Eng vs NZ 1st Test | England at 134-2 as 'Bazball' pounds New Zealand on Day 1

England, who have won 9 out of their last 10 Tests, are bidding to win their first test series in New Zealand since 2008.

Ben Duckett blasted a rapid-fire half-century as England raced to 134 for two at tea on day one of the first Test against a New Zealand side that felt the full force of 'Bazball' early on at Mount Maunganui on Thursday.

Opener Duckett charged to a 36-ball fifty and appeared century-bound on a sunny afternoon at Bay Oval after New Zealand captain Tim Southee won the toss and elected to field for the venue's first day-night Test.

However, Duckett was caught for 84 from 68 balls driving the pink ball straight to Michael Bracewell at short mid-off, gifting debutant paceman Blair Tickner his first Test wicket.

It was late relief for New Zealand, having endured 14 boundaries off the opener who shared a 99-run partnership with number three Ollie Pope.

Pope was 30 not out, with Joe Root on nine at the break, the run-rate nudging six runs an over.

Barring a probing salvo of swing from Southee in his first spell, it was a poor showing by the home bowlers, with Neil Wagner especially struggling for control.

Wagner bowled Zak Crawley with his first delivery in the second over but it was a no-ball wicket, with the seamer having overstepped his mark.