Cricket: Hockley takes command

New Zealand gained ample revenge for their World Cup final defeat at Lord's three years ago by beating England in the first of this year's three one-day women's internationals by eight wickets with 16.5 overs to spare.

England won the toss and opted to bat first, but they found the New Zealand bowlers far too accurate and their fielding far too aggressive for them to maintain a high enough run-rate in the early stages of their innings.

It was not until the 27th over that they achieved a rate of two runs per over and the ball found its way to the boundary only six times in the whole of the entire innings.

When the visitors went to the crease, it seemed a different game with Debbie Hockley and Shelley Fruin forming a partnership of 105 for the first wicket in the first 21 overs. After they were out, Kirsty Flavell and Emily Drumm carried on the good work, seeing New Zealand home with ease.

Hockley, who also took 1 for 17 in England's innings, was named player of the match.

The day was enlivened by the appearance of two male streakers, although they failed to distract the New Zealanders in their pursuit of victory.

For the first time, MCC allowed members' wives or "significant partners" to watch the cricket from the Lord's Pavilion.