Napier, March 22:

A century by Kevin Pietersen saved face for England as teenage debutant Tim Southee gave New Zealand the upper hand on the opening day of the deciding third Test today.

Pietersen’s solid 129 was the only firm resistance by England who struggled to 240-7 at stumps. Stuart Broad was 42 not out with Ryan Sidebottom on three.

Southee ignited the collapse of the England top order. Southee finished with 3-46, while Jeetan Patel had 2-37. wMartin and Elliott took one each.