Chris Woakes carved New Zealand open with a vital double strike as England placed a stranglehold on the first Test in Christchurch. The tourists enjoyed an outstanding third day at the Hagley Oval, racking up 499 all out before reducing the hosts to 155 for six - just four runs ahead with four wickets in hand.

Ben Stokes eased concerns about his fitness after he captained England to a thumping eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the first test at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Sunday.

Ben Stokes suffered an injury scare on day four of the first Test against New Zealand after aborting a spell with the ball midway through his fifth over. England's Test captain opened the bowling with himself on Sunday in Christchurch,

England's captain Ben Stokes has reassured fans about his fitness for the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, despite experiencing a minor back issue during the first Test at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.

Harry Brook was dismissed for 171 after leading England to a first innings lead before lunch on the third day of the first cricket test against New Zealand.

Harry Brook scored a brilliant century to drag England right back into the first test in Christchurch on Friday, driving the tourists to within 29 runs of New Zealand's tally of 348 on 319 for five at the end of day two.

Harry Brook's calculated century propels England back into the first Test against New Zealand on the second day in Christchurch.