin Pietersen restricts them to three runs.
"For Gina in Runcorn, a nun's outfit is the way forward. Just make sure it doesn't become a habit! [Groan - MM] C'mon, that's a classic!" Brian, bored eating sandwiches in London, via text on 81111
1218 - NZ 71-0 (19 overs) How guides Broad for another single, while TMS scorer Bill Frindall reveals that this is NZ's highest opening partnership since the Trent Bridge Test four years ago (163 by Mark Richardson and Stephen Fleming).
1214 - NZ 70-0 (18 overs) After another How single, Monty wheels away to Redmond, who slogs him towards wide mid-on, but although Broad gives chase and dives, it's just out of his reach and they run two. Buoyed by that, Redmond advances and powers a cover drive for four. And after Collis King became our unlikely "cult hero" on the live text on Monday as the first Test concluded, still more of you have been e-mailing in about fourth umpire Neil Bainton:
John McCabe: "An anagram of Neil Bainton is No bat in line" Chris Mountain: "Neil Bainton won't thank me for reminding him of the 4-ball over he and his colleague once called at a Minor County game in Luton several years ago. My fellow scorer & I were somewhat perplexed at what was happening. His wife usually shows up with Neil at matches too"
1211 - NZ 63-0 (17 overs) Redmond drives Broad to extra cover and they trot through for a single. How's then beaten outside off-stump as keeper Tim Ambrose makes a smart take. How nudges a single to leg, just two runs from the over.
"I saw Darrell Hair this morning, taking a post-breakfast stroll around Manchester with his Mrs. I wished him good luck and he thanked me. Seemed like a decent chap" Matt W, Manchester, in the TMS inbox
1207 - NZ 61-0 (16 overs) After the players are refreshed by a drinks interval, How tries to pull Monty to leg but can't time it at all. A very welcome maiden for the Montster.
"Andrew Flintoff is here on the ground, watching proceedings a little ruefully" TMS's pitchside reporter Alison Mitchell
1202 - NZ 61-0 (15 overs) As the TMS inbox is bombarded by "animals" stories (deer, goats, foxes etc), How takes a single off Broad and Redmond sees off the rest of the over as TMS's Radio 4 LW listeners are whisked away for the Shipping Forecast.
"Looks like Jimmy had his good Test at Lord's. Perhaps Tremmers should have been selected for this match" Andy in London, via text on 81111
1157 - NZ 60-0 (14 overs) How carefully sweeps Monty for four, and the Kiwis are chugging along quite comfortably now. How is hogging most of the strike, and another three runs take his score to 39.
"Does anyone think that Harmison's omission from the 12-man squad signals an end to his Test career? Probably, but Anderson looks to be doing his best to make the selectors change their minds" CountCagliostro on 606 Join the debate on 606
1154 - NZ 53-0 (13 overs) After How guides a four past the slips, we have our first "animal interference" of the series as a black and white cat runs on the field! Luckily, it doesn't hold up play for as long as Dog #1, Dog #2 and the other dogs in Sri Lanka did during the winter tour, and soon disappears as How knocks Broad for a single. Redmond then offers no stroke and is hit on the pad as he strides forward, but another half-hearted appeal is quite rightly turned down for height. Broad bowling a little loosely at the moment.
1150 - NZ 48-0 (12 overs) As a press release from Lancashire CCC arrives, revealing that there are 400 half-price tickets available after tea today at Old Trafford, Monty screams an lbw appeal against How but ump Taufel is unmoved. After How knocks a single to leg, Redmond then hoists the Montster back over his head for four. A mighty stroke.
"Mark - Three girlfriends and I are going to the game tomorrow - any suggestions on outfits for us all - something different, naughty, and nice!" Gina in Runcorn in the TMS inbox [I wouldn't dare give fashion advice to anyone, especially females! MM]
1146 - NZ 43-0 (11 overs) It's a double change as Stuart Broad replaces Sidey in the attack. How off-drives and they run three before the ball is retrieved, while Redmond works the fair-haired Broad away for another three - not a bad run rate, this, for the inexperienced Kiwi openers. After another How single, Redmond then has to weave away from some chin music as Broad fires in a bouncer.
"A bold move by Michael Vaughan to bring Panesar in this early, but he's got some turn already" Former Middlesex and England seamer Angus Fraser on TMS
1142 - NZ 36-0 (10 overs) Jimmy is off (0-23 from four overs) and astonishingly, we're going to have some spin as early as the 10th over. Monty Panesar gets the first one to turn, and How edges it between slip and silly point for a single. Redmond works him through midwicket for two, and then sweeps a single to long leg. A second slip is brought in, and the rest of the over is scoreless.
1137 - NZ 31-0 (9 overs) How carefully steers Sidey through midwicket for two to end his run of maidens. There are then two close catchers posted on the leg side, but How then guides one over the slips for four. A leg bye rotates the strike.
"They've changed their tune on Southee - first he was injured, now they say it was partly tactical. He's an interesting character - for a 19-year-old, he moves like a 35-year-old" Former Somerset and England off-spinner Vic Marks on TMS
1133 - NZ 24-0 (8 overs) How on-drives Anderson and although Monty P pursues it, it's another four. How then works Jimmy off his legs for two, taking him into double figures. He has 10, Redders has 13. A single ensures How keeps the strike.
"My guest today is truly a remarkable woman - she is only the third woman to become Leader of the House of Lords. She was the first black woman to sit in Cabinet and was the chief executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission. She has been a government whip, a foreign office minister and became a life peer in 1997. Born in Guyana, she shares our great enthusiasm for cricket - and it's a great pleasure to welcome Baroness Amos to Old Trafford..." Jonathan Agnew previews his lunchtime guest on TMS
1129 - NZ 17-0 (7 overs) How is struck on the pad by Sidey again, but there's no appeal as it's so high it nearly hits his thigh-pad. Another maiden from the dependable Sidebottom. Mind you, Aggers did warn on the TMS Blog yesterday that Monty Panesar might need to watch his enthusiastic appealing with Hair on the scene. TMS BLOG: Jonathan Agnew's verdict
"Darrell Hair under the microscope? What is this? CSI?" Anon, via text on 81111 [As well as starting with the word "CRICKET", don't forget to include your names on texts - MM]
1124 - NZ 17-0 (6 overs) Simon Mann replaces Bryan Waddle in the TMS commentary seat, and admits he didn't think he'd ever see Hair umpiring in a Test again. We finally have our first off-side runs as Redmond fortuitously edges Anderson between third slip and gully, and it races away for four. A single then to Redmond, and Jimmy has conceded 16 of the 17 runs scored so far.
"On the train to Aberystwyth with two lovelies, trying to explain you don't have to be fit as a fiddle to play cricket. Help" Anon, via text on 81111[I'd explain that it's the only sport with two meal breaks written into the rules of the game - MM]
1120 - NZ 12-0 (5 overs) Sidey has a big lbw shout against How with one that pitches in line and straightens, but Darrell Hair wryly shakes his head - presumably turning it down for height. Another maiden for the wild-haired Notts swinger.
1116 - NZ 12-0 (4 overs) Redmond tries his favourite "flick to leg" stroke again but is denied by a smart stop from Bell. He then edges, but it reaches Cook at third slip on the bounce. We're still waiting for our first off-side runs of the innings as Redmond doubles his score by working Jimmy off his legs again to deep square leg for four.
"Morning Mark, looking forward to a full day of distraction from work. I'm getting married on Monday, but with the wedding being in Manchester on a bank holiday Monday during a Test match, there's not much hope for the weather really, is there?" Neil, Manchester, in the TMS inbox [Good luck for the big day - MM]
1112 - NZ 8-0 (3 overs) Vaughan brings himself in to short extra cover, and is vindicated when he's in quickly to deny Redmond a quick single. Redders then shoulders arms to Sidey, before knocking another one off his legs and they run one.
"You may not have heard of Neil Bainton before, but those of us in Wanstead, London E11 know him very well. He has been umpiring for years and has also been responsible for training scorers in the region. I learnt the art of scoring a cricket match from him and he helped me pass my scorer's exam. He is a genuine good guy!" Paul in the TMS inbox
1108 - NZ 7-0 (2 overs) James Anderson takes the second over on his home ground, with Aaron Redmond (and his pink bat handle) looking to improve on his average of 8.50 from his first two Test innings. But Redders plays inside the line of the first ball as it whistles past his back-footed defensive stroke. The Kiwis are off the mark as Redmond nudges one off his legs past short-leg fielder Ian Bell, and they trot back for two. After Redmond rotates the strike for the first time with a single, How then flicks one into the leg side, and it scuttles away to the deep backward square leg boundary for four. Both batsmen off the mark.
1103 - NZ 0-0 (1 over) Jamie How takes strike against Ryan Sidebottom, and blocks his first ball safely. TMS summariser Vic Marks remarks on how perfect the New Zealand weather was during the recent Tests there, and I can attest to that - I was in NZ for nearly three weeks and I can only remember it raining once (between the Tests). Sidey is bowling at around 85mph to three slips and a gully, and beats How with one that swings back between bat and pad. That's the last ball of what is a maiden over.
"Mark, any chance of making the text commentary look more like a spreadsheet so that it's easier to hide it from my boss? Looking forward to an exciting long weekend with another Old Trafford wicket fest for Monty!" Alastair, Preston, via text on 81111
1056: Umpires Hair and Taufel get a good round of applause as they walk out, followed by England's fielders, the last of which is James Anderson who's the last to join the now-familiar "huddle". Ominously, Aggers has noticed a few spots of rain. (And thanks to all of you who spotted I accidentally labelled Vettori as a second wicket-keeper rather than captain).
"Darrell Hair will be under the microscope here, and his profile is such that he's almost been as important as the match himself, but good luck to him" Former New Zealand all-rounder Jeremy Coney on TMS
"Good morning Mr Mitchener! Hoping this will be a cracking Test as always, hopefully this time it will be all sunshine, rainbows and sugar cookies for the English. No offence Kiwis, but I'm going to say my boy Paul Collingwood, like Mr Danny Dichio of Toronto FC two nights ago in a match against DC United, is due for a big score" John, Calgary, Alberta (current time: 3:45am) in the TMS inbox
"Neil Bainton is from Essex and one of the up and coming first-class umpires" Essex Boy, via text on 81111
1048: Controversially, this will be the last Old Trafford Test for three years, and Michael Vaughan admits to Aggers on TMS that he and the team enjoy playing there, but trots out the "we play where we're told, it's not down to us" party line.
1045: As the immortal "Soul Limbo" tune taps out, Test Match Special is under way. Don't forget, if you're off on your travels today, you can follow all the action here on BBC Sport via your mobile, PDA or other handheld device. How to follow BBC Cricket on your mobile
"Super! The boss is off sailing today and I shall be kicking back and enjoying the cricket. It's a bit overcast in Southampton, let's hope it is a bit sunnier in the home of the European champions" David Temple in the TMS inbox How to listen to TMS
1038: Here are the full teams:
England: Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan (capt), Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Tim Ambrose (wk), Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom, Monty Panesar, James Anderson.
New Zealand: Aaron Redmond, Jamie How, James Marshall, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum (wk), Daniel Flynn, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori (capt), Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin.
Umpires are Aussie duo Darrell Hair and Simon Taufel. Third umpire (TV replays) is former Sussex keeper Ian Gould, and the fourth umpire (replacement balls) is Neil Bainton. (No, I've never heard of him either, but he's been on the first-class list for a couple of years). Match referee is ex-Sri Lanka batsman Ranjan Madugalle.
1032:NEW ZEALAND WIN TOSS AND WILL BAT FIRST. Daniel Vettori called "heads" correctly. England skipper Michael Vaughan (born in Manchester, lest we forget) admits he would have batted if he'd won the toss, but is looking forward to a good contest.
1031:CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS - Southee's ruled out, O'Brien's in. England unchanged.
The ever-efficient Paul Grunill informs me that O'Brien has played six Tests, in which he has taken 12 wickets at an average of 42.08.
1025: Morning everyone. A mere four days after the first Test ended in a haze of bad light (literally) and was drawn, England and New Zealand have moved on to Manchester (that well-known bastion of sunny weather and clear skies) for the second Test.
Both teams are set to be unchanged - England added Chris Tremlett to their squad as cover, but barring any last-minute injuries, the lanky Hampshire seamer will be carrying the drinks.
New Zealand have a slight doubt over baby-faced paceman Tim Southee, who's been struggling with a stomach virus, so Iain O'Brien (who was 12th man in the first Test) stands by to replace him if necessary.
We've also got a change in the umpires from the Lord's Test, with the man often referred to as "the controversial Darrell Hair" returning to Test cricket and joining fellow Aussie Simon Taufel in the middle. News of the toss (and confirmed team news) as we get it.
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