Harry Brook’s calculated century propelled England back into the first Test against New Zealand on the second day in Christchurch.
Brook was dropped four times in his unbeaten 132, without which England might already be on the way to defeat.
The Kiwis dropped six overall, three by captain Tom Latham, in England’s 319-5, 29 runs behind.
Some outstanding New Zealand bowling reduced the tourists to 71-4, including 21-year-old Jacob Bethell out for 10 on his Test debut.
Brook combined with Ollie Pope for a fifth-wicket partnership of 151. Pope, standing in as wicketkeeper, was pushed down to number six from his usual number three and made 77, the first time he has passed 29 in seven Test innings.
It took a truly breath-taking moment to remove Pope, Glenn Phillips holding a spectacular flying catch at gully from a full-blooded cut at Tim Southee.
England captain Ben Stokes, playing in the city of his birth, looked closer to his best for 37 not out in an unbroken stand of 97 with Brook, though Stokes was another put down by Latham on 30.
All this after New Zealand were bowled out for 348, pace bowler Brydon Carse taking the two wickets to fall in the morning to end with 4-64.
Wasteful New Zealand give England edge
These two sides often produce compelling contests. The 2019 World Cup final and New Zealand’s one-run win in Wellington 18 months ago are two recent classics, and this has the potential to be another thriller.
New Zealand should be well on top. They were wasteful with the bat on day one, then shambolic with their catching on Friday.
The fielding did a disservice to their seamers, who gave England a lesson in using the new ball. Whereas England struggled to find the right length on the first morning, New Zealand were relentless.
Bethell could not have been given a much tougher assignment as England’s new number three, yet did not look out of place.
Brook and Pope hung in long enough for the ball to get older and the sun to come out. Conditions eased, England hauled themselves back into the match.
Given the small deficit and depth of their batting, England are marginally on top, though a strong burst with the second new ball on Saturday morning could tip the balance towards New Zealand once more.