Ryan Sidebottom claimed two crucial breakthroughs for England but failed to prevent New Zealand progressing slowly towards a competitive total in the opening Test.
Resuming the second day at Lord's on 208 for six after being put into bat in bowler-friendly conditions, the tourists had always expected a battle to prevent England dismissing them for an under-par score.
But after the early setback of losing all-rounder Jacob Oram, England had to wait for Sidebottom to strike with the second delivery with the second new ball shortly before lunch for any further success as captain Daniel Vettori guided his side to 260 for eight at lunch.
New Zealand had clearly decided to be as watchful as possible when they resumed and were content to leave any delivery which was not threatening their stumps.
That approach served them well for 10 overs until Sidebottom, who had discovered a better line and length after his struggles yesterday, made the breakthrough.
Oram had added just five runs to his overnight score of 23 when he pushed forward at a full-length delivery from Sidebottom which seamed away and was edged to Andrew Strauss at first slip.
He had helped add 19 in an hour at the crease with Vettori, who seemed to view Oram's dismissal as a signal to briefly break out of their cautious approach.
Vettori, who averaged 46 batting at number eight in the recent Test series against England, struck the first boundary of the morning session in the next over when James Anderson over-pitched and he struck a cover drive for four.
But that was a temporary moment of aggression with England turning to Stuart Broad and left-arm spinner Monty Panesar to intensify the pressure in search of a breakthrough.
Instead of building on Sidebottom's earlier success, however, Vettori combined successfully with Kyle Mills in a determined 36-run partnership spanning 18 overs.
However, just as New Zealand seemed set to take the session honours Sidebottom struck with his second delivery with the new ball with an inswinging delivery which took out Mills' off stump.
With the London gloom increasing after lunch, just two balls were sent down by Sidebottom before New Zealand were offered the chance to go off for bad light - one they accepted.
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