Vaughan digs deep for England

The England captain, whose time at the crease had been limited to just 31 minutes during last week's two warm-up matches, defiantly resisted the hosts' efforts to make early inroads into the top order on the second day at Seddon Park.

Vaughan showed no signs of rustiness and helped the tourists progress to 87 for two at the close, trailing New Zealand by 383 runs.

Vaughan survived two close calls during his innings of nearly two hours, edging off-spinner Jeetan Patel just short of slip on 23 and then being given the benefit of the doubt over a strong lbw appeal from rival captain Daniel Vettori on 44.

But his composure allowed the tourists to survive despite the loss of fellow opener Alastair Cook and nightwatchman Matthew Hoggard in the last five overs of the day.

The tourists had begun the day hopeful of wrapping up New Zealand's innings quickly when they resumed on 282 for six, with the new ball only 10 overs old.

Instead, Ross Taylor progressed to his maiden Test century and forged a record 148-run seventh-wicket stand against England with Vettori, who demonstrated his effectiveness at number eight by hitting a useful 88.

Their efforts frustrated England's wayward attack for 38 overs, with only left-armer Ryan Sidebottom, who was watched by dad Arnie in the crowd, showing any signs of form by finishing with four for 90.

England seemed as comfortable as New Zealand at the crease for the first 36 overs of their reply, but just five overs before the close Cook mis-timed an attempted pull off seamer Chris Martin and was caught in the deep by substitute fielder Nick Horsley.

The tourists decided to send out nightwatchman Hoggard but it backfired when he edged to slip seven minutes later.