England Fight Back But New Zealand Stay In Control

England Fight Back But New Zealand Stay In Control

Brendon McCullum hit 44 not out towards the end of play to push New Zealand past 400 runs in their first innings

©REUTERS / Action Images

England 167 (Wagner 4-42) v
New Zealand 402-7 (Rutherford 171)
First Test, Dunedin, day three
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two

New Zealand remained in complete control of the opening Test against England by closing day three on 402 for seven, some 235 runs ahead.

Hamish Rutherford stroked 171 to make his debut innings one to remember and although England fought back late in the day, the home side are well in command.

Rutherford's opening partner Peter Fulton made 55 before James Anderson (4-108) led England's fightback towards the end of the day.

Nevertheless, despite the opening day being washed out, England are still going to have to fight extremely hard if they are to avoid defeat over the next two days.

Rutherford resumed on 77, and reached his century in 139 balls, becoming the first player to do so for New Zealand since Kane Williamson, who approproately enough, was at the crease when Fulton fell to Anderson.

He made 24 before he was bowled by Monty Panesar before Anderson struck to have both Ross Taylor (31) and Dean Brownlie (27) removed, the former caught by Jonathan Trott, the latter bowled. This came after Rutherford's 217 balls innings had come to an end when he was caught by substitute fielder Chris Woakes off Anderson.

He had hit 22 fours and three sixes and truly announced his arrival on the world stage.

Stuart Broad then removed the dangerous BJ Watling for nought and Tim Southee for 25, both bowled, but thanks to Brendon McCullum's unbeaten 44 and Bruce Martin, not out on 17, New Zealand passed 400 and left England with an enormous task ahead of them simply to avoid going 1-0 down in the series.

© Cricket world 2013