England scored 30 runs more than New Zealand wanted on the first day of their National Bank Test at Christchurch's Jade Stadium.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who dropped England captain and century maker Nasser Hussain when he was on 52, said he should have picked up the chance despite not picking it up early enough.

But nine times out of 10 he would have expected to have taken it.

However, Fleming believes that if the top order batsmen can see off the new ball tomorrow in conditions that will favour the bowlers, initially, the chance is there for New Zealand to make the most of their position.

"Once the new ball lost its hardness it settled down. There is good pace in the pitch and it flattened out with the older ball.

"If you apply yourself you can score," he said.

Drum - good return Photo Photosport

Fleming said the New Zealanders had been surprised by how heavy the outfield was and that caused cramping problems for the bowlers.

That had also been a problem for rugby players here this year and it meant the bowlers were not quite able to perform in the manner they wanted.

However, on top of the ground the ball sped across the outfield very quickly.

Fleming said the conditions were such that he was able to use Nathan Astle as an effective fourth seamer, and as a bowler who was a genuine wicket-taking option in the conditions.

It allowed him to use Astle to hold up one end with the chance of taking wickets, while rotating his strike bowlers at the other end.

For Chris Drum, who broke his collarbone when playing on the ground in his first Test last year, it was a memorable return. He picked up three wickets for 36 runs and had the satisfaction of seeing the same strategies he has used so effectively in the local domestic competition working for him in this level.

The ball had done more off the pitch than through the air, he said

"I was pleased with my rhythm. It was really heavy running up to the wicket but I kept at it and it makes you work harder when you are coming into the wicket," he said.

© CricInfo