Liam Livingstone's unbeaten 95 powered England to a 79-run win over New Zealand in the second one-day international in Southampton on Sunday.

England, who begin the defence of their World Cup title against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on 5 October, collapsed to 8-3 in a match reduced by rain to 34 overs per side.

They were still struggling at 55-5 in the 13th over when Livingstone came into bat.

But he took England to 226-7 and New Zealand were then dismissed for 147 as the hosts levelled the four-match series at 1-1.

Reece Topley, whose 3-27 ended a wait of over a year for an ODI wicket, and fellow left-arm quick David Willey (3-34) were in the wickets.

Victory on the South Coast! 💪

Series levelled 👊
Now we head to the capital 📌

Great work, lads! 👏 #ENGvNZ #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/hm9a94YFvT

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 10, 2023

New Zealand great Trent Boult had marked his 100th ODI -- and first in nearly a year -- by taking the first three England wickets wickets to fall, the veteran left-arm quick removing Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

But Livingstone's career-best ODI innings, a tribute to his composure as much as his celebrated hitting power, bolstered the total and enhanced his prospects of selection for England's final 15-man World Cup squad.

Sam Curran (42) offered fellow all-rounder Livingstone excellent support in a sixth-wicket stand of 112 in 77 balls.

New Zealand, defeated by England in a dramatic 2019 World Cup final at Lord's that went to a Super Over, lost Finn Allen to the second ball of their chase when the big-hitting batsman was bowled for a second-ball duck by Willey.

Devon Conway, fresh from a hundred in an eight-wicket rout of England in Cardiff on Friday, was then caught behind off fast bowler Gus Atkinson for 14.

Off-spinner Moeen Ali then struck twice in three balls, with Daryl Mitchell -- who like Conway made a century in Cardiff -- falling for 57 to leave New Zealand on the brink of defeat at 140-8 before Willey polished off the tail.

Earlier, Boult ripped through England's top order after New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss at a then overcast Rose Bowl.

Boult had Bairstow superbly caught one-handed by a leaping Mitchell Santner at cover and, two balls later, dismissed Root for a second-ball nought with an inswinger. It was Root's fourth duck in his last 10 ODI innings.

England were three down when Stokes (one) miscued Boult. The 34-year-old Boult had taken a remarkable three wickets for no runs in eight balls.

England captain Jos Buttler made a promising 30 before under-edging left-arm spinner Santner into his stumps.

But Livingstone helped Mooen (33) stop the rot during a stand of 48 before Curran added fresh impetus with sixes off spinners Rachin Ravindra and Santner.

Livingstone demonstrated his game awareness on one of England's larger grounds by not hitting a six until 73 balls into his innings when he pulled paceman Matt Henry.

But come the start of the last over he had lost the strike when in sight of a hundred.

The series continues at the Oval on Wednesday.

💬 "I want to be able to push this white-ball team to victories and thankfully, today was one of those days."

🎙️ @LiamL489#EnglandCricket | #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/o4cKP1VAx6

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 10, 2023

Ben Stokes has reversed his decision to retire from one-day internationals ahead of England's defence of their 50-over men's World Cup title in India.

Test captain Stokes quit the ODI format 13 months ago due to a demanding workload as a multi-format player and amid concerns about a chronic left knee injury.

That fitness issue meant the allrounder did not bowl at all during the last three tests of the recently concluded drawn Ashes series at home to Australia.

But Stokes, one of the stars of England's 2019 World Cup final win over New Zealand at Lord's, could now feature as a specialist batsman when England look to retain their title in India starting in October.

England are at home to New Zealand in four warm-up ODIs next month, with Stokes, 32, included Wednesday in a 15-man squad that could well resemble the touring party selected for the World Cup.

England men's national selector Luke Wright said: "Any series against New Zealand is closely fought and will provide us with an ideal opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.

"The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again."

Dawid Malan, who made ODI hundreds in Australia, South Africa and Bangladesh during the 2022/23 English winter – has retained his place ahead of Harry Brook, with the Yorkshire batsman appearing to be the player left out to accommodate Stokes's return.

While the experienced Stokes's return was widely forecast, England have also included uncapped Surrey fast bowler Gus Atkinson in their squad for the New Zealand ODI series.

The 25-year-old was not even in Surrey's XI at the start of the season but has impressed across all formats, especially in The Hundred where he was timed bowling at 95 mph (153 kph) for The Oval Invincibles.

With express quick Jofra Archer unlikely to be fit for the start of the World Cup as he recovers from his latest elbow injury, Atkinson will hope to prove his worth at international level against New Zealand.

England begin the series against the Black Caps in Cardiff on September 8. A separate squad for a series with Ireland later in September will be named nearer the start of that series.

England must name their final 15-strong World Cup squad, plus three travelling reserves by September 25.

They begin their white-ball home season with four Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand from August 30 to September 5.

Hampshire seamer John Turner has earned his first senior call-up while Atkinson could make his England debut in the series, with Stokes not a member of the T20 squad.

ENGLAND ODI SQUAD: Jos Buttler (capt/wkt), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes

ENGLAND T20 SQUAD: Jos Buttler (capt/wkt), Rehan Ahmed, Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, John Turner, Luke Wood

ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND FIXTURES (ALL START TIMES GMT)

T20 SERIES:

Aug 30: 1st T20, Chester-le-Street (1700)

Sep 1: 2nd T20, Old Trafford, Manchester (1700)

Sep 3: 3rd T20, Edgbaston, Birmingham (1330)

Sep 5: 4th T20, Trent Bridge, Nottingham (1700)

ODI SERIES:

Sep 8: 1st ODI, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (1130)

Sep 10: 2nd ODI, Ageas Bowl, Southampton (1000)

Sep 13: 3rd ODI, The Oval, London (1130)

Sep 15: 4th ODI, Lord’s, London (1130)

Seamer Trent Boult is set to play international cricket again after being named Wednesday to the New Zealand ODI squad that will face England in September ahead of the World Cup.

Boult, 34, is set to play his first 50-overs international for 12 months after being included in the 15-man squad to face England.

He was left out by the Black Caps last year after turning down a central contract to play in Australia's lucrative Big Bash League.

Boult is back in the squad and on course to play at October's ODI World Cup in India, after signing a "casual playing agreement" with New Zealand Cricket earlier this year.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said it was "great to welcome Trent back into our ODI unit as he begins his preparation towards the World Cup".

Boult is one of the world's best ODI bowlers, having taken 187 wickets at that level and a further 74 for his country in Twenty20 cricket.

Kyle Jamieson, who has taken 72 wickets in 16 tests, also returns to the New Zealand white ball squad after a back injury.

Batter Tom Latham captains an experienced side that includes test skipper Tim Southee, who is set to resume his bowling partnership with Boult.

New Zealand play four ODI internationals against England between September 8 and 15.

Stead said England will provide a good test for New Zealand heading into the ODI World Cup.

"England has been an impressive white ball side for quite some time and we're excited to be taking them on at home on the eve of the World Cup," he added.

Kane Williamson, who ruptured knee ligaments in April, will train with the New Zealand squad in England as part of his rehabilitation.

The Black Caps also play three Twenty-20 against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai from August 17-20 as well as four T20 matches against England from August 30 to September 5.

New Zealand also has a three-game ODI series in Bangladesh at the end of September.

NEW ZEALAND:Tom Latham (captain), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Will Young

England head home from New Zealand with the rare sting of defeat after the Black Caps' 'Miracle at the Basin' and more than a little concern over the fitness of captain Ben Stokes a few months out from the Ashes.

While Stokes had no regrets about enforcing the follow-on in the one-run defeat in Wellington, he had plenty about the state of his left knee which had him grimacing in pain throughout the drawn two-test series.

Knee trouble has long bothered Stokes but he has soldiered on through 10 test wins in 12 matches since taking charge of England last year.

Things appeared to have come to a head in Wellington, though, where the allrounder managed to bowl only two overs and was in all sorts of bother when batting despite making 60 runs.

A reliable wicket-taker who often makes things happen with the ball, Stokes' seam bowling was not needed in the first innings as New Zealand were bundled out for 209.

However, England's bowlers might have yearned for their captain's support after he enforced the follow-on and put them in the field again.

New Zealand went on to rack up 483 against them as they tired and set a chase that England fell just short of.

Rather than rest up for the three-and-a-half months before the Ashes, Stokes will be heading to the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting March 31 to fulfil his $2 million deal with the Chennai Super Kings.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan called on Stokes to forgo the IPL to boost his chances of being fully fit for the Ashes which start in Birmingham on June 16.

Stokes wasn't having it.

"I've been working hard with the physios and the medics out here to try to get myself into a place where I can fill that (bowling) role like how I have done the last 10 years or however long it is," he said in Wellington.

"I've got a four-month period now to get it, sort of, even better before that Ashes because I want to be turning up in Birmingham being able to fill that role properly."

England's attacking 'Bazball' revolution under Stokes and head coach Brendon 'Baz' McCullum has breathed new life into test cricket and raised hopes of a classic Ashes contest after Australia dominated the last series 4-0 at home in 2021-22.

Stokes's ability to get through five tests, let alone bowl in them, will be under the microscope.

There are no such doubts, however, about England's commitment to its attacking game and employing it during the Ashes – despite the Wellington setback.

"You have to lose games to really appreciate how good it is to win games," he said.

"You can't live your life or captain an international cricket team .... by hindsight."

Brendon McCullum has promised that England will keep faith with their attacking game during the Ashes despite Tuesday's extraordinary one-run loss to New Zealand in Wellington.

The hosts levelled a two-match series by becoming just the fourth side in 146 years of test cricket to win after following-on.

The Basin Reserve contest will go down as an all-time classic, with England asking New Zealand to follow on 226 runs behind, only to struggle in pursuit of a target of 258.

England, despite being denied a seventh successive victory, have won 10 out of 12 tests since captain Ben Stokes and coach McCullum, himself a former New Zealand skipper, joined forces last year following a woeful run of one win in 17 matches at this level.

McCullum, while disliking the 'Bazball' reference to his nickname, was adamant there would be no let-up in England's aggressive approach during a five-match series at home to arch-rivals Australia.

"We'll try to play the cricket that we want," McCullum told the BBC.

"If winning is the outcome at the end, fantastic. We're going into it with a squad that believes in one another and has a style of play which we will uphold throughout.

"If Australia are too good for us, then so be it. If they're not, we'll have the urn," he added.

Stephen Harmison, commentating for Talksport radio, insisted England's mindset was good for test cricket as a whole given fears that fans worldwide are losing interest in the five-day game.

The former England fast bowler, a key figure in a dramatic two-run win over Australia at Edgbaston during the 2005 Ashes, said: "New Zealand may have won this test match, but I think cricket was a winner, close second."

'GREAT FOR TEST CRICKET'

There was even approval of England's new approach from across the fence.

"It's great for test cricket the way England are playing, and it's good for test cricket going forward," said New Zealand's winning captain Tim Southee after the game.

England captain Ben Stokes (L) and New Zealand's Tim Southee share the trophy after drawing the series 1-1

But given how quickly Stokes' men score their runs – their first innings total of 435-8 declared was compiled in fewer than 88 overs – they could have batted again after dismissing New Zealand for 209 without compromising their beliefs.

That way England would have likely made the game safe and still given their bowlers time to take 10 second-innings wickets.

By enforcing the follow-on they provided New Zealand with their only way, however slim, back into the match.

Another question-mark over making the hosts bat again was England were a bowler 'light', with Stokes – an effective medium-pacer when fit – only delivering two overs in New Zealand's second innings due to a persistent knee problem.

"I have a four-month period now to get it better before the Ashes because I want to be turning up in Birmingham ready to fulfil my role properly," said Stokes.

The 31-year-old allrounder added: "I'm not going to lie. It's incredibly frustrating to know something is holding me back."

As it was, a partnership of 121 between first-innings century-maker Joe Root and Stokes almost saw England to victory.

But the pair might reflect on how they each succumbed to a short-ball ploy from the admirable Neil Wagner, who also ended the match by having No 11 James Anderson caught behind, that could scarcely have been clearer had the left-arm quick signalled his intention in neon lights.

Even so, England might still have won had not the in-form Harry Brook, fresh from his brilliant first-innings 186, been run out without facing a ball – a freak dismissal the 24-year-old is unlikely to suffer again in his career.

Nevertheless, games such as this are rare and given England's approach, a loss was always likely to be as spectacular as many of their recent wins.

New Zealand's Neil Wagner celebrates taking the final wicket of England's James Anderson

"I just think everyone is appreciating this for what it is," said Stokes.

"That doesn't mean for a second we're not fussed about winning or losing.

"We love winning, but if it doesn't work out that way, we'll hold our hands up and say the opposition were better than us."

After enduring one of cricket's biggest beat-downs as a bowler, New Zealand paceman Neil Wagner showed incredible resilience to turn the tables on England and lead the Black Caps to a thrilling one-run win in the second test on Tuesday.

The veteran quick took 4-62 and snared the final wicket at the Basin Reserve as New Zealand became just the fourth team to win a test after being made to follow on.

It came after he bled 110 runs in 13 overs in the series-opener in Mount Maunganui as Harry Brook and the English batsmen tore him to shreds on the way to a 267-run win.

Conceding 8.46 runs an over in England's second innings, Wagner's figures were the second least economical in test history.

More pain was to come in the first innings in Wellington, where he had 1-119 off his 21 overs.

But when the match was slipping away from New Zealand on Tuesday as Joe Root and captain Ben Stokes built a big partnership, it was Wagner that dragged them back.

The South Africa-born 36-year-old banged in bouncers to dismiss them both, setting up the game for its thrilling climax.

"We just went back to what Wags's biggest strength is and he bought into it," captain Tim Southee said of the short-pitched assault.

"He trusted it, even though it hadn't probably come off as well as he'd have liked in certain areas."

With New Zealand three wickets from victory, Wagner proved a safe pair of hands in the field, catching Stuart Broad for 11 when the tailender ramped high to third man.

An enthralled crowd gasped as wicketkeeper Ben Foakes pulled for the fence, then roared as Wagner bolted forward from fine leg and tumbled as he took the low catch.

The ninth wicket left only tailenders to bat, but James Anderson smashed Wagner for four to put England within two runs of victory.

Wagner held his nerve and had Anderson caught behind in his next over to secure the win, triggering dancing on the grassy terraces by jubilant fans.

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell was nearly bowled over as a charging Wagner wrapped him in a bear-hug and roared in triumph.

"I got a bit of rhythm, something ticked which is nice," Wagner said of his winning spell.

"It's an amazing achievement, and obviously everybody contributed, so hats off to everyone."

England head coach Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand skipper, doffed his hat to Wagner.

"It's a tough game and tough characters have to find a way and they do," McCullum said.

"Neil Wagner is one of the toughest that I've come across.

"He was good today. He was better than good, he was excellent. He turned the game on its head."

New Zealand beat England by just one run in a second-test thriller on Tuesday to draw the series in the most dramatic fashion in Wellington.

The hosts made a slice of history in becoming only the fourth team in 146 years of test cricket to win after being asked to follow on.

Neil Wagner took the decisive wicket of James Anderson when New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell pulled off a diving catch at the Basin Reserve to seal a memorable, nail-biting triumph.

The home side had fought back to set an attacking England a target of 258 runs to win, but the visitors were all out for 256 as a gripping two-test series finished 1-1.

What a finish in Wellington as Neil Wagner dismisses James Anderson to ensure New Zealand register a famous one-run victory over England ??#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/g0bjxVYbkH

— ICC (@ICC) February 28, 2023

It was only the second time in test cricket that a side has won by one run, matching the West Indies team who beat Australia by the same wafer-thin margin at Adelaide in 1993.

"Amazing achievement, hats off to everyone, everyone kept fighting," said left-arm pace bowler Wagner, who finished with 4-62 including the key wickets of Ben Stokes and Joe Root.

England skipper Stokes was disappointed to have lost, as the attacking "Bazball" cricket under head coach Brendon McCullum hit the buffers, but happy to have played his part in the drama.

"That game is what test cricket is about – the emotions we were going through and the Kiwi boys as well," said Stokes, who was born in New Zealand.

"Everyone's got their money's worth today.

"What a game. After I got out, I went to watch and what unfolded was massively up and down," added Stokes.

"It was crazy."

It was the first time New Zealand have won after being forced to follow on. England had managed it twice, against Australia in 1894 and 1981, while India beat Australia in 2001.

A topsy-turvy test match had swung back to New Zealand during the final two days.

Captain Tim Southee praised the visitors' contribution to a pulsating test match that will live long in the memory.

"What England have done for test cricket over the last year or so has been amazing," said Southee, after New Zealand halted England's run of six straight wins.

"I don't know why there always seems to be such close encounters between us, but these games bring out the best in both sides.

"We just never gave up, it was about hanging in there and trusting we would do it."

KNOCKOUT BLOW

England won the first test by a resounding 267 runs and were on course for another victory after declaring their first innings on 435-8, then bowling out New Zealand for 209.

But former skipper Kane Williamson dragged New Zealand back into the test with a superb 132 in their second-innings 483, leaving England 258 to win.

Having resumed at 48-1, England wobbled on Tuesday morning by losing four wickets for just 27 runs before Root steadied the ship by steering his team to 168-5 at lunch.

As England chipped away at their target, Root's vital partnership with Stokes ended on 121 when England's captain was caught at square leg off Wagner.

The pressure on England intensified dramatically after Root went for 95, also to a Wagner short ball, with England still 57 runs short.

Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes kept England in the fight with a cavalier 35, surviving a dropped catch by Michael Bracewell before clubbing three fours to the boundary.

But just when it looked like Foakes might bring England heroically home, he was caught by key man Wagner in the deep off Southee.

That left last pair Anderson and Jack Leach still needing seven runs for victory – and the tension went up another notch.

Anderson clubbed a four to get within two runs, before Wagner and Blundell combined to land the knockout punch.

Stokes, who will now turn his focus towards the Ashes and Australia this summer, said it had still been a successful winter, having won 3-0 in Pakistan.

"Disappointing to end on a loss, but four (wins) out of five away from home is something we will take great pride in," he said.

"A few months off and get back to what we love doing."

Report Day 1
Report Day 2
Report Day 3
Report Day 4

NEW ZEALAND: Thomas Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Thomas Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner
ENGLAND: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Benjamin Stokes, Benjamin Foakes, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson

England captain Ben Stokes said he had no regrets about enforcing the follow-on after New Zealand defied history to claim a thrilling one-run win in the second test in Wellington.

After New Zealand were bowled out for 209 in reply to England's declared first-innings total of 435 for eight, Stokes sent the Black Caps in to bat again at the Basin Reserve on day three.

New Zealand put 483 on the board against a tiring English attack on a pitch that proved resilient, setting a target of 258 for victory that England all but chased down on a thrilling day five on Tuesday.

"Imagine captaining in hindsight?" said Stokes, when asked about the follow-on. "That's nothing that I would ever do.

"It was always our game to lose once we enforced the follow-on.

"But the logic behind it was that our opening bowlers have ripped through their top-order for three innings in a row.

"We knew that New Zealand had to pretty much play the perfect game to put us in a situation like this."

New Zealand became only the fourth team to win a test after being asked to follow on, leaving the series drawn 1-1.

The loss was just Stokes's second from 12 tests since taking charge last year.

He said England were disappointed with the outcome but being a part of one of the most gripping matches the game has seen was its own consolation.

"Going down to the last day, being in the situation of that last half an hour - it's everything you wish for," he said.

"Even though we came out on the wrong side of it, you can't help but feel blessed that we've managed to be a part of that incredible game.

"It's disappointing to not win, obviously. But we look at the bigger picture of what everyone's enjoyed and seen here today.

"It's probably bigger than the disappointment at the moment."

Stokes's knee remains a concern, and he was in obvious discomfort despite facing 116 balls in his knock of 33 on Tuesday.

He said he had no plans to withdraw from the Indian Premier League to recuperate before the Ashes in the home summer.

"I'm not going to lie. It is very frustrating knowing that I've got something holding me back in terms of my body," he said.

"It's been around for a while ... but we're doing everything we possibly can to allow me to fulfil that fourth-seamer role, like I was able to do two or three years ago.

"Hopefully, come the Ashes, I don't have to worry about it."

Record-breaker Kane Williamson stroked a superb century Monday to steer New Zealand to 483 all out in their second innings and set England a target of 258 runs to win the second test in Wellington.

Former captain Williamson hit 132 and Tom Blundell was last man out for 90 as the hosts fought back after being asked to follow on at the Basin Reserve.

England were 48-1 in their second innings at stumps after opener Zak Crawley, on 24, was bowled by a delivery that nipped back from New Zealand skipper Tim Southee.

Ben Duckett was unbeaten on 23 and nightwatchman Ollie Robinson on one, leaving England needing 210 more runs on Tuesday's final day for a 2-0 series sweep.

The tourists won the first test by 267 runs.

"We're excited about chasing that (target) down tomorrow," said England spinner Jack Leach, who took 5-157.

"We know how we want to go about it and it's a case of us sticking to that process. We're confident."

New Zealand need nine wickets to pull off only the fourth victory by a side following on in the history of test cricket and square the two-match series.

"It would be pretty special," Williamson said of New Zealand's historic bid.

"It's pretty exciting going into day five and we want to make sure our bowling is on. There's all to play for."

'IMMACULATE'

The hosts resumed their second innings on Monday at 202-3, still trailing by 24, but Williamson led the charge with his 26th test century.

It fell to England's new batting star and part-time seam bowler Harry Brook to claim Williamson's prized wicket.

After grinding down England's bowlers, Williamson was finally caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Ben Foakes off a fine edge after a sixth-wicket partnership of 158 with Blundell.

Williamson trudged off to hearty applause from the Wellington crowd after dragging New Zealand back into the match.

It was his second standing ovation of the day, having eclipsed Ross Taylor in the morning session to become New Zealand's most prolific test batsman with 7 787 runs.

His partnership with Blundell helped New Zealand fight back after England declared their first innings at 435-8 then scuttled New Zealand for 209, before inviting the hosts to bat again.

New Zealand can join an elite club if they win – only England, twice, and India have won a test after following on.

Williamson, who survived a close shout for a stumping when on 45, handed his side a fighting chance after frustrating England alongside Blundell, with support from Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell before lunch.

Blundell hit Stuart Broad to the boundary as New Zealand passed 400, then Williamson also smacked England's seamer for four to bring up his hundred – his first since scoring two tons against Pakistan in December 2022.

New Zealand folded quickly once Williamson departed and he was full of praise for Brook's bowling.

"He didn't miss his length, he was immaculate. He's a special player," Williamson said.

With the former captain gone, Michael Bracewell went in sloppy fashion, run out for six as he inexplicably failed to ground his bat.

Foakes whipped off the bails from Ben Stokes' laser throw in the deep when Bracewell should have been home comfortably.

New Zealand lost their last four wickets for just five runs, Blundell last out when he edged Leach to Joe Root at slip going for a big hit.

Report Day 1
Report Day 2
Report Day 3

Kane Williamson put a lean run of form behind him to surpass Ross Taylor as New Zealand's highest test run-scorer on Monday.

Former captain Williamson raised his bat fleetingly to acknowledge an ovation from the Wellington crowd after reaching 29 not out on day four of the second test against England at the Basin Reserve.

New Zealand started on Monday trailing by 24 runs, having been forced to follow on after England declared their first innings at 435.

Williamson's tally eclipses the 7 683 runs scored by Taylor, who retired last year.

Stephen Fleming, also a former Black Caps captain, sits third on 7 172 runs.

Taylor was quick to compliment Williamson.

Congratulations Kane for becoming NZ’s highest Test run-scorer. This achievement is a testament to your hard work and dedication to Test Cricket, of which I was privy to for a number of years. Here’s to many more ??

— Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) February 26, 2023

Williamson reached the milestone in his 92nd test and 161st innings – considerably quicker than Taylor's 112 tests and 196 visits to the crease.

It will come as a relief for the technically proficient right-hander, who started the two-match England series needing only 39 runs to clinch the record.

Williamson totalled only 10 runs through his first three innings, forming part of a New Zealand top order that struggled against the English seam attack.

The 32-year-old sits 38th on the all-time test leaderboard, which is topped by Indian great Sachin Tendulkar with 15 921 runs.

Australia's Peter Handscomb believes the absence of captain Pat Cummins and batter David Warner will make life tougher when they face India in the third test starting in Indore on Wednesday but the return of Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc was "exciting".

Cummins returned home to be with his ailing mother in Sydney after Australia crashed to their second successive defeat in the four-test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India will retain having taken a 2-0 lead.

Warner also flew back after suffering a fracture to his elbow and a concussion in the second test in New Delhi, but allrounder Green is fit again after shaking off a finger injury. Starc, who also suffered a finger injury, is set to return to action as well.

"They're two world-class players and Pat's our captain as well, so it's definitely going to make it tougher... It's going to be a big loss not having those two," batter Handscomb said.

"But we've got all the information we need... We've got the training and the facilities that we need to be ready to go for Indore and Ahmedabad.

"Starc is coming back from injury and Green is coming back from injury. We've got a couple of big ins potentially, so there's that exciting part as well."

Steve Smith will lead the side in the absence of Cummins. He previously captained Australia between 2015 and 2018.

"He hasn't changed too much," Handscomb said. "It shows he's a world-class player and he thinks about the game a lot, so he's a good one to have under Pat. He's obviously experienced in this situation as well.

"It's not something new to him so he can just go about his business the way he normally does. He'll be focusing on his batting first and the captaincy second."

New Zealand's top order unearthed some tenacity to close within 24 runs of England in their second innings on Sunday and set up an absorbing last two days of the second test in Wellington.

The hosts were 202-3 at stumps on day three, their gritty response after being asked to follow on founded on half-centuries by openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway.

Kane Williamson was a patient 25 not out at the close, needing just four more runs to surpass Ross Taylor as New Zealand's greatest test run-scorer.

The former skipper will resume on Monday alongside Henry Nicholls (18 not out) with New Zealand harbouring slim hopes of squaring the two-match series on a Basin Reserve pitch starting to offer turn and variable bounce.

Only England (twice) and India have achieved the feat of winning a test after following on.

A New Zealand victory looked a distant prospect when dismissed for 209 in their first innings midway through the morning session, 226 runs behind England's 435-8 declared.

Latham (83) and Conway (61) combined to frustrate England for 149 runs before the first wicket fell, unveiling some much-needed combative qualities in a series dominated by England's impressive seam bowling and some fragile Black Caps top-order batting.

New Zealand's foothold in the game loosened when both openers and Will Young (8) fell in the space of 18 runs, all to spin, to leave them 167-3 before Williamson and Nicholls dug in.

Jack Leach was the pick of England's attack, taking 2-59 off 31 overs, with his ball to bowl Young a textbook delivery for a left-arm spinner.

Part-time tweaker Joe Root also found turn, trapping Latham lbw from a rare loose in the opener's 172 balls at the crease.

England are still well placed to notch a seventh straight test win and secure a 2-0 series sweep after their 267-run first test triumph at Mount Maunganui.

The key will be removing Williamson, who has been well short of his best form in the series, tallying 10 runs in three previous innings.

However, the 32-year-old unleashed a typically frill-free knock, taking few risks in his 81 balls faced to keep his side in the contest.

Four more runs will carry him past the New Zealand record of 7 683 runs scored by long-time teammate Taylor, who retired last year.

A grinding finish to the day was in contrast to a lively first hour, when New Zealand lost their last three first-innings wickets for 71 runs off just 11.2 overs.

Seamer Stuart Broad claimed all three wickets to finish with 4-61, his introduction halting a New Zealand charge led by Tim Southee.

The New Zealand captain was dismissed for 73 after blazing 50 runs off 30 balls on Sunday morning, his free-wheeling knock laced with six sixes, including three from one Leach over.

Southee finished four runs short of his career-best score, achieved in his test debut 15 years ago.

His dismissal was followed quickly by those of Tom Blundell for 38 and Matt Henry for six, prompting England captain Ben Stokes to enforce the follow-on.

Report Day 1
Report Day 2

NEW ZEALAND: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee (capt), Matt Henry.

ENGLAND: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Ben Foakes, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson.

Joe Root hailed another aggressive declaration from England captain Ben Stokes on Saturday as the key to their commanding position in the second test against New Zealand in Wellington.

The tourists are on the verge of a series sweep after dominating day two at the Basin Reserve, reducing the Black Caps to 138-7 when rain forced an early end, having earlier declared their first innings at 435-8.

Red-hot England have employed the same mix of aggressive batting and potent new-ball bowling that was at the heart of their commanding 267-run win in the first test at Mount Maunganui.

Another similarity is the assertive captaincy of Stokes, whose declaration half an hour before lunch was described as "brilliant" by Root.

Former skipper Root said the ploy gave England's pace greats James Anderson and Stuart Broad two chances to attack the hosts in fresh conditions either side of the break.

"Where we're playing at the minute, with the amount of confidence that we've got, with the two leading wicket-takers we've ever had, it just seemed like a very brave and attacking option," said Root, who lost the captaincy midway through last year.

Since taking charge, Stokes has led an attacking revolution that has carried England to 10 wins from their last 11 tests.

"Ben's walked so naturally into the role. He's managing the game so well and everyone's really responding to it, which is very important," Root said.

Stokes only declared once Root had reached 153 not out, the 32-year-old having advanced easily from 101 overnight, unperturbed by the early dismissal on Saturday of Harry Brook for 186.

Anderson (3-37) then stepped up with the ball, unleashing a lethal opening spell that validated his elevation this week to top spot in the world test bowling rankings - at 40, the oldest player to hold the perch.

The exacting paceman removed Devon Conway (0) and Kane Williamson (4) to have the hosts languishing at 12-2, before dismissing Will Young (2) after the break.

All three batsmen feathered edges to gloveman Ben Foakes, extending the number of test victims caught by a wicketkeeper off Anderson to 188 - 36 more than any other bowler.

Spinner Jack Leach (3-45) ripped through the middle order, leaving New Zealand staring at a 297-run deficit with three days remaining.

Left-handers Tom Latham (35) and Henry Nicholls (30) looked to be launching a rearguard action, but both fell when attempting to reverse-sweep Leach, offering catches to fielders around the bat.

New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi didn't want to criticise the pair overly for their unconventional dismissals.

"The way cricket is these days, you want to try and score," Ronchi said.

"But it's also understanding that you don't have to score off every ball. You can bat for lengths of time where bowlers will be on top for periods of a game.

"They've all done it before so there's no need to panic about things."

First-test centurion Tom Blundell head reached 25 not out before play was called off at 5.45 pm (0445 GMT), and his free-wheeling captain Tim Southee was unbeaten on 23 – in an innings featuring two sixes.

About 25 overs were lost to the late rain, mirroring the premature finish to day one when the clouds opened.

However, England still have ample time to push for a seventh straight test win and consign New Zealand to an eighth successive winless test.

Earlier, England lost five wickets and racked up a further 120 runs in an entertaining opening session after resuming at 315-3.

Brook fell in the third over, caught and bowled by Matt Henry (4-100), having added just two to his overnight score.

His blazing knock formed part of a 302-run stand with Root - the second-highest in England's test history against New Zealand - having rescued the tourists from 21-3 early on day one.

Root struck 10 fours and three sixes, including a reverse ramp shot that cleared the boundary rope off the fourth ball he faced on Saturday, from Southee.

James Anderson validated his elevation to top spot in the world test bowling rankings with a lethal opening spell as England took full control of the second test against New Zealand on Saturday.

Veteran seamer Anderson snared 3-37, sending the Black Caps crashing to 138-7 when rain forced an early end to day two in Wellington, after England declared their first innings at 435-8.

Spinner Jack Leach also took three scalps, leaving New Zealand staring at a 297-run deficit with three days remaining.

Red-hot England are on course for a sweep of the two-match series, having won the first test by 267 runs at Mount Maunganui with the same mix of aggressive batting and potent new-ball bowling.

Joe Root was unbeaten on 153 when captain Ben Stokes made his assertive declaration, leaving the tourists half an hour to attack the Black Caps top order before lunch.

Anderson answered the call, removing Devon Conway (0) and Kane Williamson (4) to have the hosts languishing at 12-2.

The exacting paceman removed Will Young (2) after the break to underscore why he'd been reinstated to No 1 in the ICC player rankings released this week - the oldest player to hold the perch, at 40.

All three batsmen feathered edges to gloveman Ben Foakes, extending the number of test victims caught by a wicketkeeper off Anderson to 188 - 36 more than any other bowler.

Left-handers Tom Latham (35) and Henry Nicholls (30) launched a rearguard but both fell when attempting to reverse-sweep Leach (3-45), offering catches to fielders around the bat.

First-test centurion Tom Blundell head reached 25 not out before play was called off at 5.45 pm (0445 GMT), and his free-wheeling captain Tim Southee was unbeaten on 23 – in an innings featuring two sixes.

About 25 overs were lost to the late rain, mirroring the premature finish to day one when the clouds opened.

However, England still have ample time to push for a seventh straight test win and consign New Zealand to an eighth successive winless test.

Earlier, England lost five wickets and racked up a further 120 runs in an entertaining opening session after resuming at 315-3.

Harry Brook fell in the third over for 186, having added just two to his overnight score.

His blazing knock formed part of a 302-run stand with Root - the second-highest in England's test history against New Zealand - having rescued the tourists from 21-3 early on day one.

Root effortlessly advanced from his overnight 101 to surpass 150 for the 14th time in his career.

The 32-year-old received lively support from Stokes – who blasted 27 off 28 balls – Stuart Broad (14) and Ollie Robinson (18).

Root struck 10 fours and three sixes, including a reverse ramp shot that cleared the boundary rope off the fourth ball he faced on Saturday, from Southee.

Seamer Matt Henry took the key wicket of Brook, holding onto a sharp caught-and-bowled chance, to return 4-100.

Report Day 1

NEW ZEALAND: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee (capt), Matt Henry.

ENGLAND: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Ben Foakes, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson.

Harry Brook is rewriting cricket's record books after an astonishing start to his test career that lifts him into rarefied company alongside even Australia great Donald Bradman.

The 24-year-old Yorkshireman scored his fourth test century in just his sixth match on Friday, smashing a commanding 184 not out on day one of the second test against New Zealand to help England recover from a perilous position.

Brook struck 24 fours and five sixes in his unbeaten knock to take his tally to 807 runs in nine innings – more than anybody else in test history has managed at that stage of their career.

India great Sunil Gavaskar (912) and Bradman (862) scored more in their first six tests – but Brook could yet go past them during the current match.

A special player ??#HarryBrook #England #NZvsENG #Tests pic.twitter.com/57hOPjctlc

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 24, 2023

Aside from the sheer weight of runs, it is the style and speed with which Brook has made those scores that has caught the eye.

Alastair Cook, England's all-time record test run-scorer, described his innings in Wellington, where Joe Root scored a more sedate century, as "astonishing".

"I'm expecting him to be able to dominate test cricket, 50-over cricket, 20-over cricket, and be one of the all-time great players – without putting too much pressure on him!" he said.

Brook, who currently boasts a staggering test batting average of over a hundred, may not even have had his chance to shine had Jonny Bairstow not suffered a broken leg in freakish circumstances while walking on a golf course.

That injury paved the way for him to make his test debut against South Africa at The Oval in September, where his 12 runs in one innings did not give an accurate foretaste of the fireworks to come.

He made three hundreds in three tests during England's victorious tour of Pakistan in December, racking up 468 runs in just five innings on batting-friendly pitches.

But he hit the ground running in New Zealand in totally different conditions.

4 centuries in his last 5 Tests!

Harry Brook is leading the 'bazball' attack ??pic.twitter.com/HVJsMjHNjH

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 24, 2023

'AMAZES ME'

England great Geoffrey Boycott, renowned as one of the most obdurate and defensive opening batsmen of all time, is known as an exacting judge of a player.

But he had no qualms about saluting Brook's class.

"Harry Brook is the best natural strokeplayer England have had since Kevin Pietersen," Boycott wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

"It amazes me how he looks at ease when playing so many strokes and scoring so quickly. He never looks rushed even when he is imposing himself on all types of bowlers. That is a special gift."

Brook has occasionally appeared vulnerable to the short ball but has no fear about going on the attack early in an innings.

He has already struck twice as many sixes in tests as David Gower and Alec Stewart, and is just five shy of Graham Gooch's career tally. All three of those England batsmen played more than 100 tests each.

"Brook practises to hit balls from any stage of his innings for six whereas previous generations generally only looked to clear the boundary when well set," former England allrounder Derek Pringle explained on Twitter.

Cricket is littered with tales of rising stars who burnt out young, with India's Vinod Kambli, a contemporary of Sachin Tendulkar's, often cited as a textbook case.

Kambli posted two double-centuries and two single centuries in his first seven tests but a 17-match career was over before he turned 24.

Brook does not have the same hype surrounding him and appears to be level-headed, as was evident from a comment he made after Friday's close, when he referred to his father David's club career with Burley, a village cricket side in Yorkshire.

"I haven't thought about (records) really," he said. "But my dad's highest score is 210 and my highest score is 194 so that's in the back of my mind.

"I'm sure he'll be messaging me, reminding me. I was only two years' old at the time."

For the moment, Harry Brook has a Test average higher than the legendary Don Bradman ??https://t.co/EpWoB3PrNv #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/ft30EJYHmB

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 24, 2023

England's Harry Brook said he was determined to "cash in" and enjoy the moment after hitting an unbeaten 184 against New Zealand in the second test on Friday.

The 24-year-old plundered his fourth century in only his sixth test match to put England in full control in Wellington.

His innings was all the more remarkable as Brook came to the crease with England wobbling at 21-3 inside the first seven overs at the Basin Reserve.

He shared in an unbeaten partnership of 294 with Joe Root, who was on 101 when rain intervened to end the action early on day one with England on 315-3.

"There are good times at the minute," said Yorkshire-born Brook.

"But just around the corner could be a bad time, so you have to enjoy these moments and cash in as much as I can."

He made his test debut last September, but has already chalked up four centuries including three on the tour of Pakistan last December.

Harry Brook becomes the first player to score 800 runs in his first nine Test innings. They've come off just 803 balls.

A very special talent ? pic.twitter.com/XozHjdiPqe

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 24, 2023

"One thing I have worked on the last few years is trying to stay as level-headed as possible," he said.

"We still have another four days (of the second test) to go, but it has been a good few months."

Brook was player of the match when England won the first test last week in Mount Maunganui as his back-to-back half-centuries helped them to a 267-run victory.

Brook said he would limit his celebrations on Friday night to "Facetiming my girlfriend and parents".

However, he could not resist a smile when it was pointed out that his average in test cricket is just over 100.

"I am sure that will come down very quickly, but like I said a few times now, I am just trying to enjoy the moment," he said.

Harry Brook and Joe Root scored centuries in an unbroken 294-run stand to drive England to 315 for three before play was abandoned due to rain on day one of the second test in Wellington on Friday.

Batting sensation Brook was 184 not out from 169 balls, with Root on 101, the Yorkshire pair having steered England from a position of peril at 21 for three in the first hour at the Basin Reserve.

Brook has now scored four centuries in his past five tests, continuing an incredible start in the longest format after dominating Pakistan.

Root joined him with his century with the last ball of the day, charging Neil Wagner and flicking two off his pads before punching the air in triumph.

New Zealand's bowlers had no answer for the pair after captain Tim Southee won the toss and elected to field first on a grassy wicket.

That decision paid immediate dividends with three wickets falling in the first hour but from there, it was all downhill for the hosts as Brook and Root took over.

They steered England to 101 for three at lunch and batted through the second session to be 237 for three at tea.

When on 31, former England captain Root survived an lbw review by inches, with the technology showing the ball hitting leg stump - yet not enough to over-rule the umpire's not out decision.

That was about as close as New Zealand got to a breakthrough, with the aggressive Brook appearing impregnable and Root playing a steady support role to the 24-year-old sensation.

Brook attacked any delivery with a hint of looseness, smashing part-time seamer Daryl Mitchell for two sixes over his head in successive balls to race toward his century.

Root reached his 57th fifty in tests by pushing a single off Bracewell, one ball before Brook cut the part-time spinner to the fence for four to bring up his hundred.

The duo hiked the run-rate after the milestones, with Wagner bleeding nearly seven runs an over at once stage, having been badly roughed up in the series-opening defeat at Mount Maunganui.

Though Southee wasted two of New Zealand's three reviews in the first half-hour, it had been a promising start for the home side.

Matt Henry, back in the team after missing Mount Maunganui for the birth of his first child, had opener Zak Crawley feather an edge to be caught behind for two.

No 3 Ollie Pope was out for 10 runs, edging Henry to Bracewell at third slip.

Southee had a driving Ben Duckett out for nine, with Bracewell diving to his left to pull down a spectacular, one-handed catch in the slips.

Unchanged England won the pink-ball opener by 267 runs and are bidding to win their first test series in New Zealand since 2008.

New Zealand dropped rookie quicks Blair Tickner and Scott Kuggeleijn to recall Henry in a three-pronged pace attack, with Will Young included to add more batting firepower.

NEW ZEALAND: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee (capt), Matt Henry.

ENGLAND: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Ben Foakes, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson.

New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner wants to bring some cheer to the victims of Cyclone Gabrielle by helping the Black Caps win the second test against England, starting Friday.

Tickner joined the clean-up operation in his devastated home region still reeling from the deadly floodwaters.

Tickner, 29, made his debut in New Zealand's 267-run defeat against England in the first test, before being released for two days this week to help his father, whose home was wrecked by the cyclone which claimed 11 lives.

Tickner said he will give his all to beat England and square the two-match series before heading home again to offer more help.

"I definitely want to get my first win in test match cricket and really want to do it for the people of Hawke's Bay," Tickner told reporters.

Floodwaters left thousands without power, marooned communities and damaged properties, especially in the eastern region of Hawke's Bay, where Tickner's dad John lives.

"My father's house has been fully destroyed. It was good to get back, help them out," said an emotional Tickner.

"It's just hard times for the whole region so we helped out neighbours and whoever we could.

"It's been tough, it's really tough at the moment, but Hawke's Bay is staying strong.

"Having grown up there, it's hard to talk about," he said, choking back tears.

"Test cricket doesn't feel hard after seeing stock dead on the side of the road and grown men crying about their homes with their lives flipped upside down.

"Cricket is nothing compared to what people are going through at the moment."

Tickner took 4-127 against England on his New Zealand debut despite knowing his home region had been ravaged.

He was grateful that his father was briefly in the Mount Maunganui crowd to see his test debut.

"You dream about your test debut forever and expect your family to be there, my dad was good enough to come through, taking generators down to Hawke's Bay to help people," Tickner added.

"He just stopped in for about half an hour, luckily saw my first test wicket and then went on to a seven-hour drive home to help everyone."

New Zealand Cricket has said the first one-day international against Sri Lanka at Auckland's Eden Park on March 25 will be a fundraiser for the cyclone's victims.

"Hopefully we can have a sellout and all that money goes to them," Tickner said.

"It's been hard for everyone throughout the country."

England have named an unchanged team for the second test against New Zealand, starting Friday in Wellington.

England dominated the first test in Mount Maunganui to win by 267 runs with 40-year-old fast bowler James Anderson claiming seven wickets.

The haul has seen him return to the top of the test bowling world rankings for the sixth time in his career and the first time since 2018, deposing Australia captain Pat Cummins.

After earning a 10th win from 11 tests under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, England announced Thursday they would keep faith with the same 11 players as they look to sweep the series 2-0.

ENGLAND: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Ben Foakes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Jimmy Anderson

New Zealand will "throw some punches" when they face an attacking England in the second test starting on Friday in Wellington, as the hosts bid to rescue the two-match series.

Bowling greats James Anderson and Stuart Broad, combined with some aggressive batting, propelled England to a thumping 267-run first-test win in a day-night encounter in Mount Maunganui.

It was England's 10th win in 11 tests under head coach Brendon McCullum and further evidence of the success of the New Zealander's "Bazball" attacking cricket revolution.

In contrast, New Zealand are struggling for form and confidence going into the clash at Wellington's Basin Reserve, where rain could play a part on the first two days.

The hosts are winless in their last seven tests since beating South Africa a year ago in Christchurch, including suffering a 3-0 whitewash in England last June.

"I don't think it's unfair to say we are lacking a bit of that confidence at the moment," said head coach Gary Stead, whose side were dismissed for 126 in their second innings of the first test to lose in a little over three days.

"But I can assure you the faith is still with this group of guys.

"We're going to put everything behind them to make sure we go out there in Wellington and really throw some punches back at England."

New Zealand will be buoyed by the return of experienced seam bowler Matt Henry, who was unavailable for the opener because of the birth of his child.

But they will again be missing fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, who is expected to be on the sidelines for several months because of back surgery.

Jamieson has taken 72 wickets in 16 test appearances and his loss was keenly felt in the pink-ball test as New Zealand struggled to contain England's aggressive batting.

STOKES 'BLESSED'

Daryl Mitchell, one of the few to offer resistance to England's bowlers by making an unbeaten 57 during New Zealand's second innings, is relishing another crack at the visitors.

"We're excited for the next opportunity in Wellington and looking forward to taking on England again on home turf with the red ball," said Mitchell.

Captain Tim Southee said that he didn't think the margin between the sides had been reflected in the result and welcomed the return to traditional red-ball test cricket at the Basin Reserve.

England's emphatic victory in Mount Maunganui was their first test win in New Zealand since 2008 and more evidence of their thrilling upturn under McCullum.

Skipper Ben Stokes, who was born in New Zealand, said that he felt "pretty blessed" to have bowlers of the ilk of veteran seamers Anderson and Broad, plus Ollie Robinson.

England will wait to see how the trio fare in the nets before selecting their side with all suffering some soreness after the first test.

"I've also got a seriously skilled and very brave batting line-up to watch," added Stokes, who already has one eye on the Ashes in this year's English summer.

"They've got to take a lot of credit for the sort of record I have as a captain."

Harry Brook again caught the eye in the first test with the bat, after making hundreds in all three tests of England's recent 3-0 series win in Pakistan.

The in-form 23-year-old smacked 89 off 81 balls in England's first innings to set the tone and then made another rapid-fire half-century.

"He is a fantastic talent. I think he will go on to be a global superstar," said Stokes.

After a cyclone disrupted the preparations of both teams for the first test, the weather could play a part in Wellington with rain and showers forecast for Friday and Saturday.

New Zealand (from): Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

England (from): Ben Stokes (capt), James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Olly Stone