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New Zealand in control as they restrict England to 86-run first-innings lead

New Zealand are firmly in control of the first Test against England as they reach stumps on 303-2 on day two at Lord's.

New Zealand are fully in command of the first Test against England as they have reached stumps on 303-2 on day two at Lord's.

The Black Caps have restricted the hosts' lead to just 86 runs after the bowlers endured a frustrating day.

England's tail hoped to tot up the runs this morning, but they were eventually dismissed all out for 389, with Joe Root top-scoring with 98.

New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson plays a shot in front of England wicket keeper Jos Buttler during the second day of the first cricket Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord's cricket ground in London on May 22, 2015© Getty Images

Martin Guptill and Tom Latham were able to guide New Zealand to 44 without loss before lunch, and after the interval, the pair continued to dominate.

With the tourists unscathed on 148, the breakthrough was eventually made by England when Moeen Ali dismissed Latham for 59, while Guptill (70) was sent packing two balls later by Stuart Broad.

After tea, the hosts took the surprising decision to start with the spin of Joe Root, but their experiment was abandoned after just one over as Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor came through easy.

Early in the evening session, Taylor survived an lbw shout from James Anderson, who called for a review, but it didn't go the Englishman's way as the ball would not have got enough on leg stump to force the batsman out.

The Black Caps duo looked more comfortable as the overs ticked along and shortly after Williamson brought up his 50, he and Taylor secured their fourth 100-run partnership in Test cricket with the former sending the ball through extra-cover.

After a dreary spell for England, Ben Stokes came close when Taylor's drive to mid-on was spotted by Anderson, who attempted to run out Williamson at the non-striker's end, but it didn't come off.

Williamson and Taylor closed the day unbeaten on 92 and 47 runs respectively.

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Moeen Ali celebrates taking the wicket of Tom Latham during day two of the First Test between England and New Zealand on May 22, 2015
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