Captain B-J Watling has steadied New Zealand's innings with an unbeaten 52 as part of their 202 for seven at stumps on the opening day of the first-class match against Somerset to begin the England tour.
Watling entered with at 109 for four and survived almost two hours before playwas called off for bad light after 59 overs at Taunton. Rain also delayed the start by 90 minutes.
Earlier Hamish Rutherford (37 from 36 balls), Mitchell Santner (27 from 65 batting at No.3 on debut) and Ross Taylor (32 from 47) got starts as the squad adjusts to the Duke ball in preparation for the first test at Lord's starting May 21.
Watling's seventh-wicket partnership of 57 with Doug Bracewell (20) also offered resilience against the dominant locals.
"That is just BJ," said Neil Wagner, the other not out batsman. "He is fighter and he is at his best in tough conditions and he showed his worth. It was a great show of his character.
"They were bowling in good areas and getting good movement off the seam throughout."
Tim Groenewald claimed three wickets for 53 while Scottish international Josh Davey and Jim Allenby took two wickets apiece. In 12 attempts, Somerset has never beaten New Zealand.
