AUCKLAND, April 2: New Zealand received undue advantage after opting to stay on the field and bat under the floodlights, England batsman Graham Thorpe said Tuesday.

“One side should not have an advantage over the other,” Thorpe said.

“They were naturally going to stay out there as it was going to benefit them, but it was hard for the fielding side.

“When I was at slip I had a black background at the other end and it wasn’t ideal. I suppose it’s the first time it has happened and it’s something they will have to look at.”

The umpires proposed to call off play due bad light but New Zealand’s Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan, who were at the crease, declined as they were on a roll and were happy to play under floodlights well after sunset. A further 103 runs were added to the New Zealand total before the close of play.

England were offered the same option when they were batting Monday but turned it down.

An International Cricket Council ruling last year said that floodlights should be used in the event of bad light.

Thorpe added England face an uphill task Wednesday after the hosts grabbed the initiative in the Test.

“They have set it up well and we are going to have a battle on our hands tomorrow,” said Thorpe, England’s top scorer with 42 in the first innings.

“We have put a lot of hard work into the tour and we have one more day left to save it. It’s not an ideal way to end the tour.”—Reuters