by Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse hit the target as England dismissed both New Zealand openers on the first morning of the first Test in Christchurch.
Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to send the Black Caps on, hoping to find some early signs of life on a green-tinged pitch.
There was almost instant success as Atkinson caught Devon Conway and bowled for two in the second over of the match, but the hosts rallied to 104 for two in front of a sell-out crowd at Hagley Oval.
Conway has been a thorn in England’s side in the past but has not scored a Test hundred for almost two years and continued a run of indifferent form when Atkinson attacked around the wicket and grabbed a chance of return in its follow-up.
New Zealand skipper Tom Latham, fresh off a stunning 3-0 win over India, was unfazed by the early defeat and quickly settled into a steady scoring rhythm as he compiled a measured 47 .
Kane Williamson, returning at number three after missing the India series due to injury, was fearless as he edged Chris Woakes at slips but played his part in a strong stand of 58 for the second wicket.
England were keen to separate them before their partnership progressed further and Carse did the job in his third over, taking Latham’s advantage with a full ball that formed as the bat fell.
A third breakthrough would have put the English nose in front at lunch but Williamson (26no) and Rachin Ravindra (21no) seemed comfortable.
England looked to test Ravindra with short balls but, after missing a pull attempt, he smashed Atkinson to the boundary with authority.
Williamson won his personal duel with Stokes, who lost 19 in his first two overs, and ended the session to leave the teams tied.
