England edge New Zealand after a fine bowling performance from Sam Curran

5:35AM

England's day in the end

England could have, and should have, scored more runs this morning. But the bowlers fought back well and, through Sam Curran especially, have put themselves in a good position.

New Zealand are still well in this game but a couple of early wickets would put them into a precarious place in this first match of two. This match is shaping up rather nicely.

5:33AM

OVER 51: NZL 144/4 (Nicholls 26* Watling 6*)

Root is bringing himself on to close out the day. Watling takes a single from the first ball.

Root hits the pad but it is going well down the leg side.

Nicholls flicks the ball away for a single. Watling will face the last ball of the day. He sees it out. That is stumps.

5:29AM

OVER 50: NZL 142/4 (Nicholls 25* Watling 5*)

And we start again. Nicholls looks okay, he has changed his helmet. He plays the next ball down with good control.

Archer than bowls another very good bouncer and Nicholls just - just - gets out the way. The next ball then wraps him on the gloves. Cracking over from Archer's specialty.

5:25AM

OVER 50: NZL 142/4 (Nicholls 25* Watling 5*)

Archer hammers Nicholls in the side of the head with a quick bouncer. He ducked into it. Nicholls looks to be okay but there will be a small break in the game.

5:21AM

OVER 49: NZL 142/4 (Nicholls 25* Watling 5*)

Just the one from the over.

5:19AM

OVER 48: NZL 141/4 (Nicholls 24* Watling 5*)

Archer is back. Can he make something happen with seven overs left in the day?

He starts with a short ball that Nicholls avoids with ease. An over of short stuff including one ball that wrapped Nicholls on the gloves.

Nicholls got one away down to fine leg for one.

5:13AM

OVER 47: NZL 140/4 (Nicholls 23* Watling 5*)

The runs have dried up for New Zealand as they look to see out the day four down.

Not much spin for Leach who continues to plug away. Back to back maidens.

5:10AM

OVER 46: NZL 140/4 (Nicholls 23* Watling 5*)

Curran continues his excellent spell. He gets an inside edge from Nicholls that trickles toward the stumps. That could have gone anywhere.

LBW shout but it sounded like bat first. Not out is the decision and England don't review. Yep, lot of bat involved.

5:06AM

OVER 45: NZL 140/4 (Nicholls 23* Watling 5*)

10 overs left in the day. Can England get any more wickets tonight?

Watling picks up a single through the offside. Nicholls then tries to cut but plays and misses. He then flicks one to the leg side for a single.

5:03AM

OVER 44: NZL 138/4 (Nicholls 22* Watling 4*)

Lovely delivery from Curran that nipped away off the pitch to the left handed Nicholls. 44th over and Curran is shaping the Kookaburra ball. Maiden.

5:00AM

Variable bounce doing the job for England

4:59AM

OVER 43: NZL 138/4 (Nicholls 22* Watling 4*)

Tidy stuff from Leach, not threatening however in a moment where England could be attacking.

Watling drives through extra cover for two.

4:56AM

OVER 42: NZL 136/4 (Nicholls 22* Watling 2*)

England are in a strong position here - can they get another wicket tonight?

Nicholls inside edges a straight ball from Curran and picks up two before executing a perfect straight drive for four.

4:52AM

OVER 41: NZL 130/4 (Nicholls 16* Watling 2*)

Leach draws an inside edge from Watling, good areas. He then pushes the ball into the offside for one.

Nicholls pulls Leach away for one.

4:50AM

Bounce from the skiddy left armer!

4:49AM

OVER 40: NZL 128/4 (Nicholls 15* Watling 1*)

Watling gets off the mark first ball. Good stuff from Curran.

4:47AM

WICKET! Williamson b Curran c Stokes 51

What a huge moment in this game. Out of nowhere, an innocuous ball rears up from a length and catches Williamson's gloves. The ball loops in the air to Stokes in the slips. That seemed very unlikely. Sam Curran makes things happen!

4:45AM

OVER 40: NZL 127/3 (Nicholls 15* Williamson 51*)

The Barmy Army is in fine voice and England need something to pick them up.

Williamson gets the ball through a packed third man area and it runs away for four. 50 up for the New Zealand captain!

4:42AM

OVER 39: NZL 123/3 (Nicholls 15* Williamson 47*)

Too short from Leach and Nicholls pulls away for four more.

4:40AM

OVER 38: NZL 119/3 (Nicholls 11* Williamson 47*)

Double change with Curran back as well. Will he get some shape like he did earlier on?

Very full to start, very straight, no lateral movement.

Bit short and Nicholls pounces, cutting it away for four. Commanding shot from Nicholls who has an excellent test match record. Curran then bowls a full toss which should have gone for four but Broad gets down to make a superb stop.

4:35AM

OVER 37: NZL 114/3 (Nicholls 6* Williamson 47*)

Leach is back into the attack with a left hander to attack, there is a little rough developing.

Nicholls sweeps tidily for one. Very full to Williamson who blocks five balls on the bounce.

4:31AM

OVER 36: NZL 113/3 (Nicholls 5* Williamson 47*)

Another single for the New Zealand skipper - he has looked so comfortable today.

Archer gets an edge from Nicholls but it falls short of the slips - well short. Well bowled as the left handed Nicholls was squared up by Archer. Nicholls gets off strike the next ball with a flick down to fine leg.

Short stuff coming at Williamson now.

4:27AM

Change of plan from England as the innings has progressed

4:26AM

OVER 35: NZL 111/3 (Nicholls 4* Williamson 46*)

Stokes continues with the short stuff to Williamson. He flicks the ball to fine leg for one bringing the new man on strike.

Nicholls gets off the mark with a lovely flick through mid-wicket for four. Cracking timing.

4:22AM

Ross Taylor will be unhappy with this dismissal

4:22AM

OVER 34: NZL 106/3 (Nicholls 0* Williamson 45*)

Nicholls to face Archer as the batsman crossed. Archer spears in a quick yorker first up from round the wicket but it is kept out.

An unconvincing pull shot will interest England - followed up by another yorker.

Good bouncer to finish. Maiden.

4:16AM

WICKET! Taylor b Stokes c Pope 25

Taylor takes on the short ball again - this time he doesn't get all of it and the ball goes straight to Pope in the deep. He had looked streaky against the short stuff and England continued to test him. Well it has paid off! Good plan, well executed.

4:14AM

OVER 33: NZL 106/2 (Taylor 25* Williamson 45*)

Stokes continues, into his third over. Williamson gets one off the inner half of the bat for a quick single.

Stokes then over pitches to Taylor who flicks the ball away for two more runs. New Zealand are going along at 3.22 an over now.

Another run to Taylor. And then a single for Williamson.

4:10AM

OVER 32: NZL 101/2 (Taylor 22* Williamson 43*)

A sharp bouncer from Archer flies through to the keeper after Taylor picks up two early in the over.

Taylor then wears one on the shoulder. Archer getting into some rhythm here.

Taylor then pulls the last ball of the over for two. 100 up for the home side!

4:06AM

OVER 31: NZL 97/2 (Taylor 18* Williamson 43*)

Three consecutive singles for the Kiwi pair. This is looking rather easy. Could Curran be brought back? He looked good earlier on.

4:01AM

OVER 30: NZL 94/2 (Taylor 16* Williamson 42*)

Change of ends for Archer again. He goes full and Taylor flicks the ball away for three through mid-wicket.

New Zealand are ticking over well as Williamson back punches for another single.

Taylor pulls Archer away for two. And then for one the next delivery.

3:56AM

OVER 29: NZL 87/2 (Taylor 10* Williamson 41*)

Here comes Ben Stokes - his first chance with the ball in the test.

Taylor clips the ball down to fine leg for one, he is getting a long way across today. Williamson then drives the ball past Stokes for a single.

Taylor unconvincingly pulls the ball away for one, that was in the air for a while but no fielder in sight.

3:51AM

OVER 28: NZL 84/2 (Taylor 8* Williamson 40*)

Another run to Williamson who moves onto 40.

Broad bowls an inswinger to Taylor who plays it late and picks up a single.

3:47AM

OVER 27: NZL 82/2 (Taylor 7* Williamson 39*)

Taylor slaps the ball through point for four - powerful shot. He then drops the ball and runs, sharp single.

Williamson tries a pull shot but the ball never gets up and goes under the bat. He then inside edges the ball to get a single.

3:43AM

OVER 26: NZL 76/2 (Taylor 2* Williamson 38*)

Taylor works the ball leg side again for one.

Williamson avoids a tame bumper. Time for Stokes?

3:39AM

OVER 25: NZL 75/2 (Taylor 1* Williamson 38*)

Leach did his job getting Raval and now Archer is back on to take on the tandem of the Kiwi big guns.

Archer gets the ball to jump and it hits Williamson on the gloves.

Williamson cuts the ball out to deep point for one. Taylor then gets off the mark as he flicks the ball into the leg side.

3:34AM

Raval should put the slog sweep well, well away

3:33AM

OVER 24: NZL 73/2 (Taylor 0* Williamson 37*)

Williamson works Broad leg side for one.

Broad bowls an absolute seed to Taylor first up. It shaped in then nipped away flying through to the keeper.

Taylor is being challenged by Broad's line and length here.

3:30AM

Village dismissal for Raval

3:30AM

OVER 23: NZL 72/2 (Taylor 0* Williamson 36*)

Out comes Taylor who negotiates his first couple of balls without much trouble.

3:29AM

WICKET! Raval b Leach c Denly 19

Raval plays another slog the next ball and is caught at mid-wicket who caught the ball above his head with a considerable leap. I think any spinner could have got Raval out - he was dreadful against the spin.

3:26AM

OVER 23: NZL 72/1 (Raval 19* Williamson 36*)

Williamson drives Leach for one to bring up the 50 partnership. New Zealand going nicely here, scoring at more than three runs per over.

Raval then hoiks the ball over mid-wicket for four - unconvincing again. England will not mind that.

3:24AM

OVER 22: NZL 67/1 (Raval 15* Williamson 35*)

Broad gets Williamson to drive but the ball goes through the vacant wide gully region. Tough for England that was a catchable height.

Williamson then back punches Broad for three.

3:19AM

OVER 21: NZL 60/1 (Raval 15* Williamson 28*)

Leach continues, presumably just for Raval who could have been out to him twice.

He plays the same sweep shot but this time gets some of it and it goes over Archer's head for four. Streaky.

3:17AM

No surprise where Williamson has been scoring so far

3:16AM

OVER 20: NZL 56/1 (Raval 11* Williamson 28*)

The Barmy Army are in full voice in this final session.

Broad draws a drive from Williamson who inside edges the ball toward square leg for no run.

Maiden.

3:13AM

OVER 19: NZL 56/1 (Raval 11* Williamson 28*)

Leach will continue from the other end - round the wicket to Raval.

Big appeal from England as Raval tries an expansive sweep shot and misses it completely. Did it hit him outside the line? England review after a not out decision.

Umpires call on the impact before cannoning into the middle of the stumps. Very lucky for Raval who has struggled against Leach.

He works the ball into the leg side for one. Williamson then pinches a single to mid on.

3:08AM

OVER 18: NZL 54/1 (Raval 10* Williamson 27*)

Joe Root has gone with Broad to start after tea. He bowled four decent over up top and is very much fresh.

The Notts bowler starts full outside the off stump to Williamson.

Williamson then cuts Broad away four four behind point. Classic Williamson shot.

A booming in swinger appears from nowhere and hits Williamson on the pads but it was doing far too much - the Kiwi skipper did not see that coming. Good from Broad.

2:54AM

Can England dismiss captain Kane or will it be like Steve Smith all over again?

2:45AM

TEA!

New Zealand will be very happy with that - 50/1 marks a good return. Both Curran and Leach look dangerous bowling to Raval but Williamson looks very assured. He has gone to 23 from just 31 balls.

The start of the final session will dictate the momentum of the match as England's new ball failed to do the damage.

2:43AM

OVER 17: NZL 50/1 (Raval 10* Williamson 23*)

This will be the last over before tea from Leach. One turned last over. Can he make anything happen?

Nope. Another full toss, this time Williamson hits for four back past the bowler.

Williamson strokes the ball out to long off for one. 50 up for the home side.

Raval will face the last ball of the session - he survives.

2:39AM

OVER 16: NZL 45/1 (Raval 10* Williamson 18*)

Williamson times the first ball of the over for four through square leg. The captain has started well here and England will be getting nervy about the control he is showing early in his innings.

A single to Williamson who finds the man on the square leg boundary with a wristy flick.

Curran looks much more threatening against the left hander.

2:37AM

OVER 15: NZL 40/1 (Raval 10* Williamson 13*)

Early bowl for Jack Leach here - interesting call with Stokes unused and Broad still fresh.

A full toss is pushed back past the bowler for one by Williamson.

Not much turn for Leach - until the last bowl which grips a little. It surprised Raval, hitting him on the leg and rolling very slowly onto the stumps but the bails stay on. Very unlucky for England.

2:32AM

OVER 14: NZL 39/1 (Raval 10* Williamson 12*)

Curran is bowling nicely here. Good control, a little shape. He is bowling at 83/4mph which is good pace for him. Impressive from the extremely talented left armer.

Raval almost chops the ball on but the ball bounces over the stumps. Fortunate for the New Zealand opener. Good over from Curran.

2:28AM

OVER 13: NZL 39/1 (Raval 10* Williamson 12*)

Raval works the ball into the leg side for one.

Very good bouncer from Archer and Williamson sways out of the way late. Well bowled, well played. This may well be Archer's last he has not looked very threatening.

Williamson hits him for four through the covers - imperious.

2:24AM

OVER 12: NZL 34/1 (Raval 9* Williamson 8*)

Curran hits Raval on the pad - the ball was sliding well down the leg side. Raval clips the ball away for one.

One from the over.

2:20AM

OVER 11: NZL 33/1 (Raval 8* Williamson 8*)

Play and miss from Raval who tries to drive through extra cover. Root jumps in the air in excitement.

Short ball hits Buttler's glove and runs away for a bye. Serious bounce there. And the next ball goes for four byes - nothing on it from Buttler this time.

2:16AM

OVER 10: NZL 28/1 (Raval 8* Williamson 8*)

Too short from Curran and Williamson cuts the ball away for four. Williamson picks up another two from a typical run down to third man.

Some shape back into the right hander from the Surrey allrounder.

Play and miss to end the over as the ball carries on with its line.

2:12AM

Sam Curran struck for England

2:12AM

OVER 9: NZL 22/1 (Raval 8* Williamson 2*)

Archer is back on - change of ends.

Raval gets a single - let Archer vs Williamson commence. He starts full and Williamson works the ball to the legside for one.

Raval inside edges the ball to fine leg for the third single of the over. Williamson the pinches a single as he drops the ball to the off side. Positive start from the Kiwi skipper.

2:07AM

OVER 8: NZL 18/1 (Raval 6* Williamson 0*)

Here comes the big gun Kane Williamson. Curran bowls a bouncer first up.

England needed that from Curran.

2:04AM

WICKET! Latham b Curran LBW 8

The change works! Curran bowls full and straight and it hits Latham on the knee roll after a little bit of shape. Good delivery and Latham doesn't bother reviewing. Good captaincy Joe Root!

2:03AM

OVER 8: NZL 18/0 (Raval 6* Latham 8*)

Curran is into the attack - good call from Root to give the left arm swing bowler a chance with the new ball.

Little bit of shape away from the left hander.

2:01AM

Ominous for England...

2:00AM

OVER 7: NZL 18/0 (Raval 6* Latham 8*)

Broad continues from the other end. England have not created any chances so far and New Zealand are looking comfortable against this precious new ball.

Latham drops and run into the offside. Good running.

Broad bowls a top delivery that nips back between bat and pad. It just misses the stumps. Ball of the innings so far.

Broad then over pitches and is driven through mid-off for four runs. Nice shot from Raval.

1:57AM

OVER 6: NZL 13/0 (Raval 2* Latham 7*)

Raval avoids a sharp bouncer from Archer who is round the wicket to both openers now.

Archer gets a bit of bounce from a length which hits Raval in the midriff - that was up at 89mph.

1:53AM

OVER 5: NZL 13/0 (Raval 2* Latham 7*)

Latham leaves the ball and that was very close to the off stump. The ball stayed low and was close on line - couple of inches away. Well there are only two types of leaves as they say...

Broad hits the pads of Latham from the next delivery.

Maiden.

1:49AM

OVER 4: NZL 13/0 (Raval 2* Latham 7*)

Latham clips Archer down to fine leg for one from the opening ball of the over.

Raval drops the ball into the offside for one. Not too much movement for Archer so far.

Archer is round the wicket to Latham. He is bowling at 87mph at the moment, which he tends to do with the brand new ball.

Latham flicks the ball out towards the square leg boundary and they run an easy two. Good start for New Zealand.

1:44AM

OVER 3: NZL 8/0 (Raval 1* Latham 3*)

Broad finds the inside edge of Raval's bat. Broad is really attacking the stumps but Raval is up to the task at the moment.

1:41AM

OVER 2: NZL 8/0 (Raval 1* Latham 3*)

Archer to start from the other end. Can England's newest superstar do it away from home?

He starts over the wicket to Latham. Second ball, first bouncer. Well evaded by Latham.

Four byes. The ball wobbles after it went past the batsman. Buttler got a good hand on it but it still ran away to the boundary.

Latham then pushes the ball through gully along the floor for three. Nicely played. Raval then plays the same shot but just for one.

1:35AM

OVER 1: NZL 0/0 (Raval 0* Latham 0*)

The players have reappeared. Two left handers for the Black Caps. Broad will start for England, Buttler with the gloves with Bairstow at home.

Broad starts round the wicket to Raval who blocks the first ball confidently, and the second. Bit of movement for Broad here.

Maiden first up.

1:27AM

Wagner takes Broad's wicket to wrap up the innings

1:24AM

Change of innings

England ended up with 353. They will be happy enough with that effort, as long as the bowlers start well.

Broad and Archer in tandem should be good value with the new ball. Williamson is the key - can England get him in early in the piece?

1:23AM

WICKET! Broad b Wagner 1

Wagner finally goes full and Broad inside edges it on to his stumps. Textbook short, short, full. Inevitable with Broad's batting these days. Bye bye Broady.

1:21AM

OVER 124: ENG 353/9 (Broad 1* Leach 18*)

Broad will not be enjoying the short stuff coming at home from Wagner. He plays the ball down from two successive deliveries. The third bumper less convincingly.

Broad survives, he is playing it well but looks very unconvincing right up to the point of contact.

1:17AM

OVER 123: ENG 353/9 (Broad 1* Leach 18*)

Good ball from Southee first up, nibbling away from Broad's outside edge. Broad gets off the mark with a push into the offside.

Can Southee get his fifth wicket?

Leach plays solidly again.

1:14AM

Here is the Jos Buttler dismissal - Santner appeared from the crowd... did Buttler see him before the ball?

1:13AM

OVER 122: ENG 352/9 (Broad 0* Leach 18*)

Out comes Broad at number 11. He survives his first ball with a prod.

An inevitable bouncer follows which Watling parries - one run scampered.

Leach edges the ball through a gap in the slips for four runs. 350 up!

1:10AM

WICKET! Buttler b Wagner c Santner 43

Buttler hits wide one straight to deep point - easy catch taken. A good partnership comes to an end. Decent knock.

1:08AM

OVER 122: ENG 347/8 (Buttler 43* Leach 14*)

Wide from the first ball of the over. Wagner is trying to hide the ball from Buttler.

1:07AM

OVER 121: ENG 346/8 (Buttler 43* Leach 14*)

Buttler turns down the one from a pull shot again, Leach is looking eager to get on strike.

Buttler sends the ball straight up and Raval spills a catch that should have been taken. Life for Buttler. Raval's fielding has left something to be desired throughout the match. Southee is really unhappy and rightly so. Buttler scampered two.

Buttler cuts one out to the boundary and Raval spills it allowing a two for the England wicket keeper. Buttler then cuts the ball for four. Runs flowing for the fortunate Buttler. One from the final ball of the over.

1:02AM

OVER 120: ENG 337/8 (Buttler 34* Leach 14*)

Buttler pulls Wagner out towards the boundary - nicely struck but no run taken. And another run from the pull shot turned down. And again. Buttler could be taking these runs. In Leach, we trust (except Buttler apparently).

Buttler takes one from the final ball of the over as the ball flies down to third man.

12:58AM

OVER 119: ENG 336/8 (Buttler 33* Leach 14*)

Leach avoids a couple of short balls with relative ease from Southee before clipping one off his pads for one.

Buttler nails a pull shot to deep mid-wicket but turns down the single despite Leach trying to get back on strike. Buttler then takes the one as he runs the ball out to deep backward point.

Leach leaves the last ball of the over.

12:52AM

OVER 118: ENG 334/8 (Buttler 32* Leach 13*)

It will be Wagner from the other end. Short leg, leg gully, fly slip and silly point in place. Short stuff to come...

Leach gets the ball down to fine leg off his thigh pad from the first ball of the over. Ideal for England.

Buttler drives nicely but finds the fielder. A short wide one is hit to the fielder at extra-cover. Buttler is unsure whether to attack, farm the strike or just bat normally and trust Leach. I think Leach has shown he can be trusted.

Buttler hits a full toss out to the cover boundary but a diving stop keeps it to two. Well fielded.

12:48AM

OVER 117: ENG 331/8 (Buttler 30* Leach 13*)

The players are back onto the pitch and it will be Southee to start. Buttler leaves the first ball of the session well alone.

The next ball is well driven to the fielder in a deep mid-off position - half-way back to the boundary - but no run is taken. Buttler then takes a single from an identical shot a couple of balls later.

Leach drives the last ball of the over for one. They cannot get back for two so Leach will face the next over from the start.

12:35AM

Can England get to 350?

350 would be a good score, not a great one, but it would put England in a strong position. I have a feeling Buttler is going to come out very aggressive after lunch. Should make for some entertaining cricket.

12:26AM

Just when you think Jack Leach cannot get any better, he grows a cracking moustache

12:17AM

The campaign for Jack Leach to move up to number 9 starts here...

12:14AM

LUNCH!

Well that was a disappointing session for England all things considered. They started and ended brightly but the middle period has made England getting to 400 once again unlikely. Very England.

Buttler and Leach did well at the end to frustrate the Black Caps and will be looking to carry England up to 350 which would be about par considering the conditions and England's decision to bat first. Leach looks in control and could well find himself batting ahead of Archer if he continues this form.

12:08AM

LUNCH: ENG 329/8 (Buttler 29* Leach 12*)

Well. A session that promised much for England with Stokes at the crease disintergrated after a collapse of 4-18. Tim Southee was England's chief villain, removing Stokes, Pope and Sam Curran before Jos Buttler and Jack Leach steadied the ship slightly. Plenty to ponder over lunch. And to take you forward will be my colleague Jake.  Enjoy!

12:03AM

OVER 116: ENG 329/8 (Buttler 29* Leach 12*)

Mitchell Santner is going to turn his arm before lunch as New Zealand look to sneak about wicket.

There are shouts of what appear to be 'slinky' from the New Zealand fielders as Leach stands firm. There's another firm block. And a cut to point and another defensive shot.

And that'll be lunch.

Judging by this stat, New Zealand were just filling time there.

12:00AM

OVER 115: ENG 329/8 (Buttler 29* Leach 12*)

No advantage initially taken by Buttler from holding the strike. Three balls, no runs.

Oh wakey wakey! Buttler leathers a six over long-off onto the press tent roof. I don't feel like the crowd showed their appreciation enough for that shot, maybe they too had fallen asleep.

A short bouncer is signalled as a wide. Quite right. Buttler would have had to doubled in height for that.

No run off the final two balls. England are 329/8.

11:56PM

OVER 114: ENG 322/8 (Buttler 23* Leach 12*)

Ex New-Zealand captain Jeremy Coney has said on  BBC Test Match Special that the game feels like it's lost its shape a little bit. He's not wrong. Sky commentators also debating the merits of real fruit ice-cream. I remember Coney once telling me about how he was pelted with pork pies by Australian fans while playing for New Zealand. Is eating a pork pie at midnight here in London wrong...?

Even Buttler can't get his timing right, trying to aim it through square leg but he only toes it through to the keeper. A single off the next though.

Leach then shoulders arms to Wagner before turning down a single to keep Buttler on strike for the next over.

11:51PM

OVER 113: ENG 321/8 (Buttler 22* Leach 12*)

Trent Boult brought back into the attack. A few grumbles as New Zealand seem in no hurry to get the field set right.

Buttler blocks back to Boult before drives to mid-off for no score. An initial thought to take a swing at a bouncer but he withdraws from the shot. Then a punch to mid on scores a run.

Leach on strike for the final two. And he keeps the ball safely away from his wicket. England edging closer to lunch.

11:46PM

OVER 112: ENG 320/8 (Buttler 21* Leach 12*)

It's all become a bit pedestrian-esque on this flat track as lunch beckons. New Zealand not exactly putting any pressure on tail-ender Leach while Buttler is taking the careful approach.

Just the single for the over.

11:41PM

OVER 111: ENG 319/8 (Buttler 20* Leach 12*)

Gentle bouncer to start from de Grandhomme but it's classed as a wide after soaring high over Buttler.

New Zealand have their fielders spread out wide but England can't quite manage to find the gaps until Leach guides it through gully off the final delivery. Four runs for the over.

11:37PM

OVER 110: ENG 315/8 (Buttler 19* Leach 10*)

Wagner bounces one in, Leach swerves out the way. He brings up the defences again from another Wagner delivery, then ensures another lands safely. And another. And another, courtesy of a solid straight bat. He's an invaluable asset for England with the bat.

New Zealand bring in Tom Lathan under the helmet on the off-side as well to try and crowd the bat. Leach swerves out of a final bouncer from Wagner.

11:33PM

England's batting efforts this morning?

11:32PM

OVER 109: ENG 315/8 (Buttler 19* Leach 10*)

Southee, with figures of 4-73, continues his spell. It's a tidy over as Leach refuses to be tempted.

The England batsman then gets across well to dig out a yorker on the penultimate ball.

Good stop in the covers saves arguably a four but Leach nicks a single.

11:28PM

OVER 108: ENG 314/8 (Buttler 19* Leach 9*)

How are your reactions, Jack? A bouncer from Wagner causes him to duck and dive.

Then some strong running between the wickets earns three for England as Leach guides it out to deep square.

Buttler declines the chance of a run in favour of keeping the strike. I mean, Leach isn't exactly a bad option. Buttler's intentions are clear though as he swings and misses on the next.

He creeps across his crease to try and scoop the ball away but it's too fine and Watling gathers. Buttler fireworks to come before lunch?

11:23PM

OVER 107: ENG 311/8 (Buttler 19* Leach 6*)

Hello! I like that. Buttler decides to hopefully make a statement before lunch and goes after Southee, smashing over the bowler for a one-bounce four.

There's a pull shot to deep square for a single and then he finishes the over with a flourish, guiding it away for four.

11:19PM

OVER 106: ENG 301/8 (Buttler 10* Leach 6*)

A lot of commentary chat about Stuart Broad and England at least having batting talent all the way through. I'm happy to be proved wrong but it's not likely he's going to come in and get a hat load of runs. Buttler needs to play smart here and Jack Leach channel his Headingly heroics.

Neil Wagner has come on for the first time today. England's duo don't take the bait.

11:14PM

OVER 105: ENG 301/8 (Buttler 10* Leach 6*)

England fans have something to applaud finally after an absolutely terrible few minutes. No wonder the Barmy Army trumpter toots on his instrument.

Leach elegantly dispatches a loose delivery from Southee on the half-volley through extra cover for four. It also brings up the 300 for England. At 277-5, it's not exactly how we imagined England reaching 300.  Another single for Leach takes England to 301.

11:11PM

OVER 104: ENG 296/8 (Buttler 10* Leach 1*)

Ooomph, nearly even worse for England. Leach, promoted to 10 ahead of Stuart Broad, looks to run a single that is clearly not on. Buttler is miles out of his crease but Nicholls misses.

England at least survive the rest of this over.

11:08PM

WICKET! Archer c Southee b Boult 0

Right then, I was going to write asking for a bit of calm from England, especially with the previously off-colour Boult taking the ball for his latest over

But he's caught the wicket-taking bug from Southee to snare Archer. Southee is still involved though, taking a good catch at second slip as Archer fends at a length bal in the channel outside off.

Leach to the crease

11:04PM

OVER 103: ENG 290/7 (Buttler 9* Archer 0*)

Southee is on a hat-trick with New Zealand taking three wickets for nine runs and England falling to 286/7.

Jofra Archer ambles out to the crease as all the players decide to take a drinks break mid-over. As you do.

Oh Jofra! Four leg-byes as the ball squirms down to the boundary.

11:00PM

WICKET! Curran b Southee 0

Like buses this... New Zealand think they have another, the newbie Sam Curran, as Bruce Oxenford appears to give LBW from a peach of a Southee delivery.

Curran reviews but this looks plumb. And it is. He is heading straight back to the hutch. Oh England.

10:57PM

WICKET! Pope c Watling b Southee 29

New Zealand and Southee have another wicket, and this time it's Pope. Clever bowling from Southee as he dangles one outside off to Pope who is not tempted first time around.

He can't turn down another tempter but it is swinging away, and Pope sends it straight to Watling who takes the catch.

10:52PM

OVER 102: ENG 286/5 (Buttler 9* Pope 29*)

Lovely weighted shot, full and straight for four. More of the same please, Jos.

Must have heard me, he chips in with a second boundary to round off Boult's over, although that one was more flukey, coming off an edge.

A bit more on Ben Stokes' innings:  91 from 146 balls with 12 fours in 195 mins. The second time he has got out in the 90s (the other came against NZ in 2015...and he went on and got a century in the second innings)

10:48PM

Superb piece of fielding from Ross Taylor to dismiss Stokes

10:47PM

OVER 101: ENG 278/5 (Buttler 1* Pope 29*)

Jos Buttler comes to the crease as Taylor's team-mates congratulate him. That really was some grab at first slip off a thick edge from Stokes.

Buttler lines up his defences and manages to eek out a single to get off the mark on the last ball of the over.

10:44PM

WICKET! Stokes c Taylor b Southee 91

It was not a pair of gloves Stokes wanted but spray for his hand. Whatever the purpose of that, it didn't work as he's gone very next ball!

He slashes out a ball, originally it looks like going over the slips but Ross Taylor leaps into the air, salmon-like and somehow manages to snaffle it.

Much needed wicket for New Zealand. Gutting for Stokes.

10:41PM

OVER 100: ENG 277/4 (Stokes 91* Pope 29*)

Boult has a chat with Kane Williamson, trying to come up with another plan to break up these two English batsmen.

Nope, plugging away outside off doesn't work as Stokes blocks then takes a single. More chat between Boult and Williamson. Around the wicket this time but Pope stands strong.

Stokes is waving to the England team for something. A new pair of gloves perhaps for the nervous nineties?

10:36PM

OVER 99: ENG 276/4 (Stokes 90* Pope 29*)

Down the ground from Stokes but it's stopped for no run. He's not stopped again though as he dabs for four through gully.

A slight miscue but the all-rounder still adds one via an inside edge. England's star man closing in on a century.

10:32PM

OVER 98: ENG 269/4 (Stokes 85* Pope 27*)

Just a few signs that England are looking to accelerate things a little bit here?

Stokes runs a single and then takes a brief pause to adjust his pads before Pope pulls comfortably to the fence for four more runs. It's a little too easy for the England batsmen here and they should really be trying to aim for a big total.

10:28PM

OVER 97: ENG 264/4 (Stokes 84* Pope 23*)

So that was indeed the last over for de Grandhomme as Tim Southee, the man responsible for Denly's wicket yesterday, is handed the ball.

A tidy over before Stokes helps himself to four with a cute shot late to backward point. That takes him into the 80s. Another single for Stokes to finish the over as Southee struggles to find his rhythm.

10:24PM

OVER 96: ENG 259/4 (Stokes 79* Pope 23*)

Strong defence from Pope as Boult continues to hone in on his front pad. He is averaging just shy of 60 for England.

And that is exactly why! A lovely shot, pulling the ball out to the boundary for four runs.

The less said about the final ball the better, Pope caught in no man's land and the ball just makes it to Watling without picking up a nick along the way.

10:20PM

OVER 95: ENG 253/4 (Stokes 79* Pope 19*)

De Grandhomme continues for New Zealand. Solid fielding from Henry Nicholls at midwicket to prevent any more than a single for Stokes.

Pope, probably keen to move on from that close lbw shout, tries to hit out through the covers but it just finds the fielder.

Single to end to over. That may well be the end of de Grandhomme in this spell. We shall see in another six deliveries.

10:16PM

OVER 94: ENG 253/4 (Stokes 78* Pope 18*)

Talk about rubbing salt into the wounds. Stokes takes two runs and then another to bring up the 50 partnership. Another 50 would be mightily handy.

A loose one from Boult but he doesn't concede anymore from the over.

10:15PM

OVER 93: ENG 250/4 (Stokes 75* Pope 18*)

Pope sees out the last ball of the over and England stay on 250 for the loss of four wickets

10:13PM

NOT OUT!

A huge sigh of relief from Pope there. De Grandhomme thought he had got the England batsman lbw with a relatively straight one but after a quiet word from Stokes, it goes to appeal.

And it's overturned!

Oxenford has to overturn his original decision, DRS coming to Pope's rescue

10:11PM

OVER 92: ENG 250/4 (Stokes 72* Pope 18*)

That single at the end of the over leaves Stokes on strike to de Grandhomme. Block. Perfect timing there from Stokes on the next produces two runs through the covers.

Ah, that's a bit more scratchy as the ball squeaks through his leg to bring up the 250 for England. Stokes definitely didn't intend that.

10:07PM

OVER 92: ENG 247/4 (Stokes 72* Pope 18*)

Trent Boult gets the nod for the second over of the day with a fairly fresh cherry. A bit of swing but that's a leg-bye before BJ Watling snaffles another that swings towards first slip.

A bit of early movement here, which will keep the New Zealand bowlers interested.

Stokes punches the ball down for a single to make it two from the over.

10:03PM

OVER 91: ENG 245/4 (Stokes 71* Pope 18*)

The Barmy Army in full voice, Stokes blocks the first firmly and then leaves a second confidently from de Grandhomme.

And then comes a glorious drive from the all-rounder down the ground, that will have felt oh so good so early on.

Stokes leaves the final two deliveries to finish off the over.

10:00PM

Players are out

The ball is in the hand of Colin de Grandhomme. Here we go

9:56PM

Reading material

Not long until play starts but in the meantime, here's some other reading matters to pass the time with.

• Rob Bagchi: An A-Z of England's tours of NZ

• Joe Root says Jofra Archer can be England's biggest weapon on flat pitch for first Test

• Meet Gary Palmer - the batting guru who is English cricket's best-kept secret

9:55PM

'England had a bit of luck'

On a pitch that offered little assistance, New Zealand needed to take their chances yesterday. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't quite manage that, with three gilt-edged opportunities, including dropping Ben Stokes, leaving a disappointed bowling unit.

Pace bowler Neil Wagner, meanwhile, was left bemoaning Lady Luck favouring the tourists.

9:50PM

Blue skies to start for day two

England's batsmen will be hoping to hang around at the crease for as long as possible today. But that hasn't stopped the fielders from getting some practice in this morning.

9:49PM

Good evening!

We're into day two of the test at Bay Oval in Mt. Maunganui with Ben Stokes (67) and Ollie Pope resuming shortly on a good batting track with the score at 241-4.

It was by far a rapid start by England yesterday but equally New Zealand were left ruing a day of missed opportunities and will be desperate to make amends today.

Rory Burns, Joe Denly and Stokes all contributed fifties as England followed Joe Root's plea for patience from his top order on an attritional opening day of the first Test against New Zealand.

In a bid to eliminate the collapses of recent years, England captain Root and head coach Chris Silverwood are aligned on a more watchful approach from their batsmen.

But the hard work of the England batsmen was nearly undone on a beautiful sunny day for Mount Maunganui's first Test match.

After Burns fell for a streaky 52, Root's dismissal for two left England precariously placed on 120 for three before Denly (74) and Stokes (67 not out) steadied the ship in a more adventurous final session, which ended with the tourists 241 for four.

England all-rounder Stokes, in a familiar theme against New Zealand, provided some late fireworks, which included hitting Trent Boult for four successive boundaries.

Telegraph cricket correspondent Scyld Berry gave his verdict at the close, including once again extolling the virtues of Stokes: 'Stokes entered and, not content with the work of his summer, when he captivated the nation twice over, rose above all the other cricketers on the field again.'

Will another century beckon today and can England take their total out to an intimidating one for the New Zealand batsmen?

Remember, the last time England scored 400 in the first innings of a Test was in Melbourne two years ago.  Time to make the most of the opportunity, lads.