The first Test match between New Zealand and England, in Dunedin, ended in a draw after the visitors managed to hold their ground on the final day. The Kiwis failed to replicate their second day's form with the ball and English scored a second innings total of 421/6 with Ian Bell (26) and Matt Prior (23) remaining unbeaten at the end of the day's play.

Nick Compton
Reuters

England skipper Alastair Cook took matters into his own hands in the second innings, as he went on to score yet another test century (116), on the fourth day, to save his side from defeat. The visitors' abysmally low first innings total of 167, coupled with the Kiwis' reply of 460/9 declared threatened to make this a very short contest.

The skipper was well supported by fellow opener Nick Compton, who managed to score a maiden Test century with Cook on the fourth day, which helped England avoid defeat. Compton finally fell to Neil Wagner for 117.

Steven Finn, who came in as night watchman on the previous day, went on to score a maiden Test half-century. The right-hander was accompanied by Jonathan Trott (52). Trott finally fell to Wagner.

Steven Finn
Reuters

Kevin Pietersen (12) and Joe Root (0) fell in quick succession as England ended their penultimate session at 382/4. Finn, with Bell, walked in to bat for the final session of the match, with the hosts sensing a possible late win. The night watchman was finally dismissed by left-arm orthodox bowler Bruce Martin for 57.

However, the New Zealand bowlers failed to trouble the remaining English batsmen. Cook's men may have made only 53 from 28 overs between lunch and tea but sterling efforts from the captain, Compton and Finn ensured the English lived to fight another day.

There are two more matches remaining in the series, with the second scheduled to start on 14 March in Wellington.