The World Test Championship holders look more like their old selves as Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell put on an unbeaten partnership of 180 to put the tourists in a strong position after day two
Lord's (day two of five): New Zealand 132 & 236-4, England 141 - New Zealand lead by 227 runs with six second-innings wickets remaining
New Zealand have near-total control of the first Test against England after Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell hit half-centuries in a fifth-wicket stand worth an unbeaten 180 to put the tourists in a commanding position after day two at Lord's.
The Kiwis were in a familiar position in their first innings after being reduced to 56 for 4, a lead of just 47 in reply to the hosts' 141 all out.
But Mitchell (97*) and Blundell (90*) blunted the England attack and batted nearly two full sessions to swing the contest back in their favour.
By the close, their lead was 227 runs with six second-innings remaining but even with three days remaining, and weather incoming across St John's Wood, England's vulnerable batting line-up makes them strong favourites.
Matthew Potts - who picked up Kane Williamson again -, Stuart Broad and James Anderson were all in amongst the wickets but they soon ran out of steam as conditions for batting improved.
Debutant Matt Parkinson, parachuted into the game as a concussion substitute for Jack Leach, was thrown the ball in the hope of claiming a breakthrough but was left wicketless from his 15 overs.
The second morning began much like the first day had gone, with a clatter of early wickets.
Matthew Potts was in amongst New Zealand for the second successive day (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
England resumed seven down and 16 behind and though they were dismissed in less than seven overs they took a nominal lead of nine into the second half of the game.
Will Young (1) departed in single figures before the Black Caps could restore parity and then Williamson succumbed to Potts for the second time in the Test.
Tom Latham followed and when Devon Conway joined them to complete another top-order collapse they looked to be facing another humiliation.
But Mitchell and Blundell showed some belated discipline, seeing off England's threatening seam trio and any hint of movement in the air.
Even the introduction of leg-spinner Parkinson couldn't provoke a mistake. Indeed, the Lancashire man was dealt with comfortably on a pitch yet to catch fire.
The advantage was over 119 by tea and swelled to 227 by the close (those who shelled out for the occasion were denied the final over as the clock flicked over to the 6.30pm cut-off time).
The final delivery punched to the boundary by Mitchell, whose fireworks had denied England a place in the T20 World Cup final in November, summed up the comfort he and Blundell enjoyed and the supreme position the away side possess heading into the weekend.
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