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Kane Williamson's century and a typically dashing innings from skipper Brendon McCullum helped give New Zealand a first-innings lead on the third day of the first Test against England at Lord's on Saturday.

New Zealand were 407 for four when rain led to an early lunch minutes before the scheduled interval, a lead of 18 runs after England made 389 in their first innings.

Williamson was 112 not out, having shared stands of 189 with Ross Taylor (62) and 66 with McCullum (42).

New Zealand resumed on 303 for two, with Williamson 92 not out and Taylor unbeaten on 47.

England with the new ball available to them just three overs after the start of Saturday's play, opened proceedings with Moeen Ali.

Williamson helped himself to five runs off the spinner before a three down to third man off James Anderson saw the NZ number three - unlike England's Joe Root and Ben Stokes who'd both fallen in the 90s earlier in this match - to a hundred. Williamson's century came in just over three hours off 148 balls including 12 fours. It was Williamson's 10th hundred in 40 Tests - an impressive strike-rate - and the 14th by a NZ batsman in a Test at Lord's. But batting in overcast conditions became more challenging once England took the new ball with New Zealand 315 for two.