New Zealand ended day three of the first Test 235 runs ahead of England with three first-innings wickets still in hand

Bad light and rain brought an early end to the action with the Kiwis at 402-7 with skipper Brendon McCullum still at the crease on 44 not out while debutant Bruce Martin is also unbeaten on 17.

Earlier in the day, Hamish Rutherford punished the England bowlers with a knock of 171 off 217 balls, which included 22 fours and three sixes.

James Anderson led a fightback for Alastair Cook's side claiming four wickets while Stuart Broad also grabbed two on a tough day for the Three Lions' attack.