NZ bowlers dominate on day one of first Test

The New Zealand pace attack bowled with great discipline as England crawled to 160 for four on a tense and absorbing opening day of the first Test at Lord's on Thursday.

No England batsman reached 40 and no partnership realised more than 45, the hosts adopting an ultra-cautious approach in tough conditions after winning the toss on the first day of the two-match series.

Jonathan Trott top-scored for England with 39, Alastair Cook made 32 and Ian Bell 31 but run-scoring on a slow pitch proved tricky on a bright and sunny day at the home of cricket.

Joe Root, on 25, and Jonny Bairstow, three, were the not out batsmen when rain ended play 10 overs early.

Left-armer Trent Boult was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with figures of two for 29 from 17 overs, including the prize wickets of Cook and Trott.

"It was a pretty successful day for us, as a bowling group we did our job," the 23-year-old Boult told a news conference.

"We bowled 30 maidens, bowled in pretty good areas and didn't give them too much to hit.

"We were pretty excited about playing at Lord's and I was nervous in the first hour but I got into a better rhythm after lunch and it was pretty special to get Trott and Cook out."

England, outplayed in the recent 0-0 series draw in New Zealand, lost Nick Compton for 16 in the morning session as the touring side's pace bowlers Tim Southee, Boult and Neil Wagner gave little away.

Compton became frustrated and, trying to force spinner Bruce Martin over the top, he sliced a catch to Southee in the covers.

Only three boundaries were hit in the morning session and England survived another chance when Martin dropped Trott off his own bowling before the hosts limped to lunch at 56 for one.