Australian spin legend Shane Warne has lashed out at England for their “negative approach” on the fifth day of the recently-concluded drawn Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 6.

Chasing a stiff target of 273 in two full sessions on the final day, England played safely just to save the game, as they made absolutely no effort to win the game against New Zealand at Lord's.

However, the hosts lost just three wickets but failed to get the job done as the first Test match of the two-match Test series eventually ended in a draw on Sunday at the Lord's cricket ground.

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After the game ended in a draw, Warne has expressed his disappointment at England batsmen's approach on Day 5 of the first Test against New Zealand, saying the hosts missed the opportunity to showcase how to chase down a target on the final day of a Test match.

Warne wrote on Twitter on Monday (June 7): “Disappointed at the negative approach from England yesterday as they never even contemplated chasing down a very getable total. A huge opportunity missed on how to chase on the 5th day, plus exciting for spectators, viewers & test cricket.”

However, England skipper Root defended the approach by saying they played to save the Test because of the quality of New Zealand’s bowling attack on a deteriorating surface at Lord’s.

Notably, the second and the final Test between England and New Zealand will be played in Birmingham from June 10. New Zealand will then play India in the mega final of the ICC World Test Championship against India from June 18 in Southampton.