After Glenn Phillips’ maiden Test century helped New Zealand to a competitive total, the visitors’ attacking pace struck regularly to leave England trailing by 169 runs with only the lower order remaining.
At stumps, debutant Jordan Cox was unbeaten on 22, while Jofra Archer was yet to open his account.
New Zealand were bowled out shortly before lunch for 391, a total greatly boosted by Phillips’ top knock of exactly 100. It was the all-rounder’s first century in Test cricket and helped the visitors recover from a difficult position.
England’s response was led by debutant Emilio Gay, who scored 53. It was his second successful half-century in just his second Test match. Joe Root looked set for a big score but fell on 46, trapped in front of Matt Henry, leaving him just two runs short of becoming only the second batsman to reach 14,000 Test runs.
Henry, who struggled with back spasms during the previous Test at Lord’s, was New Zealand’s best bowler. The fast bowler removed both England captain Ben Stokes and vice-captain Harry Brook to put the hosts under pressure.
Nathan Smith also had an impact, claiming a wicket and producing a brilliant run-out to dismiss Ben Duckett with a sharp on-side throw while on the move.
England hit back briefly through debutants Cox and James Rew, who added 40 runs for the seventh wicket. However, New Zealand struck again just 10 minutes before the crease when Will O’Rourke caught Rew at slip for 24.
Rew got a lifeline earlier when Rachin Ravindra spilled a chance, but New Zealand made sure the damage remained limited.
With England still trailing by 169 runs and just four wickets in hand, New Zealand enter Day 3 firmly in control of the contest.
