New Zealand were only able to add 52 runs to their overnight total as England responded positively during the morning session on day three of the Test encounter between the two nations at Lord's.

The touring Kiwis returned this morning on 154-4 with skipper Brendon McCullum at the crease alongside Kane Williamson, who was approaching his half-century.

However, before he could reach that feat, McCullum was dismissed when he edged a delivery from Stuart Broad into the gloves of Matt Prior.

Williamson stayed around long enough to bring up his 50, but just 10 runs later he joined McCullum back in the pavilion when Prior was on hand to claim his edge down the leg-side from James Anderson's delivery.

Steven Finn then got among the wickets as Tim Southee (12) attempted to reach the boundary but only succeeded in finding the hands of Joe Root.

Bruce Martin (0) and BJ Watling (17) then fell to Anderson and Finn respectively in quick succession, which in turn saw New Zealand slump to 207-9. The dismissal of Watling brought Trent Boult to the crease, but he was quickly removed with no more runs added to the score by Finn, who saw his short ball clip the shoulder of the bat before being caught by Anderson in the gully.

England, who held a lead of 25, were made to face two overs before lunch and there was nervy moment for captain Alastair Cook when Boult and the New Zealand team felt that he found an edge as McCullum caught the ball. It went to a review and following lengthy consultation, it was decided that the umpire's original decision of not out should stand.

The remaining balls passed without incident and Cook and Nick Compton will return after the break on five and seven respectively.