Bairstow-Wood stand lifts England

Didn’t I tell you! Tim Southee, right, celebrates Mark Wood’s wicket.   | Photo Credit: Paul Childs

The two adds 95 for the eighth wicket after Southee, Boult wreaked havoc

Jonny Bairstow was in sight of his fifth Test century after a late run spree with Mark Wood lifted England to 290 for eight at stumps on day one of the second Test in Christchurch on Friday.

England was in trouble at 164 for seven before Bairstow (97 batting) and Wood (52) put on 95 for the eighth wicket.

Tim Southee and Trent Boult did all the damage for New Zealand with Southee taking five for 60, his seventh five-wicket bag, while Boult returned three for 79 after New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl.

England was in danger of not reaching 200 until Wood joined Bairstow.

After being comprehensively beaten in the first Test, England strengthened its batting with James Vince, while Wood and Jack Leach came in for Chris Woakes, Craig Overton & Moeen Ali.

But apart from Wood and Bairstow there was little to enthuse about as Boult and Southee swung and seamed the ball with precision.

Bairstow’s 97 off 154 balls included partnerships of 56 with Ben Stokes, 13 with Stuart Broad, the sparkling 95 with Wood and 41 with Jack Leach, who was not out 10 at the end of the day.

On 58, Bairstow suffered a fearful blow to the side of the head from Colin de Grandhomme which knocked his helmet from his head but did nothing to slow his run flow.