ENGLAND had an unsuccessful opening session in the First Test at Auckland's Eden Park yesterday after winning the toss and putting New Zealand in.

At lunch New Zealand were 72-0 from 29 overs, but England had improved slightly by tea with 154 for 2 from 56 overs. Blair Pocock was on 54 and Stephen Fleming on 25.

A breakthrough for England finally arrived in the 34th over of the innings, and the fifth after lunch. Alan Mullally, linked with Gough in the attack, moved one back into Young in the air to win an lbw shout. Young had scored 44 and New Zealand were 85-1.