Alastair Cook hits a century as England lead New Zealand by 127 at tea

Alastair Cook completed his century in the afternoon session on day four of the first Test against New Zealand as England reached 261-4 at the tea break, a lead of 127 runs.

England resumed on 175-3 after a steady showing in the morning, with Cook and Joe Root batting impressively to reach their half-centuries.

There was an early scare for the pair as Cook ran a risky one which surprised Root. Substitute fielder Luke Ronchi just missed the wicket with his throw from the covers.

Root then went for 84. A series of short ones from Matt Henry duped the youngster and he hooked to fine-leg where he was caught.

Ben Stokes came in next just as Cook reached his century, and just as England led by 100. This was then followed by an LBW shout, but Mark Craig's ball was deemed to be missing Cook's wicket.

Stokes took up the mantel and batted positively, reaching 18, while Cook reached 105 as rain stopped play just before the tea break.