New Zealand's struggled to 37 for three at stumps on day one of the day-night test against England in Tauranga.

That's in reply to England's first innings of 325-9 declared, which was scored at a rate of almost six run an over.

Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls are the New Zealand batters out - all failing to reach double figures with the Black Caps trailing the tourists by 288.

Devon Conway on 17 and nightwatchman Neil Wagner 4 are the not out batters.

Having won the toss and opted to bowl Black Caps skipper Tim Southee would have hoped for more assistance from the Bay Oval pitch, but bar the first half there was little assistance for the New Zealand bowlers.

But while there was little help from the pitch, the home bowlers also failed to bowl and consistent line and length and the England batters took full advantage.

Opener Ben Duckett clubbed 84 off just 68 deliveries including 14 boundaries while Harry Brook top scored with 88 off 81 balls including 15 boundaries and a six.

Wagner was the most successful of the New Zealand bowlers 4-84 but he was also one of the biggest offenders in failing to get his line and length right.

That was until he reverted to his usual approach of short pitched deliveries into the England batters ribs which bore fruit post the dinner break.

Debutants Scott Kuggeleijn and Blair Tickner took their maiden test wickets, Kuggeleign finishing with figures of 2-80 off 13 overs and Tickner 1-72 off 13.

Under the Bay Oval lights the England bowlers enjoyed plenty of seam movement and James Anderson, England's leading test wicket taker of all time, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson made the most of most it.

Anderson was at times unplayable taking 2-10 off seven overs while Robinson picked up the other wicket to fall taking 1-10 off five overs.

-RNZ