Harry Brook and Ollie Pope hit back at New Zealand with half centuries that took England to 174 for four at tea after the hosts had removed their top order on the second day of the first test at Christchurch on Friday.

England's fightback on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand was powered by a brilliant century from Harry Brook, leaving the visitors in a strong position at stumps.

Harry Brook and Ollie Pope rode their luck to lead England’s fightback after New Zealand dismantled their top order on day two in Christchurch. After bowling the Black Caps out for 348, the tourists were teetering on 71 for four in response after failing a stiff examination by the home seamers.

Spinner Shoaib Bashir took four for 69 as England recovered from a poor start to reduce New Zealand to 319 for eight at the close of play on the opening day of an evenly poised first test on Thursday.

Unbeaten half-centuries by Harry Brook and Ollie Pope led an England fightback with the visitors 174-4 in reply to New Zealand's 348 at tea on day two of the first Test on Friday. He ended unbeaten on 58,