Kane Williamson completes record 18th century as New Zealand extend lead on rain-disrupted day

• New Zealand vs England, first Test, day two: live scoreboard

England had a celebrity guest to visit them in their dressing-room at Eden Park on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand, and to help them move on from their acute embarrassment of being dismissed for 58.

Barack Obama was in town but it was not he who offered England solace. The only American president or ex-president known to have attended a Test match was Eisenhower, who watched Pakistan v Australia, saw only 105 runs scored in the whole day, and probably left a note in the White House warning, “Go to the Oval Office, never the Oval.”

England’s celebrity visitor was the pop singer known as Ed Sheeran, along with his father who was reportedly the cricket fan. England’s fast bowler Mark Wood presented the son with a cricket bat. James Anderson, asked afterwards if he like Sheeran’s music, paused a long time before gallantly saying, “yes”.

Anderson had taken the only wicket to fall on day two as New Zealand added 54 runs between the heavy showers. Anderson is into his third term of office as president of England’s attack, defying the constitution laid down for pace bowlers.

Kane Williamson was his 526th Test wicket, and Anderson’s average of 27 keeps going down while Stuart Broad’s edges towards 30. Anderson was England’s most threatening bowler with the pink ball, whereas Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali have still to show signs of adjusting to overseas conditions, both their averages away from home above 50.

Williamson was deceived by Anderson’s inswinger - all four of England’s pace bowlers brought the ball into the righthander more often than they swung it away on the first two days - and trapped lbw for 102, his 18th Test century, which set a record for New Zealand. Typical of Williamson, he said he would have preferred to have been not out than to have broken the record, which he had shared with Martin Crowe and Ross Taylor.

“It (the national record) sort of wasn’t the focus of the day,” Williamson said. “It would have been nice to still be out there to be honest. Martin was a fantastic, world-class player for New Zealand – our best player, batsman certainly, of all time – and the respect is certainly there for Martin and what he did for the game. For me, personally, I’ve never focussed too much on stats, it’s been about doing my best for the team and that’s why it was frustrating to not still be out there.”

Crowe the best batsman produced by New Zealand? He did play the most majestic innings, while Glenn Turner is the only New Zealander to have scored 100 first-class hundreds, though he never dominated in Tests as he did for Worcestershire. The Goweresque left-hander Bert Sutcliffe was averaging in the 70s in first-class cricket until he was hit on his unhelmeted head. But perhaps Williamson himself, though only 27, should be awarded the title, having scored his 18 hundreds in fewer innings than Crowe or Taylor, and always when needed, and the only New Zealander to have averaged 50 in Tests.

Williamson was not only patient - as his counterpart Joe Root has lost the habit of being - but also clinical in his dispatch of the bad ball. He also inspired his partners: Tom Latham’s 26 in 150 minutes was gold dust, while Henry Nicholls grew from boy to man in his partnership of 86 with his captain.

Whether the inaugural day-night Test in New Zealand has worked, the jurors have yet to decide. The first day seemed a success, the second a failure. On a warm Thursday evening the crowd peaked at 10,540 in the final session before waning. One local supporter, carrying four drinks, declared it was “the best time ever” - but then Williamson had just outscored the entire England team.

On the second evening, after two mini-sessions in the afternoon, the scene of a wet cricket ground at night was more wretched than anything Dante imagined in his Inferno. The rain ceased about 7.30pm, the umpires inspected at 8.30 and again at 9, before abandoning. As Williamson explained, grass dries more slowly at night, and watching it do so was not much fun.

8:10AM

Play abandoned: NZ 229/4 (Watling 17* Nicholls 49)* from 92.1 overs

So after four hours of waiting around, play has finally been called off. Just 23.1 overs were bowled today and perhaps that has given England a faint hope of salvaging the Test with day three looking dire on the forecast. They weren't particularly good with the ball today with the only wicket being Kane Williamson, who notched a record-breaking 18th Test century. 

Play is set to start on day three at 12.30am GMT.

7:43AM

Further delay 

The umpires are not satisfied and there will be another inspection at 8am UK time. Typical cricket - a lot of waiting around even though there were periods it appeared play was possible. 

7:04AM

Weather Update 

The rain has stopped! Not sure if England fans want to hear that as they start to wake up in the UK. There will be an inspection by the umpires shortly. Been a frustrating day with just 22.1 overs bowled and the forecast looks bleak over the weekend. 

5:57AM

Rain Delay

There was another shower to delay the re-start. Menacing skies above. 

The bigger covers are now coming on, so we are looking at further delays. 

5:27AM

Official update 

5:09AM

Weather update 

Rain is starting to ease in Auckland in good news for those wanting to see some cricket but it remains to be seen if there will be further play on day two. 

4:35AM

Weather update 

The rain is getting heavier, so that's good news if you're an ardent England supporter. However, they might need a couple of more days like this. 

Indeed, the forecast is also bleak on the weekend. Maybe, just maybe, there is hope for England? 

4:07AM

Very bleak 

There is a possibility that the remainder of Day 2 could be wiped out. Unfortunately, England were so inept with the bat that they are still in a hopeless position even if play does not resume today. 

4:00AM

Happier times 

In the rain break, the telecast showed England's incredible draw in 2012-13 at Eden Park as Matt Prior and Monty Panesar memorably defied Trent Boult in the last over. 

England can only hope to get that far in this match although this heavy rain could help them out. 

3:52AM

Rain delay: NZ 229/4 (Watling 17* Nicholls 49*) off 92.1 overs

Players are coming off. Looks like it is strong rain and we could be in for a lengthy delay. Suggestions of an hour or two. 

3:48AM

Bowling change

Moeen Ali is on as we see spin for the first time today. He struggled badly on day one after a horror Ashes. 

3:46AM

OVER 92: NZ 229/4 (Watling 17* Nicholls 49*)

Broad finally delivers an unplayable delivery that seamed wickedly at Watling but not on target. More of that Broady, bellow desperate England fans. 

3:41AM

OVER 91: NZ 228/4 (Watling 16* Nicholls 49*)

Woakes just doesn't look threatening, a change is needed soon from Root. Just one wicket with the new ball has been underwhelming from England. 

Broad replacing Anderson, who started to tire. 

3:38AM

OVER 90: NZ 226/4 (Watling 16* Nicholls 47*)

Watling is counterattacking in a nice change of tempo. Even Anderson is starting to struggle slightly with seven runs off the over. Watling 16 from 14. 

3:33AM

OVER 89: NZ 219/4 (Watling 11* Nicholls 45*)

Any chance Anderson can just bowl at both ends? Watling beautifully drives Woakes for a boundary, and then follows with a lucky edge through slips for another boundary to continue to frustrate England.  

3:28AM

OVER 88: NZ 210/4 (Watling 3* Nicholls 44*)

Jimmy looking at the ball. England weren't happy with the ball and had it changed twice on day one. He's not hooping the ball around but still just has that knack of finding the right areas - something his bowling comrades can't quite do right now. Another maiden. 

3:25AM

OVER 87: NZ 210/4 (Watling 3* Nicholls 44*)

Maiden from Woakes as Nicholls plays it comfortably. 

3:23AM

Williamson, the master

England will be well pleased to have dismissed Williamson, who entered the record books on day two with his 18th Test century. 

3:20AM

OVER 86: NZ 210/4 (Watling 3* Nicholls 44*)

Watling gets off the mark with a sweet clip for two. Anderson has been indefatigable as always. He has the figures of 3-46 from 18 overs. 

Geoffrey Boycott still optimistic about England's chances. Doubt too many share his positive outlook!

3:16AM

OVER 85: NZ 206/4 (Watling 0* Nicholls 43*)

Maiden from Woakes but not probing. He needs to stand up and support Anderson, who can't do it alone. 

3:14AM

OVER 84: NZ 206/4 (Watling 0* Nicholls 43*)

Can England get a roll on now after that big wicket? 

Chris Woakes has returned and replaces a disappointing Broad. Root is sensing the critical moment. 

3:11AM

Wicket! Williamson 102 lbw Anderson 

Anderson has successfully trapped Williamson but he is reviewing.

But the review is upheld! Williamson gets a standing ovation after a magnifcent knock. Boy, did England need that. As always, Jimmy delivers. FOW 206/4

3:07AM

OVER 83: NZ 203-3 (Williamson 101* Nicholls 41*)

The 200 is up for the hosts with a flashy drive from Nicholls. The ball is not swinging - England just can't replicate Boult and Southee in a major disappointment. Broad hasn't been very good on day two after encouraging signs yesterday. 

3:03AM

OVER 82: NZ 198/3 (Williamson 101* Nicholls 36*)

The swing master Anderson is much more accurate than Broad and attacking the stumps but Williamson is up to the task. A maiden. 

3:00AM

OVER 81: NZ 198/3 (Williamson 101* Nicholls 36*)

Broad is far too wayward in a waste of the first over with the new ball. 

2:54AM

OVER 80: NZ 197/3 (Williamson 80* Nicholls 36*)

Nicholls plays out an Anderson maiden on resumption. 

England will take the new ball with Broad to get first crack. 

2:49AM

Play to start

Players are back after that rain delay. Two long sessions ahead. Stumps to be drawn now at 8.30am GMT. 

2:28AM

Early tea 

Tea will be taken at 2.30am GMT and play will resume at 2.50am GMT if rain holds off. 

2:24AM

Greatest New Zealand batsman ever?

Kane Williamson certainly has claims for that lofty title. 

2:17AM

Weather update 

Play could be starting soon. Not sure if England fans will be happy with that, for those still up. 

1:58AM

Weather update 

The rain has intensified and we are looking at potentially a lengthy delay. A chance for another regroup for England who didn't come out with the necessary energy. 

1:53AM

Williamson underrated?

Does Williamson's lack of Tests - especially against the powerhouses - make him somewhat underappreciated? Maybe, maybe not, but one wonders how much more impressive his record would be if he played four/five Test series. 

1:46AM

Bad Scheduling?

Perhaps it was always inevitable rain was going to intervene with this series so late in the New Zealand cricket season. 

1:42AM

Rain delay 

Players are coming off as rain starts falling. Not expecting it to be a major delay but the covers are on. England will probably be hoping for a wash out after a tough opening 40 minutes. They haven't looked like taking a wicket. New Zealand lead by 139 runs. 

1:41AM

OVER 79: NZ 197/3 (Williamson 100* Nicholls 36*)

Maiden from Overton but it's very bleak. 

1:39AM

OVER 78: NZ 197/3 (Williamson 100* Nicholls 36*)

Not a great start from Jimmy, a bit loose there. He was pulled to the boundary by Nicholls with a staid short ball. But the over will always be remembered for Williamson's milestone. Typically a reserved celebration from the humble Williamson.

1:36AM

Century for Williamson!

Take a bow Kane Williamson! He becomes the first New Zealand batsman to reach 18 Test centuries. What an innings, a masterclass. 

1:33AM

Bowling change 

Anderson is into the attack for the first time today. 

1:32AM

OVER 77: NZ 190/3 (Williamson 98* Nicholls 31*)

Another maiden from Overton but England need wickets. They are just going through the motions before the second new ball - which looms as their last hope. Or is this match over?

1:29AM

OVER 76: NZ 190/3 (Williamson 98* Nichols 31*)

Williamson gets a single to go to 98. Woakes bowling around the wicket to the left-handed Nicholls, who keeps the strike with a single.  

1:24AM

OVER 75: NZ 187/3 (Williamson 97* Nicholls 29*)

Overton starts with a maiden as Williamson continues to wait for his moment. He's been out three times in the 90s previously. 

1:21AM

Bowling change 

Craig Overton replacing Broad early. Overton bowled far too short on day one, needs a big lift here. 

1:20AM

OVER 74: NZ 187/3 (Williamson 97* Nicholls 29*)

Nicholls playing watchfully, and guides a couple off the final ball to give Williamson the strike. Pedestrian stuff from Woakes. 

1:16AM

OVER 73: NZ 185/3 (Williamson 97* Nicholls 27*)

WOW! What an exquisite straight drive from Williamson to the boundary. Shot of the Test for mine. Won't see much better than that. But Broad bounces back with a cracker that beats Williamson all ends up. Great battle this. 

1:12AM

OVER 72: NZ 179/3 (Williamson 91* Nicholls 27*)

Woakes beats the bat of Nicholls and there was a stifled appeal. Remember England are out of reviews after foolishly wasting them on day one. Nicholls hogging the strike thus far as Williamson closes in on becoming the first New Zealand batsman to reach 18 Test tons. Maiden from Woakes. 

1:09AM

OVER 71: NZ 179/3 (Williamson 91* Nicholls 27*)

Broad starting up and England need to him to tap back into his best although he was fairly decent on day one. Good stout defence from Nicholls and the pitch looks good which is not what England want to hear. 

Commentators rating the 'big 4' batmen. For mine: Kohli, Smith, Williamson, Root - in that order

1:04AM

OVER 70: NZ 178/3 (Williamson 91* Nicholls 27*)

Just 11 overs until the new ball so Root starting with Woakes, who was accurate on day one but not very threatening.  And much the same from him in that over, as Nicholls scores 3 runs that over. 

Geoff Boycott saying on commentary that England should be thinking of winning the game. Sounds rather fanciful! 

1:00AM

Players are ready 

Play starting on time. The covers are off and rain is holding off for now. Fingers crossed...or maybe not for England fans. 

Chris Woakes to start. 

12:50AM

Day-Night Test

It was a historical day one, which was fitting in the first ever day-night Test in New Zealand. There was somewhat of a disappointing crowd of just over 10,000 but it was a beautiful sight. 

12:36AM

Selections woes?

After such a harrowing day, inevitably England were going to be heavily scrutinised. The main selection talking point was speedster Mark Wood being overlooked. Much like the Ashes, England's attack looked pedestrian and lacked zip. Wood clearly could have added some much-needed spark. 

However, I think yesterday the batsmen should be the ones hanging their heads in shame. 

12:16AM

Here we go 

Tristan Lavalette here, welcome to Day 2! Things couldn't have been worse for England on Day 1 after they were skittled for 58 and then bowled rather ordinary as New Zealand have already racked up a big lead. You feel that the first session could tell the tale - if England are going to stage a comeback then they need a bunch of early wickets. 

There is the prospect of rain interrupting but don't do a rain dance just yet! With the match so far advanced, a draw is probably unlikely so England will need to focus on-field rather than the weather radar. 

11:19PM

How will England show up after humiliation?

England head coach Trevor Bayliss will expect a reaction from his side who played like "rabbits in the headlights" as they were skittled for 58 on day one of the first Test against New Zealand.

The hosts' seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee picked up all 10 England wickets in the first 90 minutes of play before New Zealand captain Kane Williamson guided the hosts to 175-3 for a lead of 117 runs at stumps.

"We certainly did not bat very well. They bowled extremely well but we batted extremely poorly," Bayliss said.

"I think it must have been a mental thing, our feet looked like they had lead in them. We didn't make too many right decisions with our footwork.

"We got caught behind the crease to fairly full balls, which allows the ball to swing and then we were nowhere. It looked a little bit like we were rabbits in the headlights."

Williamson had earlier won the toss and opted to bowl with the pink ball in the first day-night Test in New Zealand, but Bayliss said the conditions had little to do with the visitors' capitulation.

"There were good conditions this morning. A bit of green grass on the wicket but nothing out of the ordinary that you would not expect for the first day of a test," Bayliss added.

"Today we were off it - not just a little bit, but a long way and we were not good enough."

Tristan Lavalette will be here from midnight GMT to provide build up and over-by-over action on day two.