New Zealand have battled to end an absorbing first day of the second Test at the Oval on 7-291 after England's new-look pace attack held sway early on with Sonny Baker taking two wickets on his debut.
Following their chaotic 115-run defeat at Lord's in the opening Test, New Zealand, having been put in on Wednesday, were wobbling on 4-107 before Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips gave them a foothold in a game they can't afford to lose.
Blundell made 51 as he shared an 81-run fifth-wicket partnership with Daryl Mitchell and then a sixth-wicket stand of 75 with Phillips, who was 49 not out at the close having survived a fierce spell from Jofra Archer, although New Zealand are some way short of an imposing total on a good pitch.
