England finally found a breakthrough through part-time spinner Jacob Bethell. After taking three wickets in New Zealand’s first innings, Bethell once again delivered by trapping Ravindra lbw for 76 from 99 balls.

Ravindra’s innings featured 60 runs in boundaries and had put New Zealand firmly in control before his dismissal.

Nicholls continued untroubled and brought up his 11th Test century from 133 balls. The landmark came when he drove Bethell to the midwicket boundary for his 14th four.

The hundred was his second against England and followed his unbeaten 150 against Zimbabwe last August, giving him back-to-back Test centuries.

Removing his helmet, Nicholls acknowledged the applause from the crowd before resuming his work.

He then combined with Daryl Mitchell, unbeaten on 32, in an unbroken stand worth 63 runs. Nicholls ended the day unbeaten on 119 from 164 deliveries.