An opening session of two halves between New Zealand and England in the second cricket test at Wellington

The visitors are 124 for four at lunch with Harry Brook 51 and Ollie Pope 29 fashioning an unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 81.

A searing bowling spell from Matt Henry and sharp fielding have earned New Zealand the advantage but England's recovery is promising.

Tom Latham became the 17th consecutive skipper to field first at the venue, dating to 2012.

Henry had Ben Duckett caught by Latham at second slip, and Zak Crawley bowled through the gate - he delivered four consecutive maiden overs to start.

Nathan Smith removed Joe Root via a one-handed Daryl Mitchell catch at first slip, diving to his right.

He also had Jacob Bethell for 16, caught down the legside by Tom Blundell via an attempted pull.

NEWSTALK ZB's INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COVERAGE WITH RESENE COOLCOLOUR PAINTS AND STAINS. ENJOY A COOLER FINISH.