England snared two quick wickets to have New Zealand battling to keep the first test alive Saturday after Harry Brook's 171 gave them an imposing 151-run first innings lead.

Harry Brook was dismissed for 171 after leading England to a first innings lead before lunch on the third day of the first cricket test against New Zealand.

Harry Brook rode his luck all the way to a game-changing century as England fought their way back from top-order trouble on day two in Christchurch.

England's Harry Brook was finally dismissed for 171 on the third day of the first test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday but the tourists reached lunch on 459 for eight with a first-innings lead of 111.

Harry Brook has posted his seventh test century and shared a 151-run fifth-wicket partnership with Ollie Pope which changed the course of the first test between England and New Zealand on its second day.

England took an imposing 151-run first innings lead over New Zealand in the first Test Saturday on the back of a majestic 171 from Harry Brook. The applause as Brook left the ground was as much for New Zealand holding a catch as it was for a magnificent innings.