Harry Brook, bowlers give England a fast start in Wellington

Harry Brook headlined another day of Test cricket with his scintillating strokeplay that paved the way for a 91-ball century – his eighth in the format and second in as many innings. He and Ollie Pope added 174 runs for the fifth wicket but the New Zealand pace troika of Nathan Smith, William O'Rourke, and Matt Henry started well and then hit back after two counter-attacking sessions from the England pair to bundle out the visitors for 280.

New Zealand's top-order struggled to consolidate on the position provided to them as the hosts limped to stumps on 86/5.

For the second time in two Tests this series, Brook walked out with England on shaky ground. In the Christchurch fixture, he arrived at 45/3 and smashed 171. In Wellington on Friday, he came in at 26/3 and stamped his authority until the stroke of Tea break with 123 off just 115 deliveries.

Brook hit four sixes for the rest of his entertaining stay, including a six over extra cover and two short balls to the two square boundaries in a 20-run over. He and Pope hit 77 runs in 12 overs in the second hour of the morning session to take England to Lunch at 124/4.

Brook took on the spin of Glenn Phillips with a spring to his step – carting a six down the ground. At the other end, Pope too chanced his arms – pulling and cutting his way to a breezy half-century.

New Zealand burned a review in desperation but couldn't find a way through as the partnership grew. But shortly after Brook brought up his century, Pope top-edged a short ball from O'Rourke that Rachin Ravindra ran from forward short leg to pouch.

England went from 259/7 at Tea to 280 all-out early in the final session as the tail succumbed to short balls, particularly from Smith.

Gus Atkinson found his way through early in New Zealand's riposte as Devon Conway drove away from his body and nicked one to Brook at second slip. Kane Williamson lived a charmed life in his brief alliance with Tom Latham, but was caught behind by Brydon Carse.

New Zealand struggled on their way to stumps from here as Rachin Ravindra inside edged a ball from Woakes onto his thigh pad. The ball ballooned up off it and Carse did well to dive forward and take a one-handed catch.

Brief Scores: England 280 (Harry Brook 123, Ollie Pope 66; Nathan Smith 4-86, William O'Rourke 3-49, Matt Henry 2-43) lead New Zealand 86/5 (Brydon Carse 2-28) by 194 runs