England toils as BJ Watling hits century at Mount Maunganui

AGENCIES: England toiled on day three of the first Test as BJ Watling’s unbeaten century put New Zealand in control.

Only two wickets fell all day as the Black Caps closed 41 runs ahead on 394-6, having begun 209 behind.

Joe Root dismissed Henry Nicholls lbw in the morning session but afterwards Watling and Colin de Grandhomme put on 119 in an excellent 39-over stand.

De Grandhomme was brilliantly caught by Dom Sibley for 65 off Ben Stokes but Watling batted all day for 119 not out.

He was dropped on 31 by Stokes but batted patiently and in the evening session was supported by Mitchell Santner, who made 31 in an unbroken partnership of 78.