Finn heroics help salvage England draw (From Watford Observer)

Steven Finn scores his first half-century for England to help rescue a draw against New Zealand in the first Test

12:26pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

Watford's Steven Finn put on a brave batting display to help England rescue a draw on the final day of the first Test against New Zealand.

Finn, who came in as a nightwatchman, scored a crucial 56 off 203 balls - his first half-century in first-class cricket - which set up a strong platform for England to bat out the final day.

The fast bowler eventually fell victim to LBW off the bowling of Bruce Martin and it was left to Nick Compton (117), Jonathan Trott (52) and Kevin Pietersen (12) to guide England through.

Captain Alistair Cook had also put on an invaluable 116.

Finn also helped restrict New Zealand's first innings total, pitching in with one wicket and three maidens for 102 runs off 26.4 overs.