Black Caps fight back after England rip off top order

Right-handed opening batsman BJ Watling continued to defy England as he along with Colin de Grandhomme restored New Zealand's innings.

The black caps fought back to put a total of 192 for six as the second day of the second test at Hagley Oval ended about 30 minutes early due to bad light.

Watling was 77 (not out) after he and de Grandhomme had come together at 36 for five and then combined for 142 runs for the sixth wicket to drag the hosts back into the match.

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Stuart Broad and James Anderson had blasted the top order of England innings.

Tim Southee was 13 not out after de Grandhomme had been dismissed for 72 about an hour before the scheduled end of play.

England had been dismissed for 307 early on Saturday at Hagley Oval after Jonny Bairstow was the last man out for a well-deserved 101.

Broad and Anderson then followed up Bairstow's fifth test century with four quick wickets to put England in charge as they reduced the hosts to 32 for four at lunch.

The two, however, were less effective after lunch as the ball softened and de Grandhomme and Watling were able to fight back.

"We have to make use of that new ball tomorrow," Broad told reporters. "New Zealand are 100-something behind and with the new ball around the corner, we've seen the damage the new ball can do on this pitch."

"(De Grandhomme and Watling) played exceptionally well, but from our point of view, we held them well enough to still be ahead of this game."

England need a win to stop New Zealand clinching their first series against them since 1999.

The hosts won the first test at Eden Park in Auckland by an innings and 49 runs.