Spinner Shoaib Bashir took four for 69 as England recovered from a poor start to reduce New Zealand to 319 for eight at the close of play on the opening day of an evenly poised first test on Thursday.

Late strikes have handed England the ascendancy in the first cricket test against the Black Caps at Hagley Oval.

England fought back impressively in the final session of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, taking five wickets to leave the hosts 319-8. Kane Williamson anchored the New Zealand innings with a patient 93,

Kane Williamson scored his 36th half century to drive New Zealand to 193 for three at tea on the opening day of the first test against England in Christchurch on Thursday.Recalled after a groin strain ruled him out of the recent series triumph in India,

Kane Williamson returns to frustrate England - The tourists removed both New Zealand openers in the first session of the opening Test of the series.