England pulled themselves back into the contest with a strong final session on the opening day of the second test against New Zealand today.

The first two periods belonged to the hosts at Hagley Oval. However, a bold eighth-wicket stand between Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood of 95 revived England's fortunes.

At stumps, England were 290 for eight, having been sent in and found themselves in trouble as they tumbled from 93 for two to 94 for five in the middle session.

Bairstow and Ben Stokes put on 57 for the sixth wicket but at 164 for seven England were in a jam.

Fast bowler Wood, recalled for this test after missing the first loss at Eden Park, was bold and assertive in making his maiden test half century off 62 balls, having the odd close shave along the way, before becoming Tim Southee's fifth victim of the innings.

Bairstow played an impressive innings, driving strongly and pulling hard through square leg to reach 97, three shy of what would be his fifth test century and first against New Zealand.

Southee and Trent Boult were once again a powerful presence, sharing all eight wickets. Southee finished with five for 60, Boult three for 79.

However, the support bowlers were unable to make significant headway, Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme ending wicketless while legspinner Ish Sodhi's five overs were costly as Wood laid into him.

Earlier, Boult had given New Zealand the ideal start, dismissing Alastair Cook for two with a fine ball, continuing Cook's grim series which has produced just nine runs in three innings.

Captain Joe Root and opener Mark Stoneman put on 55 and Root was looking in good touch before being bowled by Southee.

Dawid Malan went first ball and Stuart Broad holed out lamely to mid off.

Had it not been for Bairstow and Wood's late defiance England would have been in a sorry state. Wood was bowled by Southee for 52, including seven fours and a six, but debutant Jack Leach hung around to the end, on 10.

England must win the test to square the series.

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England pulled themselves back into the contest with a strong final session on the opening day of the second test against New Zealand today.

The first two periods belonged to the hosts at Hagley Oval. However a bold eighth-wicket stand between Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood of 95 revived England's fortunes.

At stumps, England were 290 for eight, having been sent in and found themselves in trouble as they tumbled from 93 for two to 94 for five in the middle session.

Bairstow and Ben Stokes put on 57 for the sixth wicket but at 164 for seven England were in a jam.