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Manchester New Zealand was in a strong position after the first day of the third cricket test at Old Trafford as the English fans stayed away in droves in protest at their side's second-test debacle.

England was 108 for five at stumps after a rain-affected first day yesterday, watched by a crowd of less than 7000.

England manager David Graveney admitted that New Zealand's victory against a miserable England side at Lord's may have resulted in the low turn-out at Old Trafford.

Lord's was a sell-out every day of the second test. Old Trafford has a capacity of 18,000, but supporters seem to have given up on England.

Graveney indicated that more than 10,000 empty Old Trafford seats was a reflection of what the fans thought of England to date.

``If the size of the crowd is a reflection on the way we played at Lord's then that is justified. I've always said you don't get support by right, you have to earn it,'' Graveney said.

``We've come here after a performance that was not just below par but extremely poor. That creates its own pressures and we have to put it right.''

However, Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes said the lack of crowd was New Zealand's fault.

``New Zealand are a good side but they are not charismatic - and in this part of the world with Manchester United just up the road people expect charisma in their sports teams,'' he said.

England had a great chance to take charge of the test yesterday, but its stonewall batting shut any entertainment out of the game and gave New Zealand the edge at the close of play.

The public vented their display by booing the England batsmen from the field.

Alec Stewart took 24 balls before scoring his first run, while Mike Atherton played five scoring shots in his innings of 11 off 90 balls.

The England 100 came off 298 balls, the second 50 came off 181 balls.

This was also a slur on the two-paced pitch. In a previous game here, the coin used for the toss disappeared down one of the cracks.

Daniel Vettori, who is looking ominous with the ball, having removed Graham Thorpe, will play a big role on the wicket with his off-spin.