Cricket-Bairstow scores ton as England dismissed for 307

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, March 31 (Reuters) - Jonny Bairstow completed his fifth test century shortly before he was the final wicket to fall in England's first innings of 307 early on the second day of the second test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Saturday.

England had resumed play on a credible 290 for eight after Bairstow had rallied the tail to support him on the first day.

Debutant Jack Leach took the majority of the early strike on Saturday before Bairstow tucked a Trent Boult delivery off his hip for a single to reach his personal milestone, prompting a standing ovation from the small crowd.

Tim Southee, who finished with six for 62, added to his seventh five-wicket haul when he had Leach caught behind for 16 in the next over before Bairstow was caught at third man by Ross Taylor off Boult nine balls later for 101.

England struggled on the first day and had been in danger of being bowled out for under 200 when Bairstow strode to the wicket with the tourists at 94 for five, and again when Stuart Broad was caught to leave them 164 for seven shortly after tea.

Bairstow, however, shepherded a rearguard counter-attack to add 156 runs for the final four wickets, with 95 of those coming in an eighth-wicket partnership with Mark Wood (52).

England need a win to stop New Zealand clinching their first series against them since 1999. The hosts won the first test at Eden Park in Auckland by an innings and 49 runs. (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury in Wellington; Editing by Peter Rutherford)