Peter Fulton scores maiden Test century as England rue opting to bowl first

Alastair Cook was made to regret his decision to bowl first as England were put to the sword on day one of the third and final Test against New Zealand.

The drop-in pitch at Eden Park failed to offer England's attack anything as the hosts were able to cruise to 250-1.

Peter Fulton's maiden Test ton - at the age of 34 - provided the backbone to the New Zealand innings, while Kane Williamson (83no) provided the perfect cameo.

Fulton's previous best score in 12 previous Tests had been 75, however he raced past that to reach 124 not out during an unbeaten stand of 171 with Williamson.

The tall opener brought up the milestone off 203 balls, hitting 14 boundaries and three sixes along the way.
Fulton and Hamish Rutherford had put on 79 with relative ease for the opening wicket before England had a rare moment to celebrate.

Steven Finn finally found the edge of Rutherford (37) just before lunch with Cook taking a good catch in the slips.

England's bowling was not especially badly but they were highly vulnerable in conditions which quickly limited their ambition.

They did look lively with the new ball at the end of the day, however Fulton and Williamson safely saw them to stumps.