New Zealand dig deep to build second innings lead against England in first Test

England had managed to reduce the tourists to 56-4 after lunch in the second innings and things were looking rosy for another skittling of the Kiwis' batting line-up. But Daryl Mitchell and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell had other ideas, digging in to pull New Zealand towards a healthy lead, and leaving England wondering about another missed opportunity.

By stumps Mitchell (97) and Blundell (90) had built a partnership of 180 in 56 overs, and dragged New Zealand on to 236/4. Both will be looking to reach centuries during day three's play on Saturday. 

Though a New Zealand have yet to build a score that is impossible to achieve, England's recent batting frailities will have supporters worrying that another defeat could be on the cards.

England added just 25 runs to their feeble overnight score, with Tim Southee too good for Stuart Broad (9) and Ben Foakes (7) before Trent Boult mopped up by removing replacement spinner Matt Parkinson for eight. Leaving James Anderson stranded on 7. The hosts ended their first innings on 141 all out, a lead of just nine runs.

England struck early as New Zealand began their second innings with James Anderson finding Will Young's outside edge with the first ball of his second over, Ben Foakes gathering a low catch.

Debutant Matty Potts then added to his first Test haul by taking the crucial scalp of Kiwi captain Kane Williamson (15) for the second time in as many innings. In the 11th over he tucked up the right-hander and his punched shot off the back foot skimmed through to the hands of Jonny Bairstow.

He then claimed the well-set Tom Latham (14), two overs later, his thinnest of edges was snaffled by Foakes and DRS finally sent him packing with the score on 35 for 3.

Devon Conway (13) helped moved the score on to 56, before he gloved a shorter Broad delivery down leg-side to a grateful Foakes.

Tom Blundell joined Daryl Mitchell at the crease in the 23rd over and the partnership steered the tourists into credit and a firm grasp on the first Test.

Blundell brought up New Zealand's 150, and the first 50 of the match with a square drive off Anderson. Mitchell followed suit soon after turning Broad off his pads for one.