With Brook's 171, England leads New Zealand by 151 runs.

With Brook's 171, England leads New Zealand by 151 runs.

Harry Brook's magnificent 171 gave England a commanding 151-run first-inning lead against New Zealand in the opening Test match on Saturday.

After lunch, they were all out for 499 an hour after restarting at 319-5 and cruising at six an over on a wild third day for England.

After they were struggling at 71-4, England's salvage effort was led by Brook, who benefited from five of the eight catches that New Zealand spilled.

Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse made energetic cameos with innings of 48 and 33, while captain Ben Stokes scored 80.

The only silver lining for New Zealand was that they managed to hold five despite dropping two more catches, bringing the innings total to eight.

Brook enjoyed his life. After being dropped the day before on 18, 41, 70, and 106, he grinned and turned to face the sky when Glenn Phillips blew a chance on 147.

He reached his 150 in a grand manner four overs after his final reprieve, hitting Tim Southee to the cover boundary after sprinting down the wicket with the second new ball.

However, Brook's innings, which featured three sixes and fifteen fours, ended when New Zealand managed to make catches stick.

Tom Blundell, the wicketkeeper, took advantage of a decent length ball from Matt Henry that got a slight outside edge.

As Brook walked off the field, the cheers were as loud for New Zealand making a catch as they were for an outstanding innings.

After catching a low-level opportunity at second slip, Chris Woakes was out on the second ball he faced with Tom Latham, who had previously dropped three offers.

Phillips made a brilliant catch at long leg to finish Atkinson's windy innings.

Smith took 3-141, while Henry was the most successful bowler from New Zealand with 4-84.