Black Caps v England: Glenn Phillips dedicates maiden test ton to late father

The 29-year-old is just the third New Zealand batsman to score centuries in all three international formats after Brendon McCullum, now the England coach, and Martin Guptill. He was dismissed shortly after for 100, but the job was done.

The key part of his innings was the final session on day one when he survived a barrage from Archer to be 50 not out at stumps and leave New Zealand a chance to take command of the test.

“We’ve actually had one of those duels before, probably about six or seven years back in New Zealand, and he pretty much hit me in the exact same spots all over. So it was a very deja vu sort of feeling. He bowls with great heat, great accuracy and he just kept coming back and coming back, which obviously as a premium fast bowler that’s what you need to do for your side,” Phillips said.

“It was a thrilling contest for the crowd to see as well and sometimes you’ve just got to enjoy it, laugh and hope for the best.”

Phillips and Jamieson (41 off 48) dealt to the new ball in the opening session overnight, putting on 87 for the eighth wicket to get the Black Caps to 391. At stumps, the hosts were 222 for six, still 169 runs behind.

“We were in a decent position going overnight and I think we talked about trying to keep England out there for as long as possible, especially with the pitch getting better as the game is going to go on. The more runs we could get in that first innings, the more crucial it was going to be,” Phillips said.

“So partnerships was the biggest thing and I think just being out there to get it over the line was fantastic. The boys are all incredibly supportive of each other’s success and obviously, you know, we’re all one in the same mindset and in the same goal going forward, so we do enjoy each other’s success and it was fantastic to have the boys’ support today.

“The boys kept coming back spell after spell, bowling heavy lines and lengths. Obviously, England got away to a nice start and to be able to bring them back and peg them back with a few wickets at the end was a really nice reward.

“I think the uniqueness of the bowling partnerships has been fantastic and as test cricket goes, there are ebbs and flows and I think the way that we finished off today, especially since after tea, was a fantastic effort from the boys and showed a lot of character.”

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