Apart for one moment of excitement, New Zealand negotiated 84 overs in relative comfort

Foster missed three chances in the match

This time it was a low catch offered by Fleming that went down - Fleming was on just one at the time and proceeded to bat for nearly two and a half hours during the afternoon session, during which England took just one wicket.

As a result, Foster's position must now be in jeopardy. Each chance he missed here was to his left and, at this level, you simply cannot allow players like Fleming a second opportunity.

Warren Hegg, the reserve 'keeper on the tour has appeared only once since arriving in New Zealand - in the three-day match against Otago - but has been practising hard.

It may be that Foster is simply tiring at the end of a long winter.

But, having recognised that he is no longer their first choice in one-day cricket, the management might feel that to jettison Foster for the final Test might be considered too harsh. We shall see.

Whole-hearted

On the other end of the scale, Andrew Flintoff is now brimming with confidence.

He played a remarkable innings early in the morning that allowed Hussain to declare after only 17 overs.

Memories of Hollioake were always in players' minds

After Butcher had fallen for 60 and Trescothick 88, Flintoff launched a ferocious assault on the bowling, reaching his half century in only 33 balls.

He smashed two enormous sixes and his final total of 75 came from 44 deliveries.

Coupled with the advances made to his whole-hearted bowling, Flintoff has been the success of the winter.

Andrew Caddick was named man of the match for his six wicket haul in the first innings.

But, in truth, this match will be remembered for the death of Ben Hollioake, a team-mate only a month ago, whose funeral will take place in Perth, Western Australia, on Wednesday.